Nov 29 - Dec 5, 2021

By Bruce McIvor and Cody O'Neil

This week's edition includes Aboriginal title, specific claims, land defence, water rights, UNDRIP and more.

 

IN THE NEWS


Aboriginal title was front and centre on the east coast 

 

 

Consultation returned to Ontario news 

 

 

Specific claims were in the spotlight in Manitoba

 

 

Land defence and systemic racism topped BC headlines 

 

 

Drinking water returned to national news 

 

 

FIRST PEOPLES LAW IN THE NEWS


It was great to join Sean Graham on the History Slam podcast to discuss my new book. Check out the episode here!

Thanks also to the University of Ottawa’s Human Rights Research and Education Centre for hosting a great conversation about what needs to be done to address Canada's failing reconciliation project.

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK


"We want back what is ours, that was never theirs to give."

- Chief Bernard, Madawaska Maliseet First Nation

 

OFF THE BOOKSHELF


“Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”

- James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time (1963)

 

SEE YOU DECEMBER 19th


We're taking next week off. You'll get your next First Peoples Law report on Sunday, December 19th. See you then!

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.
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.
First Peoples Law is the author of Annotated Aboriginal Law, 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.
Check out our podcast featuring conversations on the defence of Indigenous rights!
Your weekly news update on Indigenous rights from First Peoples Law.
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.
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, and is a Fulbright Scholar. He is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation.