Our Programs
For additional information on any of the programs we offer, please reach out from the Contact page.
The Adult Alternative Measures / Indigenous Justice Program (IJP)
The Adult Alternative Measures / Indigenous Justice Program (IJP) provides culturally informed, community-based justice services for adults involved in the criminal justice system. The program works in partnership with the Corrections Branch, Crown Counsel, Community Corrections Probation Officers, and community partners to support accountability, healing, and successful reintegration into the community.
The program assists in the monitoring, supervision, and support of adult offenders who are subject to court or correctional orders, while offering meaningful alternatives to the traditional justice process where appropriate.
Court and Corrections Supervision
The program supports individuals under the supervision of the Corrections Branch, which may include, but is not limited to:
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Probation Orders
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Bail Conditions
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Community Supervision, including diversion programs
Participants receive guidance and support to help them understand and comply with their conditions while addressing the underlying factors that may have contributed to their involvement with the justice system.
Alternative Measures & Restorative Justice
Through Alternative Measures, eligible individuals may be referred by Crown Counsel to participate in community-based justice processes as an alternative to court proceedings. These measures emphasize responsibility, accountability, and repairing harm.
Services may include:
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Restorative Justice Circles
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Community-led resolutions focused on healing for victims, offenders, families, and the community.
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Culturally relevant and Gladue-informed approaches, particularly for Indigenous participants.
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Community Work Service.
The program facilitates and monitors Community Work Service placements, including:
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Court-ordered community service hours.
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Orders redirected by Community Corrections Probation Officers.
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Participants are supported in completing their hours in structured, meaningful placements that promote responsibility, skill development, and positive community engagement.
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Program Goals
The Adult Alternative Measures / Indigenous Justice Program aims to:
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Reduce re-offending through culturally responsive supports.
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Promote accountability and personal responsibility.
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Encourage healing and restorative outcomes.
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Strengthen connections to community, culture, and support services.
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Support the successful completion of court and correctional orders.
Youth Diversion Program
Funded by Ministry of Children and Family
PGUAJS will “coordinate and maintain a Youth Diversion Program for youth of aboriginal descent, who are between the ages of 12 and 17 years old and reside within the City of Prince George.”
“The Program will emphasize cultural appropriateness while being in accordance with the Extra Judicial Measures and Sanctions provisions of Section 4-12 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and incorporates “restorative justice” principles of both community accountability panels and victim / offender reconciliation.”
Referring Partners include, but are not limited to:
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Crown Counsel
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the RCMP
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School District
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MCFD Social Workers
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Aboriginal Education Department
Restorative justice circles are held for youth who have committed summary offences and have been referred by the partners listed above. An agreement is formulated through the circle process and must be completed by the youth in a fixed amount of time. The PGUAJS team will support the youth in completing their agreement. If the youth is in full compliance with their agreement, charges will be dropped. If compliance is reported as non or partial, the referring agency will decide the outcome. The aim of our Youth Diversion program is to promote healing, reparation, reconciliation, restitution and restoring balance, in a fair, just and culturally appropriate way.
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PGRCC Cultural Awareness Program
PGUAJS has a contractual agreement with the Prince George Regional Correction Centre to provide indigenous inmates with culturally relevant support services that will:
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Assist clients in the understanding of Aboriginal-based cultural practices to increase personal awareness
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To assist clients with spiritual and cultural connectiveness
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Promote and facilitate cultural activity by modelling counselling and culturally-based teachings
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Provide Elder support and leadership
This support is offered weekly to inmates.
Program content includes:
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"The Seven Feathers" which is based on the Seven Traditional Teachings:
Respect - Love - Honesty - Truth - Wisdom - Courage - Humility -
Talking Circles
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Crafts and Arts
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One-on-one support
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Elder visits
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Community guest speakers
Annual Events include:
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Red Dress Day(MMIW&G)- May 5th
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Moosehide Campaign – May 15th
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Indigenous Day celebration – June 21st
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Truth & Reconciliation Day – September 30th
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Indigenous War Veterans Day – November 8th
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Winter Solstice – December 21st
Institutional Reintegration Worker (IRW)
The Indigenous Reintegration Worker (IRW) supports male and female Indigenous individuals who are incarcerated at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre (PGRCC) as they prepare for release and reintegration back into the community.
