April 10 - 16, 2024

This does not mean that the government is granting us anything. We have always held our inherent rights and title to our lands...We were born knowing this is ours.
- Tamara Davidson, representative for the Council of the Haida Nation

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Racism should never have happened and so you don't get a cookie for reducing it.
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Americanah (2013)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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April 10 - 16, 2024

This week’s edition includes court decisions, calls for reform, access to healthcare, housing and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included calls for legal and financial reforms

Community safety and access to healthcare made Yukon headlines

Searches for unmarked graves, Haida title, calls for justice reform and heritage protection topped BC headlines

Emergency management, housing, environmental protection, and Child and Family Services were front and centre in the Prairies

FROM THE COURTS

The Supreme Court of Canada released its decision on the Blood Tribe appeal, weighing in on treaty obligations and limitation periods. First Peoples Law’s Kate Gunn was interviewed by CBC and Law 360 about the decision.

The Yukon Court of Appeal weighed in on consultation

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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