March 12 - 18, 2025

The Treaty-making process did not create new rights—making Treaty is recognition of pre-existing rights and a commitment to respect them, without any interference.
- Statement from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, Samson Cree Nation and Montana First Nation of Treaty No. 6 Territory

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?
- Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give (2017)

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

Online Course: Law and Governance

Check out and register for Bruce's upcoming online course, Law and Governance. This course is open to anyone and is part of the Haida Gwaii Institute's Micro-Certificate in Co-Management of Natural Resources.

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

Indigenous Rights in One Minute

Bruce McIvor's clear, plain answers to frequently asked questions about Indigenous rights.

START LEARNING

Standoff

Faced with a constant stream of news reports of standoffs and confrontations, Canada’s “reconciliation project” has obviously gone off the rails. In this series of concise and thoughtful essays, lawyer and historian Bruce McIvor explains why reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is failing and what needs to be done to fix it.

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

Bruce McIvor, lawyer and historian, is 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 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 Standoff: Why Reconciliation Fails Indigenous People and How to Fix It. He is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

CONNECT

March 12 - 18, 2025

This week’s edition includes child welfare, Treaty rights, mining, a successful court challenge and more.

IN THE NEWS

National news included child welfare, Jordan’s Principle, cultural burning and Indigenous procurement

Ecosystem health and land protection were the top stories in British Columbia

Treaty rights were front and center in Alberta

In Saskatchewan, elk hunting made the news

Mining impacts and community safety made headlines in the Yukon

Indigenous employment was in the spotlight in the Northwest Territories

Tariffs, a court challenge and mining continued to make headlines in Ontario

FROM THE COURTS

The Federal Court weighed in on an application for judicial review of a membership decision

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

Share