September 10 - 16, 2025

This week's edition includes consultation, Aboriginal title, treaty rights, land protection and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included the new Major Project Office’s Indigenous Advisory Council

First Nations concerned with lack of consultation ahead of major projects announcement | CTV News

Carney appoints 11 members to Major Project Office's Indigenous Advisory Council | CBC News

Métis Nation in Alberta, Manitoba First Nations want in on the Indigenous Advisory Council | Windspeaker.com

In BC, a court action, Aboriginal title, consultation, and LNG health risks made the news

First Nation says it was shortchanged by millions for land in 2002 settlement | The Canadian Press

Haida Nation’s Aboriginal title secured through court order | The Globe and Mail

First Nations leaders oppose bid from Wyoming outdoor skills school to expand business up Canada’s west coast | The Penticton Herald

First Nations leaders, physicians call for B.C. to consider LNG health risks | Keremeos Review

Mining remains a top story in the Yukon

First Nation blasts Yukon government over release of draft mining framework | CBC News

Sovereignty and treaty rights made headlines in Alberta

A Sovereign Alberta Is a Treaty Violation | Macleans

In Saskatchewan, a municipal partnership, hunting rights, and specific claims were top stories

Humboldt and George Gordon First Nation embark on three-year collaborative journey | 600 CJWW

‘A test case’: Métis hunting rights retrial to resume in 2026 with expert evidence | paNOW

Treaty annuity settlement, if reached, could be ‘significant’ | paNOW

Land protection, infrastructure development, and consultation made the news in Manitoba

Bloodvein First Nation stands firm on non-Indigenous hunting ban as season nears | CBC News

Manitoba First Nations leaders call for better connectivity in remote communities | CTV News

Province encouraged by federal interest in Churchill, First Nation leaders say they’ve been left out | CityNews Winnipeg

In Ontario, land back and jurisdiction topped the news

Future on the minds of Agency One First Nations following court decision | Fort Frances Times

Quebec news featured land stewardship, economic development, and legislative pushback

Innu Nation establishes entire Moisie river as protected area | APTN News

Massive wind farm project to be explored in Mi'qmaq communities | Windspeaker.com

AFNQL calls for Quebec to drop proposed logging law Bill 97 | APTN News

INDIGENOUS RIGHTS IN ONE MINUTE

Bruce McIvor’s Indigenous Rights in One Minute: What You Need to Know to Talk Reconciliation is now available. Click here to download a free excerpt from the book. Click here to order your copy from an independent bookstore near you.

Upcoming Book Launch Events:

October 8 – Ottawa, ON

For further details, check out our list of events here.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

As far as Alberta is concerned, it is all First Nations land. We won’t sit back and watch it go.
- Chief Sheldon Sunshine, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

We have survived. If others have also prospered on our land, let it stand as a sign between us that Mother Earth can be good to all her children without confusing one with another.
- George Manuel, The Fourth World (1974)

*Denotes an article that is paywalled and may require a subscription to access.

Indigenous Rights in One Minute

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.

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

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

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.

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