March 25 - 31, 2026

I lift up our leaders who stood tall in the face of [the RCMP’s] harassment and surveillance. This is another chapter in Canada’s colonial history of oppressing and dividing First Nations instead of working with us to build a stronger country.
- National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

At the time I did not know that stories of life are often more like rivers than books. But I knew a story had begun, perhaps long ago near the sound of water.
Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It and Other Stories (1976)

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

March 25 - 31, 2026

This week’s edition includes an RCMP surveillance program, a new land stewardship agreement, salmon protection, a Jordan's Principle lawsuit and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news highlighted an RCMP surveillance program, intergovernmental relations, issues with federal Indigenous procurement, and a federal funding announcement

A land stewardship agreement was the top headline in Nova Scotia

In New Brunswick, protection of salmon made the news

Pushback on the proposed Quebec constitution was a top story in Quebec

In Ontario, the Ring of Fire regional assessment, environmental protection, and a nuclear waste project were front and center

On the prairies, ongoing infrastructure issues and consultation took the spotlight

Watershed protection was the top story in the Northwest Territories

In the Yukon, a Jordan’s Principle lawsuit made the news

Pushback on DRIPA and heritage legislation changes were the top headlines in BC

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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