Building Bridges: Improving Legal Services for Aboriginal Peoples

This article examines the Legal Service Society’s (LSS) efforts to improve legal services and meet the legal needs of Aboriginal populations in British Columbia. Beginning with an overarching description of BC’s Aboriginal population and their legal needs, the article evaluates why gaps remain. The authors report that Aboriginal communities find existing PLEI formats to be impersonal, technical and difficult to use. Recommendations include providing resources that are delivered by means more culturally accessible via oral presentation or audio tapes. Also recommended is the establishment of legal advocacy training workshops delivered in Aboriginal communities