February 12 - 25, 2025

It’s a way to move forward with self-determination, not because of Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, but our own inherent rights and title to our land.
- Hereditary Chief Frank Brown, Heiltsuk Nation

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

We ought to recognize that our greatest battle is not with one another but with our pain, our problems, and our flaws. To be hurt, yet forgive. To do wrong, but forgive yourself. To depart from this world leaving only love. This is the reason you walk.
- Wab Kinew, The Reason You Walk (2017)

Online Course: Law and Governance

Check out and register for Bruce's upcoming online course, Law and Governance. This course is open to anyone and is part of the Haida Gwaii Institute's Micro-Certificate in Co-Management of Natural Resources.

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.

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

February 12 - 25, 2025

This week’s edition includes child welfare, tariffs, sovereignty, Treaty rights, Aboriginal title and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included child welfare and inherent sovereignty

In New Brunswick, water management was front and center

Tariffs, clean drinking water and a court action made headlines in Ontario

Child welfare and Treaty rights were the top stories in Manitoba

Environmental protection, and a proposed AI centre made headlines in Alberta

Community knowledge and road infrastructure was the main story in the Northwest Territories

Land-based healing and access to justice was front and center in the Yukon

BC news included sovereignty, pipelines, the Kamloops Indian Residential School, Aboriginal title, land protectors, and self-governance

CLIENTS IN THE NEWS

Congratulations to our clients Peter Chapman Band and Chakastaypasin Band (who currently form part of the James Smith Cree Nation #370), on continuing to defend their treaty rights and reaching this agricultural benefits settlement.

FROM THE COURTS

The Federal Courts weighed in on the duty to consult and accommodate.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

In case you missed it, check out our winter edition of What We're Watching, featuring content that highlights the importance of the sovereignty of stories.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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