November 6 - 19, 2024

It's about the right to control, to govern, as a benefit from our own data, which is something that you know has been used against us, historically.”
- Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier, Temagami First Nation

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

He was a tree stump of a man, limited in his outlook but rooted and unshakeable in his certainties."
- Michael Crummey, Galore (2009)

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.

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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November 6 - 19, 2024

This week’s edition includes watersheds, mining, proposed legislation, hunting rights, the Wolastoqey title claim and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included gender-based discrimination, a proposed class-action, international law and arctic policy

Watershed protection, land rights, fisheries, and mining made headlines in BC

Land use planning was the top story in the Yukon

Northwest Territories headlines included conservation, Gladue reports, and environmental protection

Alberta news included Indigenous youth and proposed legislation

Mineral exploration was front and center in Saskatchewan

Manitoba news featured land protection, mining, hunting rights, and accessibility

Treaty rights, data sovereignty and consultation topped news in Ontario

Quebec headlines focused on policing, consultation, and compensation

Childcare and treaty rights made headlines in the Maritimes

FROM THE COURTS

The Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick discussed the relationship between Aboriginal title and privately held lands in a procedural decision about pleadings.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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