April 9 - 15, 2025

We’ve long known that the Indian Act limits our ability to govern ourselves and build wealth for our people. This Constitution is our response—it gives us the legal foundation to move forward as one.
- Mayor Garry Reece, Lax Kw’alaams First Nation

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

To be ignorant, uninformed, and oblivious to one's origins was to openly defy 'the one who created you' and invite adversity.
- Ray Young Bear, Black Eagle Child (1992)

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

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.

PBLI Specific Claims Conference

Register now for the upcoming PBLI Specific Claims 2025 Conference, May 7-8 in Vancouver, BC and online. FPL's Cynthia Westaway will be chairing the two-day event and is joined by FPL's Matt Ayre, Nisha Sikka, and Sam Shury. Use the code WESTAWAY15 to receive a 15% discount.

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

April 9 - 15, 2025

This week’s edition includes elections, Treaty rights, self-government, reconciliation and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included federal elections

Social services and Treaty rights were the top stories in the Maritimes

In Quebec, pipelines and legislation were front and center

Food sovereignty, mining, hydroelectric projects, nationhood, and border issues made headlines in Ontario

Child and family services, and mining were the top stories in Manitoba

Energy licensing was the top headline in the Yukon

In BC, reconciliation, pipelines, economic development, legal challenges, denialism, and logging made the news

FROM THE COURTS

The Federal Court weighed in on Charter rights

INDIGENOUS RIGHTS IN ONE MINUTE

Coming May 2025, "Indigenous Rights in One Minute" is Bruce's latest book about Indigenous rights and reconciliation. Enter to win a signed copy and get a free excerpt from the book.

Check out Bruce’s interview with BC Book Look about his new book.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Check out the upcoming PBLI Specific Claims 2025 Conference, chaired by FPL's Cynthia Westaway.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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