April 15 - 21, 2026

This week’s edition includes placename reclamation, water protection, Métis rights, mining and more.

 

IN THE NEWS


National news continues to highlight an RCMP surveillance program

 

AFN calls for inquiry, apology for RCMP surveillance program | APTN News 

Former Inuit leaders say ‘regret’ for RCMP's Indigenous surveillance program isn't enough | CBC News 

 

Placename reclamation was a top story in Ontario 

 

Saugeen Beach and Sauble Beach are both rebranding. No, they’re not the same thing | CBC News 

 

Manitoba news featured water protection and pushback on a new major project assessment framework 

 

First Nations Leaders Call for Reset on Canada–Manitoba “One Project, One Review” Co-operation Agreement | Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs 

First Nation blasts boat decision | MBC Radio 

 

Métis rights made the news in the Northwest Territories 

 

10 years after landmark court decision, N.W.T. Métis leaders still waiting to see benefits | CBC News 

 

In Alberta, an oil spill, Natural Resource Transfer Agreements, and health impacts of the oilsands were front and centre 

 

Cold Lake First Nations raises concerns after Imperial Oil bitumen release near Bourque Lake | Lakeland News 

Treaty Chiefs say nation-to-nation talks needed on natural resource jurisdiction | rdnewsNOW 

First Nation accuses Alberta of withholding cancer data | MBC Radio 

 

Mining made the news in the Yukon 

 

Kudz Ze Kayah mine project in Yukon approved again, while First Nation blasts decision | CBC News 

 

In BC, DRIPA, a treaty anniversary, and a lawsuit were top stories 

 

Eby backs down on DRIPA, will seek joint path on B.C. Indigenous law | Victoria Times Colonist 

The Maa-nulth treaty turns 15-years-old | Ha-Shilth-Sa Newspaper 

B.C. judge grants U.S.-based Indigenous group a role in legal fight over Kootenay mine | Global News 

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK


Our Nations live with the long-term impacts of these decisions. When agreements move forward without our involvement, it places our lands, waters, and way of life at risk. Respecting our jurisdiction and ensuring our consent is not optional — it is fundamental. 

Chief David Monias, Pimicikamak Cree Nation 

 

OFF THE BOOKSHELF


...home isn’t a space, it’s a feeling. You have to feel home and to feel it, you have to sense it: smell it, taste it, hear it. And it isn’t always comfortable... 

Joshua Whitehead, Jonny Appleseed (2018) 

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.
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.
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.
Check out our podcast featuring conversations on the defence of Indigenous rights.
Your weekly news update on Indigenous rights from First Peoples Law.
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.
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.