September 16, 2024
Tribunals Ontario is observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2024. Our offices will be closed on September 30 and proceedings will resume as scheduled on October 1. Filing deadlines for September 30 will be extended to October 1 and applicable timelines that are calculated by business day will be extended one day.
TO Indigenous services
Learn about Tribunals Ontario’s commitment to providing culturally appropriate Indigenous services.
On this page
To request Indigenous services, complete the Accommodation Request Form and submit to the tribunal or contact the tribunal directly.
Our commitment
Tribunals Ontario is committed to improving access to culturally appropriate services for every Indigenous individual who comes before any of our tribunals. Tribunals Ontario’s Indigenous Services’ objectives include:
- increasing Tribunals Ontario’s capacity to understand the unique circumstances of Indigenous peoples, and how these translate to meeting their unique legal needs
- improving relationships between Tribunals Ontario leadership and Indigenous communities
- identifying areas where Tribunals Ontario can create space for processes led by Indigenous peoples
Requests for smudging and other Indigenous cultural ceremonies
Tribunals Ontario recognizes that smudging and other Indigenous cultural ceremonies are integral to Indigenous legal traditions.
Tribunals Ontario welcomes requests for smudging and other Indigenous cultural ceremonies during in-person proceedings. Tribunals Ontario welcomes these requests in the spirit of its Indigenous Services Commitment, by striving to meet the unique legal needs of Indigenous peoples while upholding the health, safety, and dignity of all participants.
If you identify as a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis person and are a party, representative, witness, or other tribunal participant, you can make this request for an already scheduled in-person proceeding, or through a hybrid of virtual and in-person formats to accommodate Indigenous cultural and ceremonial needs.
Smudging and other Indigenous cultural ceremonies are also welcome during virtual proceedings. Speak to the adjudicator if you need an adjustment to the hearing process (such as a break or recess) to engage in ceremony.
How to request Indigenous services
To make a request for Indigenous services, contact the tribunal you wish to make the request to by email or mail.
OR
Complete the Accommodation Request Form and submit it to the tribunal you are appearing at by email or mail. The form has contact information for each tribunal.
If you need help completing the Accommodation Request Form or if you have any questions, please contact the tribunal you are appearing at.
Tribunals Ontario makes every effort to respond to requests for smudging and other Indigenous cultural ceremonies in a timely and respectful way. Making a request in advance of an event helps Tribunals Ontario and its facility management partners make the necessary arrangements to support your needs.