May 14 - 27, 2025

We believed that we were finally on the road to genuine reconciliation...Clearly, that has not proven to be the case with these bills, and they must be withdrawn.
- Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Her story travelled like an ancestor, always ahead of, beside and behind her.
- Nnedi Okorafor, Remote Control (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.

CONNECT

May 14 - 27, 2025

This week’s edition includes mining and major project legislation, fisheries, separatism, land back and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included clean drinking water and child welfare

Treaty rights and fisheries made headlines in the Maritimes

In Ontario, infrastructure shortages, Métis rights claims, compensation for survivors, and proposed legislation were the top stories

Flood infrastructure returned to the news in Manitoba

Historical artifacts and land-based initiatives were front and center in Saskatchewan

Separatism continues to dominate the headlines in Alberta

Treaty rights were at the forefront in the Yukon

Proposed legislation, child welfare, water protection and land back made headlines in British Columbia

BEYOND THE NEWS

FPL is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 articling year until June 30, 2025. Click below to learn more and apply!

Check out Bruce McIvor’s interview with CBC here:

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.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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