October 25 - 31, 2023

This approval does represent to all Canadians that the federal government and the federal court acknowledge the suffering endured by First Nations, and that is part of Canada's colonial and racist legacy.
- Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

While oral tradition has been recognized in the U.S. and Canadian courts as a means of bringing in "the Indian view" of history, it rarely travels alone. It is a primary form of preservation of the law, but far from the only one. It is supplemented by writing, by scholars, by physical evidence, by wampum. All these flesh out the law, and make it more easily accepted and understood by the newcomer nations' courts.
- Kayanesenh Paul Williams, Kayanerenkó:wa: The Great Law of Peace (2018)

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 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

October 25 - 31, 2023

By Bruce McIvor and Carlie Kane

This week’s edition includes child welfare, Indigenous law, fishing rights, repatriation and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included land stewardship, language revitalization, Métis rights and a monumental child welfare settlement

Representation, Wolastoqey's title claim, fishing rights and Indigenous law were front and centre on the east coast

Ontario news featured repatriation, land defence and stewardship

Urban reserves and the landfill search returned to Manitoba news

BC news included forestry, food sovereignty and duty to consult

FROM THE COURTS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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