July 9 - 15, 2025

It is extremely disappointing that Ontario would prioritize accelerated project development over providing clean drinking water to First Nations.
- Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Nishnawbe Aski Nation

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Maybe the work that we do now doesn't seem like it means anything. But... if it wasn’t for the strong back of Porcupine, if it wasn’t for the strong legs of Bizhew the Lynx, and the strong heart of Nigig the Otter, Fisher never would have made it through. Everything we do now is going to matter in the future.”
- Bomgiizhik Isaac Murdoch, The Trail of Nenaboozhoo and other Creation Stories, (2020)

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.

Indigenous Peoples and the Law in Canada 2024

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.

AVAILABLE HERE

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

July 9 - 15, 2025

This week’s edition includes clean drinking water legislation, wildfires, mining, and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included major projects, UNDRIP, budget cuts, and consultation

A Supreme Court dismissal was front and center in Quebec

A growing protest camp, and clean drinking water made headlines in Ontario

In Manitoba, wildfire relief topped the news

Top stories in the Yukon included mining and treaty rights

Consultation, land defence, Indigenous law and justice reform made the news in BC

INDIGENOUS RIGHTS IN ONE MINUTE

Bruce McIvor’s Indigenous Rights in One Minute: What You Need to Know to Talk Reconciliation is now available. Click here to download a free excerpt from the book. Click here to order your copy from an independent bookstore near you.

Upcoming Book Launch Events:

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Share