The IRW begins working with clients early in their sentence and continues providing support before, during, and after release, ensuring a strong and consistent continuum of care.
Pre-Release Support (Institutional Phase)
While clients are housed at PGRCC, the IRW works closely with:
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Prince George Parole and Probation Offices (referral agencies).
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Corrections staff.
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A wide range of community service providers, including the ten Northern BC Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS) Programs.
During this phase, the IRW assists clients in preparing for a successful transition by:
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Developing realistic and individualized release and reintegration plans.
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Identifying safe and secure housing options.
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Exploring employment, education, and training opportunities.
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Connecting clients with mental health and disability supports, including counselling services, diagnostic supports, and FASD-informed services.
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Supporting access to addiction treatment and recovery programs.
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Helping clients understand and prepare for parole or probation conditions.
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Advocacy, Referrals & Community Connections.
The IRW acts as an advocate and referral support for Indigenous clients by:
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Linking clients to appropriate community-based services before release.
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Supporting individuals who wish to return to their home communities outside of Prince George.
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Coordinating referrals to local Indigenous Justice Workers, AJS programs, or other support workers in the client’s home community before release occurs.
These connections help ensure continuity of support and reduce gaps during the transition from custody to community.
Post-Release Support (Community Phase).
Once clients are released, the IRW continues working with them in the community to:
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Support compliance with parole or probation conditions.
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Assist with follow-up appointments, referrals, and service navigation.
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Provide guidance, encouragement, and culturally informed support.
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Help stabilize housing, employment, and wellness supports.
This ongoing involvement helps reduce recidivism and supports long-term success by ensuring clients are not navigating reintegration alone.
Program Approach
The IRW Program is grounded in:
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Culturally safe, trauma-informed, and Gladue-informed practices.
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Strength-based and client-centered support.
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Collaboration with justice partners and community organizations.
Gladue Aftecare
The Gladue Aftercare Workers support Indigenous individuals throughout the process of obtaining a Gladue Report and beyond. Their role is to ensure individuals understand the purpose and importance of the Gladue process, feel supported during each stage, and are connected to meaningful services that align with their healing and reintegration goals.
Gladue Aftercare Workers provide continuous, culturally informed support both during incarceration and after release into the community, helping individuals navigate the justice system while focusing on healing, accountability, and long-term wellness.
Types of Support Provided
Gladue Report Preparation & Education.
Gladue Aftercare Workers assist individuals by:
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Preparing clients for their Gladue interview, including what to expect and how to share their story safely.
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Explaining what a Gladue Report is, how it is used by the courts, and why it is important in sentencing and bail decisions.
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Helping individuals understand how their personal history, community context, and systemic factors are reflected in the report.
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Healing Plan & Service Connections.
After a Gladue Report is completed, Aftercare Workers:
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Support individuals in understanding their healing plan.
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Connect clients to resources, programs, and supports identified in the report.
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Assist with referrals related to housing, mental health, addiction treatment, cultural supports, and community services
Ongoing Aftercare Support.
The program emphasizes healing and restoration through:
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Connecting individuals to cultural programs and Elders.
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Supporting access to restorative justice initiatives and land-based healing practices.
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Facilitating restorative justice and healing circles for individuals, families, and communities where appropriate
Education & Capacity Building.
Gladue Aftercare Workers also contribute to education and awareness by:
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Providing workshops and presentations to clients.
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Offering training and information sessions for staff at PGRCC.
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Supporting community agencies that work with individuals involved in the justice system
Program Approach.
The Gladue Aftercare Program is grounded in:
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Gladue-informed, trauma-informed, and culturally safe practices.
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A strengths-based and client-centered approach.
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Collaboration with justice partners, Elders, and community organizations
Access to Benefits Program
We are excited to announce our new Access to Benefits program through the Vancouver Foundation and the Ministry of Social Development! This program is directed to assist low-income and living in poverty individuals to access government benefits and/or services they may be eligible for.
