Aboriginal Legal Services – Toronto, ON

Culturally Responsive Justice for the Indigenous Community

Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS) is a pioneering organization in Toronto that bridges the gap between the Canadian justice system and Indigenous traditions. Established in 1990, ALS was created to address the specific legal needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in the Greater Toronto Area. As a community legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario, it provides essential support to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. The organization is renowned for its Criminal Defence Lawyers work, particularly through the use of Gladue reports, which ensure courts consider the unique background of Indigenous offenders during sentencing. ALS is not just a law firm; it is a community hub that offers holistic support, including diversion programs, victim advocacy, and law reform initiatives to fight systemic discrimination.

The Legal Clinic and Community Council

The core of ALS’s service is its Legal Clinic, which offers free legal assistance to low-income Indigenous individuals. The clinic handles a variety of matters, including Child Custody Lawyers issues (child welfare), human rights complaints, and police misconduct. One of their most innovative programs is the Community Council, a criminal diversion program that allows Indigenous adults and youth to resolve their charges outside the court system in a culturally appropriate way. If you urgently need a lawyer because you have been arrested or your children have been apprehended by the Children’s Aid Society, ALS provides culturally safe representation. Their staff understands the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools and the Sixties Scoop, and they work tirelessly to keep families together and keep people out of jail.

• Legal Advocacy: Representation in housing, social assistance tribunals, and human rights cases.
• Gladue Services: Writing Gladue reports for bail and sentencing hearings to contextualize the life circumstances of Indigenous accused.
• Victim Rights: Supporting Indigenous victims of crime as they navigate the justice process.
• Inquests: Representing families in coroner’s inquests to seek truth and accountability.

Accessible Downtown Location

Aboriginal Legal Services is centrally located on Yonge Street, directly across from the Eaton Centre. This accessible location ensures that community members from across the GTA can reach their services easily. The organization operates with a deep respect for Indigenous culture, often incorporating elders and traditional teachings into their work. If you are looking to find a lawyer who will treat you with dignity and respect your cultural identity, ALS is the premier choice in Toronto. They also work on high-level test cases to change the law for the benefit of all Indigenous people in Canada.

We strengthen the capacity of the Aboriginal community to deal with justice issues. Our goal is to provide alternatives that are community-controlled and based on the values of restoration and healing rather than punishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for services?
Services are available to self-identified First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals living in Toronto. The Legal Clinic has income eligibility guidelines similar to Legal Aid Ontario.

What is a Gladue Report?
It is a specialized pre-sentencing report that details an Indigenous person’s life history and systemic factors, helping the judge determine a fit sentence that considers restorative justice.

Do you handle family law cases?
Yes, the clinic assists with child protection matters and can provide referrals or support for other family law issues through their Giiwedin Anang program.