August 28 - September 10, 2024

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. She was a fearless leader and advocate who dedicated her career to fighting for justice. Her name regularly appeared in our weekly Law Report as she was at the forefront of advancing and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. We send our condolences to her family and all those grieving this great loss.

This week's edition includes nationhood, language rights, clean drinking water, treaty rights and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included calls for reform to federal procurement processes

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Responds to Investigation into Federal Indigenous Procurement Strategy | Assembly of First Nations

The provincial government and the Innu Nation reach tentative deal in Newfoundland and Labrador

N.L. government reaches tentative rate mitigation deal with Innu Nation | CBC News

Chiefs of Ontario call for clarity on claimed Métis communities in Ontario

First Nations in Ontario continue to call for more clarity surrounding the identification of six new so-called “historic Métis communities” in the region | NationTalk

Manitoba news included hunting rights and clean drinking water

'The fight's not over,' Pimicikamak chief says after urging non-Indigenous moose hunters to return licences | CBC News

Manitoba First Nation under 6-year boil water advisory taking feds to court over funding for treatment plant | CBC News

Treaty rights topped Saskatchewan headlines

Cowesses receives the largest transfer of mineral rights in the province | Penticton Herald

PAGC and FSIN leaders say GST, PST, and Carbon Tax a violation of treaty rights | Prince Albert Daily Herald

Alberta news featured environmental regulations and nationhood reclamation

ACFN chief slams AER’s $50K penalty against Imperial Oil for Kearl seepages | Penticton Herald

Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation restores historic Mînî Thnî name to former Morley townsite | Penticton Herald

Pipelines, land defence and a municipal reconciliation framework topped BC headlines

Blockade set up to protest natural gas pipeline in Northwestern BC | APTN News

House arrest over, B.C. chief vows to fight on for Indigenous rights | The Chilliwack Progress

Council approves new Indigenous reconciliation framework | Penticton Herald

Yukon news included land-use planning

Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in chief 'frustrated' at waiting for Yukon gov't to move on land-use planning | CBC News

FROM THE COURTS

The Federal Court weighed in on the duty to consult

Lax Kw’alaams First Nation v. Canada (Fisheries, Oceans and Coast Guard), 2024 FC 1400

**Language rights and the Charter are before the courts in Nunavut**

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated et al v The Commissioner of Nunavut et al, 2024 NUCA 9

'I just started crying': Appeal of Inuit language education lawsuit struck down

The BC Court of Appeal dismissed Nisga'a's appeal to be added as a party to Gitanyow's Aboriginal rights and title action

Nisg̱a’a Nation v. Malii, 2024 BCCA 313

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

By restoring the name Mînî Thnî, we honour our heritage and assert our cultural sovereignty.
- Chief Aaron Young, Chiniki First Nation

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

And finally, I hope my story reminds my people that while it might not be a world made for us, it’s a world we can make better by being proud of who we are and where we come from."
- Fred Sasakamoose, Call Me Indian (2021)

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.

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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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