First Peoples Law LLP
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First Peoples Law is a law firm dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Sign up for our weekly Law Report: https://www.firstpeopleslaw.com/public-education
“Ultimately, we all understand that we need power...But it can’t come at the cost of our environment, or our fish, our wildlife, our culture.” Chief Dawna Hope, First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun @ buff.ly/vbn3TlC
Inside the public hearing that could mean sweeping change for a Yukon hydro dam | CBC News
Yukon Energy wants to relicense the 75-year-old dam. First, it needs the go-ahead from the Yukon Water Board, which recently hosted a week-long hearing in Whitehorse. The corporation made its case to...
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February 11, 2026 at 5:01 PM
“Ultimately, we all understand that we need power...But it can’t come at the cost of our environment, or our fish, our wildlife, our culture.” Chief Dawna Hope, First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun @ buff.ly/vbn3TlC
"From posts and comments on social media, to remarks made by fellow shoppers in local stores, to being shouted at from passing vehicles, the negativity directed at our citizens is unfounded and wrong." Chief Cindy Daniels, Cowichan Tribes @ buff.ly/XRL6OIH
Leaders in B.C. release joint statement condemning anti-Indigenous racism | CBC News
Leaders in the Cowichan Valley region of Vancouver Island have released a statement against anti-Indigenous racism, saying they've seen a spike in the region.
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February 10, 2026 at 10:01 PM
"From posts and comments on social media, to remarks made by fellow shoppers in local stores, to being shouted at from passing vehicles, the negativity directed at our citizens is unfounded and wrong." Chief Cindy Daniels, Cowichan Tribes @ buff.ly/XRL6OIH
“It’s been hard to try to figure out where we fit when the partnership seemingly hasn’t changed on the surface, but structurally many pieces that were essential to the maintaining of the relationship were swapped." Natan Obed, President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami @ buff.ly/dJ1P1BI
ITK leader says Inuit not sure where they fit into Carney's agenda
ITK president Natan Obed compares working with Prime Minister Mark Carney's government to being a contestant on the TV show "Dragons' Den."
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February 10, 2026 at 6:01 PM
“It’s been hard to try to figure out where we fit when the partnership seemingly hasn’t changed on the surface, but structurally many pieces that were essential to the maintaining of the relationship were swapped." Natan Obed, President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami @ buff.ly/dJ1P1BI
This week’s edition includes additions to reserve, environmental reclamation, major projects, mining and more @ buff.ly/CjYK0Wi
First Peoples Law Report for February 10th
Your weekly Indigenous rights update from First Peoples Law.
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February 10, 2026 at 2:01 PM
This week’s edition includes additions to reserve, environmental reclamation, major projects, mining and more @ buff.ly/CjYK0Wi
"Bill 5’s removal of the requirement for an environmental assessment of the proposed Dresden Landfill is a direct threat to my community’s wellbeing and our ability to continue to practise our way of life." Chief Leela Thomas, Bkejwanong (Walpole Island First Nation) @ buff.ly/tw5evsm
5 more First Nations join legal challenge against Bill 5 and C-5 | CBC News
Five more First Nations have joined a court challenge against new federal and provincial laws aimed at fast-tracking development saying they threaten Indigenous rights.
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February 9, 2026 at 9:01 PM
"Bill 5’s removal of the requirement for an environmental assessment of the proposed Dresden Landfill is a direct threat to my community’s wellbeing and our ability to continue to practise our way of life." Chief Leela Thomas, Bkejwanong (Walpole Island First Nation) @ buff.ly/tw5evsm
"The water levels are getting lower and lower and we think that it's all an effect of the artificial islands." Chief Shawn Grandjambe, Fort Good Hope @ buff.ly/NITcaZv
'We want them gone': Imperial Oil's artificial islands at Norman Wells should be part of clean up, chief says | CBC News
A community downstream from Norman Wells, N.W.T., says it wants to see Imperial Oil destroy several artificial islands the company built decades ago for oil wells on the Mackenzie River.
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February 9, 2026 at 4:03 PM
"The water levels are getting lower and lower and we think that it's all an effect of the artificial islands." Chief Shawn Grandjambe, Fort Good Hope @ buff.ly/NITcaZv
"Placer mining is an important part of the Dawson City economy and many of our citizens work in the industry. But mineral activities within our Traditional Territory cannot come at the expense of our treaty rights and interests." Hähkè Darren Taylor, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government @ buff.ly/3Ao6CzU
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in sues Yukon government over extension of mining permits
Whitehorse, YT - The Tr'ondk Hwch'in First Nation is taking the Yukon government to court over changes to plac...
