Sept 27 - Oct 11, 2023

The federal government didn’t give us anything, they didn’t allow us anything, what we’ve done through our own self-determination and our inherent rights, we’ve created this law.
- Earl Stevenson, Peguis First Nation

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Truth is a seed
planted deep
If you want to get it
you have to dig.
― Katherena Vermette, River Woman (2013)

Meet the Recipients of the 2023 Indigenous Law Student Scholarship

First Peoples Law is pleased to announce the 2023 winner, finalist and honourable mentions of our Indigenous Law Student Scholarship. This year's $10,000 and $2,000 scholarships were awarded to Raven Richards and Sophia Sidarous, respectively. Congratulations to the honourable mentions Jaxxen Wiley, Mahève Rondeau and Tyler Ermineskin. Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply. We're looking forward to carrying it on next year.

Meet the Recipients

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.

learn more

Indigenous Rights Beyond Borders

First Peoples Law's Kate Gunn is co-chairing the Pacific Business & Law Institute's virtual Indigenous Rights Beyond Borders program on October 19, 2023. Kate will be presenting on the implications of the Blueberry River decision while Bruce McIvor will be discussing key challenges and opportunities on multi-jurisdictional projects. Use the code KATE15 to receive 15% off your registration fee.

More Info Here

Indigenous Peoples and the Law in Canada 2023

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.

CONNECT

Sept 27 - Oct 11, 2023

By Bruce McIvor and Carlie Kane

This week’s edition includes specific claims, safe drinking water, salmon, stewardship and more.

IN THE NEWS

Resource stewardship, specific claims and land rights were front and centre in BC

Environmental rights returned to Alberta news

Saskatchewan headlines included safe drinking water and consultation

A historic election, MMIWG2S+ and jurisdiction topped Manitoba news

Ontario headlines featured the Ring of Fire

Policing was in the spotlight in Quebec

New Brunswick news included nuclear power and centralization

UNDRIP topped headlines in the Northwest Territories

In case you missed it, check out Bruce McIvor's recent essay on Aboriginal rights and his interview on The Goose about land back.

CASES TO WATCH

Tune in live to watch the Supreme Court of Canada hearing of Jim Shot Both Sides, et al. v. His Majesty the King on October 12, 2023 at 9:30am ET here.

Check out Kate Gunn and Tyler Swan's overview of this important litigation and its implications for treaty rights across the country.

FROM THE COURTS

The BC Supreme Court weighed in on mineral claims and the duty to consult

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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**Tune in live to watch the Supreme Court of Canada hearing of Jim Shot Both Sides, et al. v. His Majesty the King on October 12, 2023 at 9:30am ET here.**