Supporting Justice with Cultural Care: What the Indigenous Courtworker Program Offers
Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming — especially when it doesn't reflect your lived experiences, values, or community. That’s where the Indigenous Courtworker Program comes in.
Since 1978, Indigenous Courtworkers (ICWs) have been helping individuals across Canada receive fair, culturally sensitive treatment within the justice system. Now available in New Brunswick, ICWs are here to support you at every stage of your legal journey.
Whether you’ve been charged with an offense or are appearing in court, an ICW can:
Explain your rights and responsibilities
Help you understand legal documents and court procedures
Attend court with you
Connect you to community supports like housing, education, or health services
Communicate with your lawyer and the court on your behalf
ICWs serve as a bridge — not just between you and the legal system, but between Western law and Indigenous ways of knowing.
🌐 Who’s Eligible?
To access ICW services, you must be:
A registered or eligible Indigenous person under the Indian Act
A member of a First Nation, recognized by community or identity law
Inuit or Métis with community recognition
Or able to demonstrate Indigenous ancestry and acceptance
📍 Service Areas
Eastern New Brunswick (including Campbellton, Bathurst, Moncton, Miramichi, Elsipogtog):
Contact Mi’gmaq Justice Initiative (MJI) — ICW@migmaqjustice.org | (506) 251-1430Western New Brunswick (including Woodstock, Fredericton, Madawaska, Saint John):
Contact WTCI — ICW@wolastoqey.ca | 1-506-459-6341
If you or someone you know is navigating the court system, reach out. You don’t have to do it alone — our ICWs are here to walk with you, every step of the way.