June 4 - 10, 2025

This week’s edition includes national and provincial legislation, mining laws, wildfires, self-governance and more.

 

IN THE NEWS


National news included major projects legislation, consultation and nation-building

 

First Nations infrastructure not nation-building: minister | CTV News

Prime minister’s resource plan could violate inherent and treaty rights, warns AFN | APTN News

 

Mining legislation was the top story in Nova Scotia

 

Mi'kmaw say province needs to reverse uranium decision | APTN News

 

Quebec news included forestry and land rights

 

'We reject your bill:' First Nations heads urge Quebec to scrap forestry reform bill | New Westminister Record

 

Bill 5 continues to dominate the headlines in Ontario

 

Lack of consultation means Ontario's Bill 5 oversteps treaty obligations, Oneida chief says | CBC News

Indigenous consultations aren’t a barrier to Ring of Fire mining | The Narwhal

Bill 5 and ‘untruths’: a turbulent week in Ontario | The Narwhal

Walpole Island First Nation continues fight against Dresden landfill | The Sarnia Journal

 

Wildfires topped the news in Manitoba

 

‘Why do we have to beg?’: desperate chiefs plead for firefighting resources | Winnipeg Free Press

 

Healthcare made headlines in the North

 

GNWT outlines 13 steps to improve healthcare for Indigenous residents | Cabin Radio

 

BC’s top stories included resource development, renewable energy, childcare, and land protection

 

First Nations to meet officials in Ottawa over project legislation | APTN News

David Eby heads to Asia on trade mission, Indigenous leader pulls out | Vancouver Sun

B.C. and First Nations launch massive land-use planning project in northwest B.C. | Vernon Morning Star

A First Nations power authority could transform electricity generation for Indigenous nations | Victoria Times Colonist

On Northern Vancouver Island, a Changing Landscape for Kids in Care | The Tyee

B.C. gives green light to LNG pipeline, with no need for new environmental assessment | SaskNOW

Tŝilhqot'in Nation signs agreement with Taseko, province to end mine dispute | CBC News

B.C. cedes much of Nuchatlitz provincial park to Nuchatlaht First Nation | The Globe and Mail*

 

IN THE COURTS


The Robinson Superior Treaty annuities hearing resumes today in Thunder Bay.  Check out our backgrounder on the case and watch the livestream.

 

Tune in Live! Crown’s Attempt to Rectify Treaty Breach Under Court Review | First Peoples Law LLP

 

BEYOND THE NEWS


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

 

Articling Student | Careers | First Peoples Law LLP

 

Bruce McIvor was interviewed by the Canadian Bar Association on Alberta separatism

 

Playing with political fire | CBA National

 

Check out the Winnipeg Free Press’ review of Indigenous Rights in One Minute: What You Need to Know to Talk Reconciliation  

 

Calls to action: Trio of brief books offer valuable insight on the road to reconciliation in Canada | Winnipeg Free Press

 

UPCOMING EVENTS


Join Bruce for a discussion about his new book, Indigenous Rights in One Minute: What You Need to Know to Talk Reconciliation in Yellowknife on June 11th or in Vancouver on June 18th. Find more information here.  

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK


The cognitive dissonance you have to have to literally be surrounded by forest fires, caused directly by climate change, because of CO2 emissions and say, 'you know what, I think we need some more fossil fuel.'

Dr. Pam Palmater

 

OFF THE BOOKSHELF


I knew the importance of listening from my younger days spent with my own grandmother. She taught me the importance of listening, and not just listening as in hearing but also in making a true effort to understand what I was being told.

- Murray Sinclair, Who We Are: Four Questions For a Life and a Nation (2024)  

 

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.