This week’s edition includes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, court challenges, resource stewardship, Aboriginal title and more.
IN THE NEWS
Across the country, events were held on September 30th to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
'More work remains,' GG says as Canada marks 5th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | CBC News
5th Truth and Reconciliation Day marked with events across Canada | Global News
Indigenous Peoples grapple with claims downplaying the history of residential schools | CFJC Today Kamloops
National news included Indigenous energy procurement, child welfare litigation, government inaction, and a call for an Indigenous rights ombudsman
Indigenous entrepreneurs want a bigger piece of energy contracts | The Globe and Mail*
Canada takes Oneida grandmother to appeal court in 'collateral attack' on Jordan's Principle, lawyer says | CBC News
Canada Hasn’t Done Anything about Unmarked Graves Report, Interlocutor Says | The Tyee
How is there still no office for Indigenous rights complaints? | Ricochet
Salmon farming, a proposed pipeline development, and river restoration made headlines in BC
B.C. First Nations want meeting with Carney about salmon, need for open-net farm ban | CTV News
First Nations in B.C. firmly against Alberta's proposed oil pipeline | APTN News
Cowichan Tribes and community call for action to protect decline of Cowichan River | CBC News
Yukon news included negotiation challenges and infrastructure concerns
Yukon First Nation joins chorus against territory for disclosing draft mining framework | CBC News
First Nation calls deteriorating state of Whitehorse dam fish ladder 'extremely concerning' | CBC News
The separation referendum hearing, environmental protection, and major project concerns made the news in Alberta
First Nations to get intervenor status in Alberta referendum hearing | Calgary Herald
Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation rejects Alberta's oilsands tailings recommendations | CBC News
Cold Lake First Nations raises concerns over carbon capture project potentially being put on federal fast-track | Lakeland News
Economic development made the news in Saskatchewan
Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation looks to build an economic future with traditional trade routes | CBC News
Wildlife management was a top story in Manitoba
Indigenous leaders push back on calls to ban moose harvesting in parts of western Manitoba | CBC News
In Ontario, a court injunction, Bill 5, and resource stewardship topped the news
Injunction served to block OPP raids on Tyendinaga Mohawk marijuana operations | Belleville Intelligencer
Ontario’s draft rules for special economic zones limit oversight | The Narwhal
First Nation seeks to ensure Ring of Fire developed on nation-to-nation basis | SNNewsWatch
Healthcare reform made headlines in Quebec
Joyce's Principle: 5 years later, progress for Indigenous healthcare still 'scattered' | CityNews
In Nova Scotia, land protection and pushback on legislation targeting land protectors made headlines
Mi’kmaw chiefs lash out at Houston government, threaten legal action, and demand immediate meeting with N.S. premier | Halifax Examiner
Mi'kmaw land protectors vow to stand their ground as Nova Scotia law passes | APTN News
Aboriginal title and economic reconciliation were the top stories in New Brunswick
River and reconciliation at heart of Wolastoqey Nation's historic title case | CBC News
New Brunswick, First Nations sign new tax-sharing agreements | CBC News
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
We are resharing last year's blog post from Tumia Knott, spaləl̕, in which she shares her truths about the Day for National Truth and Reconciliation.
Honouring and Supporting Indigenous Resilience
CLIENTS IN THE NEWS
First Peoples Law is honoured to assist Wilp Luutkudziiwus in its judicial review of the BC Energy Regulator’s decision to deem the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project as being substantially started.
Two court challenges target PRGT gas pipeline permit in B.C. | Business in Vancouver
FROM THE COURTS
The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal has held that a member of a First Nation can have a settlement distribution seized and applied to overdue child support payments.
Peepeekisis Cree Nation v Whitecalf, 2025 SKCA 89
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.
Check out Bruce's recent interview with the Winnipeg Free Press:
In Conversation: Bruce McIvor – Winnipeg Free Press
Upcoming Book Launch Events:
October 8 – Ottawa, ON
For further details, check out our list of events here.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Reconciliation requires a new relationship with the Crown, one built on mutual respect and full implementation of our Treaty rights, inherent rights, title and jurisdiction, and our rights under international law.
- National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations
OFF THE BOOKSHELF
We're all of us one dimension removed, one silent plane away from someone else's reality, waiting to be conjured up.
- Theodore C. Van Alst Jr., “The Longest Street in the World”, in Never Whistle At Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology (2023)
SUMMER STUDENT POSITION
First Peoples Law is seeking a summer student to join our team in 2026. Check out details and how to apply:
Summer Student (Vancouver or Ottawa)
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