December 10 - 16, 2025

Every nation must be consulted...And when we're receiving information or news media releases about MOUs that are affecting our territory, we have a real problem with it and we will deal with it accordingly.
- Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta

OFF THE SHELF

Spring, summer, and fall fill us with hope; winter alone reminds us of the human condition.
Mignon McLaughlin, Aperçus: The Aphorisms of Mignon McLaughlin (2014)

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

December 10 - 16, 2025

This week's edition includes mining, court challenges, forestry, caribou and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news featured continuing concerns regarding the Canada-Alberta pipeline MOU

In BC, trademarks, fishing rights, FPIC, and forestry were top stories

Treaty rights and lawsuits made the news in the Yukon

In Alberta, a potential court action and the rule of law were front and center

A proposed Crown corporation was the top story in Manitoba

In Nunavut, commercial fishing and treaty rights made the news

Reflections on reconciliation, the impacts of mining development, and water permitting topped the headlines in Ontario

Quebec news featured caribou protection and pushback on Quebec's Bill 1

Government relations continue to top headlines in Nova Scotia

FROM THE COURTS

The Federal Court weighed in on Charter Rights in two separate class action decisions

The New Brunswick Court of Appeal weighed in on Aboriginal title

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE SHELF

Share