May 7 - 13, 2025

This week’s edition includes proposed legislation, separatism, clean drinking water, Treaty rights, and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included justice reform, procurement, and constitutional review

A Path to Fewer Indigenous People in Prisons | The Tyee

National Chief Calls on New Government to Accelerate First Nation-Led Procurement Authority | Assembly of First Nations

National Chief Calls for Federal Review of Natural Resources Transfer Agreement in Response to Alberta Referendum Proposal | Assembly of First Nations

News in BC included child and family services, mining waste, and proposed legislation

Tŝilhqot'in Nation signs historic Coordination Agreement with Canada and British Columbia towards First Nations-led child and family services | News Wire

Court halts tailings increase as First Nation challenges B.C. | The Narwhal

Premier stands behind bill to fast-track infrastructure projects, despite growing backlash | CBC News

Environmental contamination and separatism made headlines in Alberta

Indigenous leaders in northern Alberta report progress with contaminated dock site | CBC News

Chiefs tell Alberta premier talk of separation is 'insanity' | APTN News

‘Pack up your bag and go’: Chief says to Alberta premier | CityNews

A legal action was front and center in Saskatchewan

Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation sues Canada for discrimination | APTN News

In Manitoba, wastewater management took the spotlight

City of Winnipeg says 2024 sewage spill had no significant impact on Lake Winnipeg's health | CBC News

Consultation, clean drinking water, housing, and Treaty rights were the top stories in Ontario

First Nations talk Bill 5 in northern Ontario | The Narwhal

Pikangikum declares state of emergency, initiates lawsuit over lack of clean drinking water | Kenora Miner

First Nations 'shouldn't be living like second class citizens,' says lawyer | TB News Watch

3 First Nations chiefs warn Ontario's premier Treaty 9 lands are 'not for sale' | CBC News

Treaty rights and friendship centers were the top headlines in the Maritimes

Dispensary crackdowns reignite Mi’kmaq treaty rights fight | CBC News

How friendship centres support, heal and connect urban Indigenous people | CBC Radio

FROM THE COURTS

The Federal Court weighed in on the duty to consult and the recognition of section 35 rights-holders

Lac Ste. Anne Métis Community Association v. Canada (Finance), 2025 FC 864

FPL IN THE NEWS

Bruce was interviewed by the Canadian Press on the separatist movement in Alberta

Alberta separation would send Canada into uncharted territory, say legal experts | Alberta | Canadian Press News

BEYOND THE NEWS

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

**Check out the documentary, Story Pole: Indigenous Veterans and the Tallest Pole in the World, about the world’s tallest pole and the omissions of history.**

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Bill 5 is not a pathway to prosperity; it is a direct assault on the foundations of respectful partnership and shared decision-making.
- Jason Rasevych, President of the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA)

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Humans...The land provides everything that anybody would need. If you take only what you need, the land renews itself so that it can provide more. Medicines, water, plants, meat. In exchange, because we don’t really have anything the land wants, we honor it for what it gives us...When you take more than the land can provide, it stops giving. It can’t give. That’s what’s happened here. That’s what happens with humans.
- David Alexander Robertson, The Barren Grounds (2021)

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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