September 7 – September 12, 2022

By Bruce McIvor and Cody O'Neil

We are saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Sask. Our condolences to all those affected by this loss.  

This week’s edition includes cumulative effects, consultation, court cases and more. 

 

IN THE NEWS


Policing returned to headlines in light of tragic events in Saskatchewan

 

 

The Doctrine of Discovery was in the national spotlight once again

 

 

Ontario headlines featured Treaty and Métis rights 

 

 

Cumulative effects and Treaty rights are going to court in Alberta 

 

 

Consultation, forestry and salmon were front and centre in BC and Yukon 

 

 

East coast news included fishing rights and systemic racism 

 

 

Cross-border pipelines were back in national headlines 

 

 

FROM THE COURTS


Courts weighed in on membership and seizure provisions in the Indian Act.

 

HOT OFF THE PRESS


My colleague Kate Gunn and I contributed to the Aboriginal rights litigation chapter in the BCCLE’s latest edition of Injunctions, now available here. 

 

INDIGENOUS RIGHTS IN ONE MINUTE


I'll be releasing my next instalment of Indigenous Rights in One Minute this week. Sign up here to get it straight to your inbox. 

 

BACK TO SCHOOL


Kate and I are looking forward to co-teaching a seminar on the history and future of Aboriginal law starting today at UBC.

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK


“With a change in Canada’s head of state, it’s time for a change in the Crown’s approach to Indigenous sovereignty.”

- First Nations Leadership Council

 

OFF THE BOOKSHELF


“Last year, Mindimooyenh had a job at the university advising the big shots on how to appear to change things without changing a single thing.” 

- Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies (2020)

 

SEE YOU SOON


We’re taking next week off. You’ll get your next First Peoples Law Report on September 26, 2022. 

First Peoples Law is seeking additions to our growing team dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Bruce McIvor's clear, plain answers to frequently asked questions about Indigenous rights.
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.
First Peoples Law is the author of Annotated Aboriginal Law, 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.
Check out our podcast featuring conversations on the defence of Indigenous rights.
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.
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.
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.