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February 8, 2026 at 6:01 PM
"Placer mining is an important part of the Dawson City economy and many of our citizens work in the industry. But mineral activities within our Traditional Territory cannot come at the expense of our treaty rights and interests." Hähkè Darren Taylor, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government @ buff.ly/3Ao6CzU
"That's where we go to heal, that’s where we go for hunting, that's where we go to practise our treaty rights and Ke Maah, that's where we do it all." Brittany Brinkworth, Councillor, Doig River First Nation @ buff.ly/he7Qw3V
Doig River First Nation to develop land use plan with B.C., using Indigenous knowledge and Western science | CBC News
Doig River First Nation is developing a joint land use plan with the province to help guide resource development, support land restoration and protect important areas, including K’ih Tsaa?dze Tribal...
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February 7, 2026 at 7:01 PM
"That's where we go to heal, that’s where we go for hunting, that's where we go to practise our treaty rights and Ke Maah, that's where we do it all." Brittany Brinkworth, Councillor, Doig River First Nation @ buff.ly/he7Qw3V
"We can be stronger together in rural Ontario by working together with our Nations and our municipalities." Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, Anishinabek Nation @ buff.ly/NhcOvWy
Chiefs discuss relationships with municipalities at Toronto conference – Anishinabek News
By Sam Laskaris
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February 6, 2026 at 8:02 PM
"We can be stronger together in rural Ontario by working together with our Nations and our municipalities." Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, Anishinabek Nation @ buff.ly/NhcOvWy
“It’s important to make these decisions really thoughtfully, because with some of these projects there is a downside...And I think that’s why many First Nations are concerned." Regional Chief Terry Teegee, B.C. Assembly of First Nations @ buff.ly/7a7V5Ju
Northern B.C. First Nations, advocates worry about environmental impacts of Yukon-BC grid connect | CBC News
Proponents say the Yukon-B.C. grid connect project could bring $7.6 billion a year in economic growth, create 36,000 jobs and help electrify six diesel communities. But some northern B.C. First Nations...
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February 6, 2026 at 3:03 PM
“It’s important to make these decisions really thoughtfully, because with some of these projects there is a downside...And I think that’s why many First Nations are concerned." Regional Chief Terry Teegee, B.C. Assembly of First Nations @ buff.ly/7a7V5Ju
#ICYMI Check out our First Peoples Law Report! This week’s edition includes Aboriginal title, environmental protection, self-governance, treaty rights and more @ buff.ly/aJFttKv
First Peoples Law Report for February 3rd
Your weekly Indigenous rights update from First Peoples Law.
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February 5, 2026 at 11:01 PM
#ICYMI Check out our First Peoples Law Report! This week’s edition includes Aboriginal title, environmental protection, self-governance, treaty rights and more @ buff.ly/aJFttKv
"This partnership strengthens how we support First Nations as they navigate increasingly complex resource development environments." Sheldon Wuttunnee, CEO, Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resources Centre of Excellence @ buff.ly/fGKPir5
New partnership supports Indigenous-led natural resource development
A new freshly signed partnership promises to help strengthen support for Indigenous-led natural resource and c...
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February 5, 2026 at 5:02 PM
"This partnership strengthens how we support First Nations as they navigate increasingly complex resource development environments." Sheldon Wuttunnee, CEO, Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resources Centre of Excellence @ buff.ly/fGKPir5
"This situation is not the result of legal uncertainty. It is the result of administrative choice." Chief Lisa Robinson, Wolf Lake First Nation @ buff.ly/G7UVLMn
Feds to blame for slowing ‘additions to reserve’ land process: chiefs
Chiefs appearing before a Parliamentary committee say the federal government is slowing the additions to reserve land process.
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February 4, 2026 at 10:00 PM
"This situation is not the result of legal uncertainty. It is the result of administrative choice." Chief Lisa Robinson, Wolf Lake First Nation @ buff.ly/G7UVLMn
"[I]t’s disappointing to see that this is just poking around the edges of the system when the system is untenable and needs to be addressed to get to food security." Board member Curtis Mesher, Qajuqturvik Food Centre @ buff.ly/PRNMVC1
Inuit-hunger advocates say Ottawa’s grocery rebate falls short
Inuit-hunger advocates say Ottawa’s grocery rebate falls short of making up for the thousands of dollars many households lost in 2025.
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February 4, 2026 at 4:01 PM
"[I]t’s disappointing to see that this is just poking around the edges of the system when the system is untenable and needs to be addressed to get to food security." Board member Curtis Mesher, Qajuqturvik Food Centre @ buff.ly/PRNMVC1
"We don’t feel the RCMP has done a great job in our communities and we think now is the time to transition away from that." Chief Ross Perley, Neqotkuk First Nation @ buff.ly/Akr18cs
Neqotkuk First Nation wants Indigenous-led policing after man shot
The chief of Neqotkuk First Nation wants provincial and federal support to establish an Indigenous-led policing agency on the reserve.
