October 29 - November 5, 2024

At the end of my life I will be turned around on my spirit journey. They will turn me around and make me look back at the trail I created in this world and they will ask me to account for everything I did, but also everything I didn’t do and could’ve done. I have to be prepared to speak for that. I want to be able to speak about this thing when I’m ready to go.”
- Murray Sinclair

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

The tree of our family was parted - branches here, roots there - parted for their lumber."
- Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Water Dancer (2019)

Join our Team!

First Peoples Law is seeking additions to our growing team dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

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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.

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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.

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October 29 - November 5, 2024

This week’s edition includes land protection, Indigenous law, stewardship, consultation and more.

IN THE NEWS

We are deeply saddened by the news of Murray Sinclair’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family and everyone else grieving his loss.

National news featured youth perspectives on reconciliation, residential schools and land management

Land rights were front and centre in Nova Scotia

NWT headlines included treaty rights and land protection

Indigenous law, a settlement agreement and major projects led Ontario news

Manitoba news featured human rights and environmental stewardship

Water rights, carbon capture concerns and stewardship topped Alberta headlines

BC news included clean drinking water, placenames, consultation

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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