February 7 - 13, 2024

We have never given up our Inherent and Human Rights to care for and protect our own children within our own traditional systems.
- Chief Bobby Cameron, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN)

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

But sometimes, laughter is less about what's funny and more about letting someone know you understand, that you're in on the joke together.
- Jessica Johns, Bad Cree (2023)

Indigenous Peoples and the Law in Canada 2024

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.

CONNECT

February 7 - 13, 2024

This week’s edition includes a monumental child welfare ruling at the Supreme Court, consultation, transportation, Treaty rights and more.

IN THE NEWS

National headlines featured the Supreme Court’s ruling on Bill C-92, repatriation, Métis rights and Treaty rights across international borders

Aboriginal title made top news on the east coast

Consultation was in the spotlight in Quebec

Ontario news featured youth leadership and transportation

Treaty rights and transportation were top stories across the prairies

Land back was front and centre in BC

Yukon news continued to feature consultation and remediation

FROM THE COURTS

The Supreme Court of Canada upheld the constitutionality of Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. Check out Bruce’s blog post on the Supreme Court decision.

The Specific Claims Tribunal weighed in on the federal government’s breach of fiduciary duty to the Ahousaht First Nation

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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