April 1 - 14, 2026

Throughout history governments and business have done everything in their power to limit our authority and jurisdiction over what is rightfully ours. Taking management back over a portion of our territory that we’ve managed for thousands of years is a step in the right direction.
- Chief Mariah Charleson, Hesquiaht First Nation

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

That is what taking on a cloak of human flesh is all about, the willingness to hurt for another human being.
Louise Erdrich, Future Home of the Living God (2017)

2025 Scholarship Recipients

We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Law Student Scholarship. Congratulations to the winner Julie Albert, finalist Emily Sabourin, and honourable mention Joshua Gandier. 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.

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

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.

CONNECT

April 1 - 14, 2026

This week’s edition includes DRIPA, lawsuits, mineral rights, child welfare and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news featured the Indigenous Guardians program and cuts to MMIWG2S+ programs

DRIPA and land protection continue to top headlines in BC

In the Yukon, food insecurity and climate inaction were front and center

Lawsuits, separation, and the Alberta-Canada pipeline MOU continue to dominate the news in Alberta

Saskatchewan news featured mineral rights

Emergency management, a court appeal, and housing were the top stories in Manitoba

In Ontario, child welfare, an apology request, and mining made the news

Energy security was a top story in Quebec

In Nova Scotia, treaty rights and cannabis continue to make headlines

FROM THE COURTS

The BC Court of Appeal issued a declaration of Aboriginal title for the Nuchatlaht

UPCOMING EVENTS

First Peoples Law’s Bruce McIvor will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming United in Treaty Conference taking place May 4 - 6 in Edmonton at the Edmonton Inn & Conference Centre

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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