July 10 - 16, 2024

Let's never lose sight of what this is all about. It's about our children, about our future. First Nations are in the best position to take care of our children."
- National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

For Elsie, the teachings and the history are inextricable; a book of teachings is a book of history."
- Written As I Remember It, by Elsie Paul, with Paige Raibmon and Harmony Johnson, (2015)

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Applications now Open!

As part of our commitment to supporting the development of Indigenous lawyers, First Peoples Law offers an annual scholarship to an Indigenous law student with a demonstrated commitment to serving and advancing the interests of Indigenous Peoples. Applications for this year's $10,000 scholarship are now open until July 31, 2024.

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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.

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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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July 10 - 16, 2024

This week’s edition includes court decisions, energy security, human rights, UNDRIP, the AFN General Assembly and more.

IN THE NEWS

First Nations Chiefs gathered in Montreal at the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly

National headlines included intergovernmental relationships, housing and identity

Northern newsmakers included climate change and environmental protection

Marine conservation, treaties, and salmon made news in BC

Top stories in the prairies included energy security, a federal apology and hunting

Mining, human rights, nuclear waste and Métis identity topped Ontario news

Québec headlines featured UNDRIP

FROM THE COURTS

The Federal Court of Appeal weighed in on a specific claim.

The Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories weighed in on the duty to consult.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

OFF THE BOOKSHELF

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