A computer is available to use for research, completing applications, and printing or submitting documents.
Through our Access to Benefits program, we can help in the following areas:
Personal Income Tax
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Creating a My Canada Revenue Agency online account
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Changing your address, phone number, name, or marital status
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Registering for direct deposit and keep it up to date,
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Making sure you have all the correct documents to report income and claim deductions,
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Completing the paper or electronic return, however you choose to file,
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Providing you with ways to send your completed tax return to the CRA online or by mail.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement pension
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Creating a My Service Canada (MCSA) online account,
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Keeping personal information updated,
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Switching from CPP Disability
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Completing applications online by My Service Canada (MCSA) or paper
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Submitting an appeal to the Social Security Tribunal of Canada if request is denied,
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Submitting any required documents by mail or My Service Canada
Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
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Creating a My Service Canada (MCSA) online account,
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Keeping personal information up to date,
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Completing applications online by My Service Canada (MCSA) or paper
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Submitting any required documents by mail or My Service Canada.
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Applying for additional payments, such as Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance, or the Allowance for Survivor
Income Assistance
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Creating a My-Self Service online account,
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Applying for Income Assistance,
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Helping you make Service Requests, and keeping track of those requests,
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Submitting your monthly reports,
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Creating and monitoring your employment plans
Our service is on a one-to-one basis, with drop-in hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Appointments could also be made, should you need to reserve a time. If you have any questions, or need to use our program, stop by our office, or give us a call.
SD57 Child/Youth Support Services
Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society (PGUAJS) works in collaboration with School District 57 to provide holistic, culturally grounded support services for Indigenous children, youth, and their families.
Our Indigenous Community Liaison (ICL) is based out of Nusdeh Yoh Elementary School and supports students and families connected to Nusdeh Yoh Elementary, PGSS, Shas Ti Kelly Road, Nukko Lake Elementary, and Hixon Elementary. The ICL fosters positive, meaningful relationships between families, schools, and community agencies while encouraging active parental involvement in their children’s education - including Individual Education Plans (IEPs), school meetings, and parent advisory meetings.
Services include:
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Coordinating positive RCMP involvement in schools.
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Assisting and organizing meetings between parents, schools, and staff.
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Connecting students and families with Elders for cultural guidance and support.
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Providing advocacy and referrals related to housing, legal aid, social services, education, and poverty prevention programs.
In addition, PGUAJS offers support services for children and youth both at our office and within the community. We aim to create safe, accessible spaces for young people to build life skills, connect to culture, and receive support during times of conflict.
Our Youth Indigenous Community Liaison and Youth Indigenous Justice Worker also provide off-site student support services to School District 57 when students are unable to attend our office.
These services may include emotional, behavioural, or social support for at-risk youth, life-skill development, cultural connection, and holistic wellness planning.
We also collaborate with SD57 to facilitate talking circles and promote a restorative, community-based approach to justice and wellness. Referrals can be made by SD57 staff, support workers, or through self-referral.
Legal Aid BC
https://aboriginal.legalaid.bc.ca/
What is Aboriginal Legal Aid BC?
Legal Aid BC is a provincial organization that helps people in British Columbia access legal support when they can’t afford a lawyer. Their goal is to make sure everyone has fair access to justice, no matter their financial situation.
What does Legal Aid BC help with?
Legal Aid BC provides help with:
Criminal law matters.
Family law issues (such as child protection, custody, and family violence).
Immigration and refugee matters.
Indigenous justice supports.
Poverty law (including housing, income assistance, and employment issues).
Types of support available:
Free legal information and resources.
Advice from lawyers or legal advocates.
Representation in court (for those who qualify).
Duty counsel services at courthouses.
Online tools, publications, and self-help guides.
Who can apply?
Eligibility is based on financial need, the type of legal issue, and the seriousness of the case. Even if someone doesn’t qualify for a lawyer, they may still receive free legal advice or referrals.
Why Legal Aid BC matters:
Legal Aid BC helps protect legal rights, reduce barriers to justice, and support individuals, families, and communities across British Columbia—especially those who are most vulnerable.
