I am working away on a series of posts I’d like to put together to help untangle the web of confusion surrounding oft-misunderstood issues such as First Nations health-care, education, housing, taxation, self-government, settlement claims and so on. It isn’t easy. I’ve studies these kinds of things my whole life, Read more…
Every once in a while I come across an image in my daily life that has an immediate impact on me. (You’ve already had my opinion on ‘native-themed’ costumes.) First comes the flood of feelings. Annoyance, frustration, confusion. Then I look at the image again and try to understand what Read more…
Without Prejudice agreements Some legal jargon seems to go viral. “Without Prejudice” is definitely one of those viral terms. You will see it slapped up there across emails, documents, agreements…like some sort of ‘keep-the-court-at-bay’ incantation that people mumble without even really thinking about it anymore. In essence, the concept of Read more…
Aboriginal law is very frustrating to study and practice. As I’ve pointed out before, Aboriginal law is not the study or practice of indigenous legal traditions but rather is the way in which the Canadian state mediates its relationship with native peoples. Aboriginal law exists squarely within a legal paradigm Read more…
June is National Aboriginal History month here in Canada, and has been since 2009. I only found out this year. We’ve had National Aboriginal Day (June 21) for about 15 years now, but apparently we also have a whole month devoted to our culture and history. Huh. Who knew? Who Read more…