The articles in this web guide were created for Indigenous people in Quebec with attention to the different laws that apply to them.

Wills and Estates

Caution!

The articles in this section explain the rules that apply to First Nations people in this situation:

  • they are registered under the Indian Act
  • they were living in a community (“reserve”) when they died

These rules are found in the Indian Act.

These articles don’t apply to these people:

  • Inuit, Naskapi, Cree and Métis
  • First Nations people living outside a community (“off reserve”)

If you’re a First Nations person living outside a community, or you’re not an Indigenous person, the rules that apply to you are in the Civil Code of Quebec. To learn about those rules, see our general articles on wills and estates.

Making a Will

Making a will lets you express your wishes about decisions to be made after you die.

Benefits of Having a Will: Considerations for Indigenous Communities

Planning Ahead

How to Make a Will: Considerations for Indigenous Communities

Planning Ahead

What to Put in a Will: Considerations for Indigenous Communities

Planning Ahead

Dying Without a Will While Living in a Community

Planning Ahead

Settling an Estate

You can choose who will settle your estate when you die.

Managing an Indigenous Estate: Duties of an Estate Administrator or Executor

Managing Someone's Final Affairs

When a Loved One Dies in an Indigenous Community

Managing Someone's Final Affairs

Inheritance

Special rules determine who will inherit land or a house in an Indigenous community.

Inheriting Land or a House in an Indigenous Community

Managing Someone's Final Affairs

Rights of a Spouse or Partner to the Home and Land After a Death

Managing Someone's Final Affairs

Loss of Autonomy

There are various ways to help loved ones who can no longer manage their own affairs.

Caring for a Loved One Who Is Incapacitated: Considerations for Indigenous Communities

Personal Autonomy

The Criminal Legal Process

Our guide, I’m in trouble with the law. Can you help?, answers questions about the criminal legal process. It focuses on the reality of Indigenous people in Quebec.

Legal Careers

Get to know real-life Indigenous legal professionals through these powerful video testimonials (English and French).

Interested in learning more about legal careers? Discover our legal careers activity for teachers on legallifeskills.ca.

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