Sept 20-26, 2023

The road we travel is equal in importance to the destination we seek. There are no shortcuts. When it comes to truth and reconciliation we are forced to go the distance.
- Justice Murray Sinclair on Truth and Reconciliation

OFF THE RECORD

They took our land, but not our traditions and culture
There is a struggle, but it's making us stronger
Do you see who we are?
Their spirit in our hearts
- N'we Jinan Artists, "Why Us" from Dreamkeepers, Vol. 6 (2017)

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 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.

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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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Sept 20-26, 2023

By Bruce McIvor and Carlie Kane

This week’s edition includes Truth and Reconciliation, language revitalization, Treaty rights and more.

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We have provided a list of resources for anyone who wants to learn more about the truth of Residential Schools shared by Survivors across the country.

IN THE NEWS

Truth and Reconciliation, climate change and a cross-border pipeline were front and centre in national headlines

An ongoing legal battle returns to east coast news

Ontario headlines included land protection, self-governance and Treaty rights

Language revitalization topped Quebec news

Saskatoon headlines featured economic development

Alberta news included systemic racism, access to health care and pipelines

An investigation into unmarked graves and economic development returned to BC headlines

STAY TUNED

Bruce McIvor thinks Aboriginal rights have become a tool of colonialism. To find out why, check out his new four-part essay published this week ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Part one will be posted on September 26 at 12pm PT.

FROM THE COURTS

The BC Supreme Court weighed in on provincial cannabis legislation on reserve.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE RECORD

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