July 16 - 22, 2025

This week’s edition includes consultation, watershed protection, Jordan’s Principle, treaty rights and more.

 

IN THE NEWS


National news featured legislative pushback, major projects and budget cuts

 

First Nations leaders walk out of Mark Carney meeting on Building Canada Act | The Guardian 

'We still own this land' says former national chief Ovide Mercredi | APTN News

Leaked tape: Carney says he'll side with chiefs on development | APTN News

Advocates denounce plan to cut federal Indigenous services budget | CBC News

 

In BC, climate adaptation, watershed protection and Bill C-5 were front and center

 

Heiltsuk Nation is building for the climate crisis | The Narwhal 

B.C. chief says Bill C-5 meeting with Carney 'did not resolve concerns, it reinforced them' | CBC News 

Nicola Valley First Nations agree to create water sustainability agreement with province of B.C. | Castanet 

 

Pushback on mining legislation remained a top story in the Yukon 

 

First Nations in Yukon demand repeal of mining amendments | APTN News

 

Mining and major projects were front and center in the Prairies

 

Siksika challenges province in court over coal mining moratorium | Strathmore Times 

Carney's Bill C-5 summit does little to allay concerns, say Manitoba chiefs | CBC News 

 

Ontario news included Jordan’s Principle, land protection, treaty rights and infrastructure bills 

 

9 Ontario First Nations ask for injunction against Bill 5, say law represents 'clear and present danger' | CBC News 

Walpole Island First Nation holds protest against Dresden landfill expansion | CBC News

Federal judge deems Ottawa's refusal of Jordan's Principle funds to renovate mouldy home 'unreasonable' | CBC News 

Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek chief 'ambivalent' about Lac Des Iles mine closure | CBC News 

Mushkegowuk chiefs designate Ring of Fire as ‘protected homeland’ | Northern Ontario Business 

 

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:

August 14 – Sechelt, BC 

October 8 – Ottawa, ON 

For further details, check out our list of events here

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK


We have a right to a way of life in our lands, and that way of life includes decision-making and government authorities.

Chief June Black, Apitipi Anicinapek Nation

 

OFF THE BOOKSHELF


The stories that really need to be told are those that shake the very soul of you.

- Lee Maracle, Celia’s Song (2014)

 

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.
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.
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.
Check out our podcast featuring conversations on the defence of Indigenous rights.
Your weekly news update on Indigenous rights from First Peoples Law.
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.
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.