November 8 - 21, 2023

By Bruce McIvor and Carlie Kane

This week’s edition includes duty to consult, treaty rights at the Supreme Court, reconciliation, and more.

IN THE NEWS

MMIWG2S+ and Métis rights were in the spotlight in the North

Lesa Semmler vows to bring in law to protect Indigenous women and girls | APTN News

Métis rights activists pushing Ottawa for apology, compensation | APTN News

Identity disputes returned to headlines on the east coast

Métis and Innu nations back Inuit leader in Labrador identity dispute | CBC News

Quebec news featured hunting and harvesting rights

Kahnawake Council chief talks gun bill | Spare News | Penticton Herald

The Robinson-Huron Treaty and Robinson-Superior Treaty were front and centre in Ontario

Supreme Court asked to interpret Robinson treaties while being urged to consider compensation for breaches | Windspeaker

Report claims to disprove evidence of Métis community in the Sault | Sault Ste. Marie News

Land rights, reconciliation and systemic barriers topped Manitoba headlines

Dakota Tipi First Nation sues federal government for $475M, alleges Manitoba air base built on unceded land | CBC News

Indigenous leaders hopeful as Manitoba Premier Kinew takes on reconciliation portfolio | CBC News

First Nations adults with disabilities living on reserve lack equal access to services, report finds | CBC News

Alberta headlines featured health care and consultation

Treaty 6 tells Alberta it must consult before changing health system | APTN News

Child welfare, land rights and duty to consult topped BC news

Indigenous mom’s discrimination payout hangs in the balance at B.C. Supreme Court | IndigiNews

Aseniwuche Winewak letter calls on Parks Canada for negotiations | Penticton Herald

New ‘mountaintop to seafloor’ Indigenous protected area in B.C. | The Narwhal

Treaty 8 nations challenge Blueberry River agreement - Economy, Law & Politics | Business in Vancouver

FPL IN THE NEWS

We are excited to be nominated by our colleagues for the 2024 Globe and Mail’s Best Law Firms in Canada. Check out the full list below.

Meet Canada’s Best Law Firms, ranked by lawyers themselves | The Globe and Mail

FROM THE COURTS

**We were honoured to represent our clients in their intervention in the Restoule appeal at the Supreme Court of Canada earlier this month.**

Patricia Lawrence appeared on behalf of Anishinabek Nation and Bruce McIvor appeared on behalf of Teme-Augama Anishnabai and Temagami First Nation.

You can watch the webcast recording here and check out our backgrounder on the case here.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

It’s important for the Canadian government to understand that we can govern ourselves.
- Chief Jessica Lazare, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

My father's blood is mine
His story beats inside me
And now I share it herе with you
Yeah, he's a child of the government
- Jayli Wolf, "Child of the Government" (2021)

Meet the Recipients of the 2023 Indigenous Law Student Scholarship

First Peoples Law is pleased to announce the 2023 winner, finalist and honourable mentions of our Indigenous Law Student Scholarship. This year's $10,000 and $2,000 scholarships were awarded to Raven Richards and Sophia Sidarous, respectively. Congratulations to the honourable mentions Jaxxen Wiley, Mahève Rondeau and Tyler Ermineskin. Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply. We're looking forward to carrying it on next year.

Meet the Recipients

Join our Team!

First Peoples Law is seeking additions to our growing team dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

learn more

Indigenous Peoples and the Law in Canada 2023

First Peoples Law is the author of Indigenous Peoples and the Law in Canada: Cases and Commentary. Previously authored by legendary law professor Shin Imai for over two decades, the book includes hundreds of annotations of significant court decisions and federal legislation regarding Indigenous rights in Canada. We hope it continues to be a useful resource for Indigenous Peoples defending and advancing their rights across the country.

AVAILABLE HERE

Indigenous Rights in One Minute

Bruce McIvor's clear, plain answers to frequently asked questions about Indigenous rights.

START LEARNING

Standoff

Faced with a constant stream of news reports of standoffs and confrontations, Canada’s “reconciliation project” has obviously gone off the rails. In this series of concise and thoughtful essays, lawyer and historian Bruce McIvor explains why reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is failing and what needs to be done to fix it.

Residential School Reading List

We are providing a list of resources for anyone looking to get informed about the truth of Residential Schools shared by Survivors across the country. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list. We would welcome any feedback or recommendations.

READING LIST

First Peoples Lawcast

Check out our podcast featuring conversations on the defence of Indigenous rights.

LISTEN HERE

First Peoples Law Report

Your weekly news update on Indigenous rights from First Peoples Law.

Who We Are

First Peoples Law LLP is a law firm dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. We work closely with First Nations to defend their Aboriginal title, rights and Treaty rights, uphold their Indigenous laws and governance and ensure economic prosperity for their members.

CHAT WITH US

Bruce McIvor

Bruce McIvor, lawyer and historian, is partner at First Peoples Law LLP. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia’s Allard School of Law where he teaches the constitutional law of Aboriginal and Treaty rights. A member of the bar in British Columbia and Ontario, Bruce is recognized nationally and internationally as a leading practitioner of Aboriginal law in Canada. Bruce's ancestors took Métis scrip at Red River in Manitoba. He holds a law degree, a Ph.D. in Aboriginal and environmental history, is a Fulbright Scholar and author of Standoff: Why Reconciliation Fails Indigenous People and How to Fix It. He is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

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