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February 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM
"We don’t feel the RCMP has done a great job in our communities and we think now is the time to transition away from that." Chief Ross Perley, Neqotkuk First Nation @ buff.ly/Akr18cs
This week’s edition includes Aboriginal title, environmental protection, self-governance, treaty rights and more @ buff.ly/aJFttKv
February 3, 2026 at 2:01 PM
This week’s edition includes Aboriginal title, environmental protection, self-governance, treaty rights and more @ buff.ly/aJFttKv
"Right now, the system that’s being proposed is not fair. It’s not transparent. It’s still controlled by Canada." Chief Pauline Frost, Chair of the National Chiefs’ Children’s Committee @ buff.ly/fMw295E
Child Welfare: Government reform verses First Nations control
Chiefs have pitched a child welfare reform plan that divests control from government and gives power to new First Nations led institutions.
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February 2, 2026 at 6:01 PM
"Right now, the system that’s being proposed is not fair. It’s not transparent. It’s still controlled by Canada." Chief Pauline Frost, Chair of the National Chiefs’ Children’s Committee @ buff.ly/fMw295E
"The disconnect between words and action in the Canadian Arctic is a pattern that goes back decades. With new threats to Greenland and our own Archipelago, the time for action is now." President Harry Flaherty, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation @ buff.ly/m95VTGu
Canada must pay attention to needs of Nunavummiut when planning Arctic security
Nunavut’s premier says Canada must pay attention to the needs of Nunavummiut as it plans its strategic defence of the North.
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February 1, 2026 at 5:02 PM
"The disconnect between words and action in the Canadian Arctic is a pattern that goes back decades. With new threats to Greenland and our own Archipelago, the time for action is now." President Harry Flaherty, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation @ buff.ly/m95VTGu
"What we’re seeing here in Alberta is disregard to our treaties. There’s not an understanding here of how Alberta became a province, and how a treaty had to happen before Alberta could become a province." Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta @ buff.ly/qEIOoQc
January 31, 2026 at 7:01 PM
"What we’re seeing here in Alberta is disregard to our treaties. There’s not an understanding here of how Alberta became a province, and how a treaty had to happen before Alberta could become a province." Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta @ buff.ly/qEIOoQc
"We are dedicated to educating and celebrating the Dane-zaa history of the site, the culture that has been preserved there and continues to thrive." Executive Director Alyssa Currie, Tse'k'wa Heritage Society @ buff.ly/qkiHNTC
Archaeology field school planned this spring for ancient cave near Fort St. John, B.C. | CBC News
One of over 57,000 known archaeological sites in the province, Tse'k'wa is a record of 12,500 years of human settlement and environmental change dating back to the last ice age. It's a sacred space to...
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January 30, 2026 at 4:01 PM
"We are dedicated to educating and celebrating the Dane-zaa history of the site, the culture that has been preserved there and continues to thrive." Executive Director Alyssa Currie, Tse'k'wa Heritage Society @ buff.ly/qkiHNTC
Check out our First Peoples Law Report! This week’s edition includes international law, intergovernmental relations, emergency management, commercial fishing and more @ buff.ly/r1DlYqR
January 29, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Check out our First Peoples Law Report! This week’s edition includes international law, intergovernmental relations, emergency management, commercial fishing and more @ buff.ly/r1DlYqR
"We’re just trying to stand up for our rights and talk about policy directives that might be compromising our way of life." Chief Pauline Frost, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation @ buff.ly/alJdjHD
Canadian, US First Nations defend caribou habitat from Trump's Arctic oil plans
Gwich’in leaders are renewing their legal challenge to protect the Arctic Refuge and the Porcupine caribou herd that has sustained northern communities for generations after US plans reopened the…
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January 28, 2026 at 10:00 PM
"We’re just trying to stand up for our rights and talk about policy directives that might be compromising our way of life." Chief Pauline Frost, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation @ buff.ly/alJdjHD
"Any sentiment about hate speech, about denialism, should be called out." Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations @ buff.ly/YRXNTQi
First Nations leaders call on universities to ban residential school denialist demonstrations | CBC News
The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations said in a statement Friday it is calling on all universities to stand with residential school survivors and prohibit denialist demonstrations to ensure...
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January 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM
"Any sentiment about hate speech, about denialism, should be called out." Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations @ buff.ly/YRXNTQi
"Our lands and waters aren't interchangeable." Chief Nikki van Oirschot, Caldwell First Nation @ buff.ly/VY8ZqyZ
Caldwell First Nation not consulted in conservation authority amalgamation, chief says | CBC News
A local first nation is pushing back on the province’s plan to drastically consolidate Ontario’s conservation authorities.
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January 27, 2026 at 9:00 PM
"Our lands and waters aren't interchangeable." Chief Nikki van Oirschot, Caldwell First Nation @ buff.ly/VY8ZqyZ
This week’s edition includes international law, intergovernmental relations, emergency management, commercial fishing and more @ buff.ly/r1DlYqR
January 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM
This week’s edition includes international law, intergovernmental relations, emergency management, commercial fishing and more @ buff.ly/r1DlYqR