How do Aboriginal CLCs and other Aboriginal legal services help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

• Specialist legal services are available to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with their legal issues in a culturally safe and sensitive way.
• An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander board usually governs dedicated Community Legal Centres and Aboriginal legal services. These organisations are familiar with a range of cultural issues and have an understanding about self-determination and empowerment for indigenous people.
• Their lawyers are familiar with the importance of culture and how it is relevant to a range of issues such as:
  • communication;
  • dealing with authority;
  • going to court;
  • tribal punishment;
  • raising children; and
  • family and community values.
• Their advocacy and law reform work is aimed at addressing issues such as the over-representation of indigenous people in our justice system and discriminatory police practices.
• They are also familiar with enquiries about the Stolen Generation and Stolen Wages and may be able to help you with your claim.
• These organisations also understand international obligations under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.