February 11 - 24, 2026

The lake sturgeon population on the lower Churchill River is the proverbial canary in the coal mine. Its near demise in half a century of Hydro operations proves mistakes or miscalculations were made.
- Chief Doreen Spence, Tataskweyak Cree Nation

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

We need mystery. Creator in her wisdom knew this. Mystery fills us with awe and wonder. They are the foundations of humility, and humility is the foundation of all learning. So we do not seek to unravel this. We honour it by letting it be that way forever.
Richard Wagamese, Indian Horse (2012)

2025 Scholarship Recipients

We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Law Student Scholarship. Congratulations to the winner Julie Albert, finalist Emily Sabourin, and honourable mention Joshua Gandier. Thank you to everyone who applied and we're looking forward to carrying it on again next year.

Meet the Recipients

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.

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

February 11 - 24, 2026

This week’s edition includes social policy, DRIPA, environmental restoration, healthcare, lawsuits and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news featured federal budget cuts, social policy in the Arctic, modern treaty legislation, and natural resource development

DRIPA, a lawsuit, environmental restoration, and a court appeal made headlines in BC

In the Yukon, healthcare services was a top story

Mining made the news in Saskatchewan

In Manitoba, lawsuits and emergency management were front and center

Commercial fishing was a top story in Nunavut

Ontario headlines featured environmental stewardship, nuclear waste, policing, and land protection

Intergovernmental relations and Aboriginal title topped the news in Quebec

FPL IN THE NEWS

First Peoples Law’s Bruce McIvor recently commented on the future of reconciliation, DRIPA, and public trust in the courts in BC.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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