December 11 - 17, 2024

This week’s edition includes UNDRIP, charter rights, Jordan’s Principle, Aboriginal title and more.

 

IN THE NEWS


National news included Jordan’s Principle, proposed legislation and human rights 

 

Bill C-53 'cannot continue in its current form' says minister | APTN News 

Canada can't say when 140,000 backlogged cases will be cleared at First Nations children's program | CBC News 

Canada blocks First Nations leaders in B.C. from Jordan's Principle consultations | CBC News 

Indigenous communities mobilize against Bill 32 | Penticton Herald 

Water legislation needs to pass says national chief in letter to MPs | APTN News 

Report says Indigenous human rights commission needed | APTN News 

 

Charter rights, Aboriginal title and UNDRIP were front and centre in BC 

 

Defence says court should condemn police conduct in Coastal GasLink blockade arrests | CBC News 

First Nation in B.C. seeking title to their traditional territory | APTN News 

B.C. demonstrates lack of commitment to UNDRIP: Xatśūll First Nation | Penticton Herald 

 

Yukon headlines featured land protection and consultation 

 

First Nation, Yukon and federal gov'ts agree to look into new protected area | CBC News 

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun asks auditor general for probe into Eagle gold mine incident | APTN News 

 

Child welfare topped the news in NWT 

 

Chief Mackenzie calls AFN resolution ‘a huge accomplishment’ | Cabin Radio 

 

The Manitoba Métis Federation Treaty was the top story in Manitoba 

 

Métis treaty signed with Canada challenged by Dakota Nations | APTN News 

 

Ontario headlines included policing 

 

Ontario First Nation police force to become essential service and double in size | Orillia News 

 

FROM THE COURTS


The Yukon Court of Appeal weighed in on the duty to consult 

 

Ross River Dena Council v. Yukon (Government of), 2024 YKCA 18  

Kudz Ze Kayah mining project paused for more consultation | APTN News 

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK


Safety is an inherent and intrinsic right.

Chief Ghislain Picard, Assembly of First Nations Quebec and Labrador 

 

OFF THE BOOKSHELF


In some ways we were still happy. Issac had his words, both English and Cree, and I had my Issac.

- Cherie Dimaline, The Marrow Thieves (2017) 

SEE YOU IN 2025! 


 We're taking the next few weeks off. You’ll get your next First Peoples Law Report on January 7, 2025. Check out our social media channels from December 27-31 for our annual Indigenous Rights Year in Review! 

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.
Bruce McIvor's clear, plain answers to frequently asked questions about Indigenous rights.
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.
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.
Check out our podcast featuring conversations on the defence of Indigenous rights.
Your weekly news update on Indigenous rights from First Peoples Law.
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.
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.