November 4 - 10, 2026

This week's edition includes the 2026 federal budget, cultural revitalization, environmental remediation, economic development, and more.

IN THE NEWS

National headlines included the 2026 federal budget, clean water legislation, Indigenous Veterans Day, and land stewardship

Budget 2026 delivers $32B to First Nations, but Métis, Inuit largely left out | APTN News

First Nations water bill’s lack of fundamental ‘human rights’ recognition is ‘biggest flaw,’ argue witnesses at committee | The Hill Times*

Communities across Canada mark Indigenous Veterans Day | CBC News (video)

Indigenous stewards bringing ‘good fire’ back to Canada's forests | CTV News

Cultural revitalization made the news in BC

Inside the Big House connecting generations to Haíɫzaqv knowledge | The Narwhal

In the Yukon, environmental remediation was the top story

Remediation of Yukon's Faro mine expected to begin in 2029 | APTN News

Rushed legislative amendments were front and centre in Alberta

Alberta Accused of Rushing Environmental Law Changes Behind Closed Doors | The Energy Mix

Northwest Territories news highlighted calls for an Indigenous procurement policy

With major N.W.T. projects on the way, calls mount for Indigenous procurement policy | CBC News (video)

Federal budget concerns were a top headline in Manitoba

Manitoba Métis Federation ‘appalled’ they were left out of budget | APTN News

In Ontario, economic development and pushback on proposed legislation took the spotlight

Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation makes major investment into First Nations Bank of Canada | Windspeaker.com

First Nation sounds alarm over Ontario proposal to prevent ‘obstruction’ to development | CBC News

Anishinabek Nation concerned about upcoming proposed federal and provincial legislation | AnishinabekNews.ca

Quebec headlines featured a proposed LNG project

A huge LNG proposal includes building new pipelines in Quebec | The Narwhal

*Denotes an article that is paywalled and may require a subscription to access.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Here we are today, trying to reconcile, trying to make things right from what happened. This opportunity was for those next generations, and that’s something we always think about.
- Chief Dylan Loblaw, Ross River Dena Council

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

When we heal our land, we are healed also.
- Cherie Dimaline, The Marrow Thieves (2017)

2026 Scholarship Recipients

We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 Indigenous Law Student Scholarship. Congratulations to the winner Tennile Ermineskin, finalist Alexis Miedema, and honourable mention Kendall Tabobandung. Thank you to everyone who applied and we're looking forward to carrying it on again next year.

Meet the Recipients

Indigenous Rights in One Minute

Bruce McIvor provides the answers and context to support a thoughtful and respectful national conversation about reconciliation and the fulfillment of Canada’s commitment to a better future for Indigenous people.

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

Dr. Bruce McIvor, lawyer and historian, is senior 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, Manitoba 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 two books on Indigenous rights: Indigenous Rights in One Minute: What You Need to Know to Talk Reconciliation (2025) and Standoff: Why Reconciliation Fails Indigenous People and How to Fix It (2021). He is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

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