Sept 13-19, 2023

When we come back to culture, we come back to reconnecting with our ancestors wisdom, their strength and the connection of the community, because our ceremonies are beautiful practices and that is who we are.
- Ferrada Lightning, Maskwacis, Alta.

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.
- Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants (2013)

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

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

Sept 13-19, 2023

By Bruce McIvor and Carlie Kane

This week’s edition includes food sovereignty, land stewardship, systemic racism, salmon and more.

IN THE NEWS

MMIWG2S+ returned to Manitoba news

National headlines featured human rights, access to news, and land protection

Systemic racism, evidence of unmarked graves, and land defence topped Quebec headlines

A new urban reserve made headlines in Saskatchewan

Economic development topped Ontario news

Fishing rights were in the spotlight in the Maritimes

BC news included food sovereignty, education, land stewardship and human rights

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 next week ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

FROM THE COURTS

The Ontario Court of Appeal weighed in on Aboriginal Title and honour of the Crown

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Share