This week’s edition includes the tenth anniversary of the TRC’s Final Report, land protection, mining, government relations and more.
IN THE NEWS
National news included government relations, the tenth anniversary of the TRC Final Report and Calls to Action, and economic sovereignty
Nation to Nation looks at a year in Indigenous–federal relations | APTN News
It's been 10 years since the TRC final report and it's time to tackle denialism says regional chief | APTN News
After 10 years, why the TRC’s promise still demands action | Winnipeg Free Press
Bill before Senate would recognize First Nations jurisdiction over gaming | CBC News
Cannabis and treaty rights continued to top the headlines in Nova Scotia
The NSLC had a deal for a Mi’kmaq-run cannabis shop, but the band is tapping the brakes | CBC News
Sipekne'katik and federal government fight fishermen's request to have Court clarify extent of First Nations' moderate livelihood right | PNI Atlantic News
In New Brunswick, land co-management and criticism of a new environmental review process were at the forefront
Mi’kmaw groups, Parks Canada to co-manage N.B. national parks, historic sites | CBC News
Deal speeding up environmental reviews attracts criticism from Mi’kmaq rights and conservation groups | NB Media Co-op
Land protection topped the headlines in Quebec
Essipit Innu Nation bans mining operations in its protected area | APTN News
In Nunavut, food insecurity continues to be a top story
Ottawa must investigate food costs and Nutrition North: Idlout | APTN News
Ontario news featured court actions, land protection, and mining
First Nations' Bill 5 court case sees intervenors from Attawapiskat | The Narwhal
‘We’ve never surrendered the land’: Treaty 9 First Nations back in court | SNNewsWatch
Cease-and-desist letter served to Ring of Fire mining company by Neskantaga First Nation | CBC News
First Nations must be partners in Ontario's mineral strategy: Anishinabek Nation | SooToday
UNDRIP legislation and Indigenous-led forestry were front and center in BC
B.C. premier’s plans to change Indigenous Rights law, explained | The Narwhal
Trust of First Nations 'fragile' as B.C. government considers changes to UN law | The Canadian Press
‘We all share the same goals’: Tŝilhqot’in and syilx foresters learn from each other | Indiginews
*Denotes an article that is paywalled and may require a subscription to access.
CLIENTS IN THE NEWS
Congratulations to our clients Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree Nation and Peter Chapman Band (who currently form part of the James Smith Cree Nation #370) for reaching a settlement with Canada on land claims related to numerous historic wrongs.
James Smith Cree Nation gets $713.8M federal settlement for complex land claims | CBC News
James Smith Cree Nation #370 and Canada reach a settlement agreement for long-standing land grievances
FPL IN THE NEWS
Check out this recent article on the tenth anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report featuring comments by First Peoples Law’s Kate Gunn.
Still climbing the mountain | CBA/ABC National
FROM THE COURTS
The Federal Court of Appeal upheld that a decision to deny Jordan’s Principle funding was unreasonable.
Canada (Attorney General) v. Powless, 2025 FCA 226
Canada's appeal dismissed in battle over fixing mould in Oneida grandmother’s home | CBC News
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
We still believe in reconciliation. But belief alone is not enough. This 10th anniversary [of the TRC’s Final Report] is a time to commit to action — real, timely, justice-driven action. For our children. For our lands. For our future.
- National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations
OFF THE BOOKSHELF
But that day, we didn't have any want. We were not seeking recognition or asking for rights. We were not trying to fit into Canada. We were celebrating our nation on our lands in the spirit of joy, exuberance and individual expression.
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Dancing on Our Turtle’s Back (2011)
SEE YOU IN 2026!
We're taking the next couple weeks off. The next First Peoples Law Report comes out on January 6, 2026. Check out our social media channels from December 27-31 for our annual Indigenous Rights Year in Review!
