April 2 - 8, 2025

First Nations need to be at the table from the beginning. They cannot be an afterthought. They can’t be a checkmark on a consultation process.
- Ontario Regional Chief Benedict Abram, Chiefs of Ontario

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

the mountains told me
carry knowing in your body
dream this knowing home.
- Smokii Sumac, You are Enough: Love Poems for the End of the World (2018)

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.

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April 2 - 8, 2025

This week’s edition includes self-government, fishing, child welfare, environmental cleanup and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news featured First Nation bylaw enforcement and the federal election

Self-government and regulatory licensing were front and center in the North

BC news included a court challenge, a new constitution and land back

Environmental cleanup, consultation, child welfare and elections made headlines across the prairies

Resource development and climate change were the top stories in Ontario

The eel fishery returned to the news on the east coast

FPL IN THE NEWS

Bruce was interviewed by CBC about the upcoming federal election and the duty to consult

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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