Indigenous Rights in One Minute: What You Need to Know to Talk Reconciliation

by Bruce McIvor

Internationally renowned as an expert in Aboriginal law and an advocate for Indigenous rights, Bruce McIvor delivers concise, essential information for Canadians committed to truth and reconciliation.


A shortage of trustworthy information continues to frustrate Canadians with best intentions to fulfill Canada’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. To meet this demand, lawyer and historian Bruce McIvor provides concise, plain answers to 100 essential questions being asked by Canadians across the country.


During his nearly three decades advocating for Indigenous rights and teaching Aboriginal law, McIvor has recorded the fundamental questions that Canadians from all corners of society have asked to advance Why do Indigenous people have special rights? What is the Doctrine of Discovery? Who are the Métis? Why was the Calder decision important? What is reconciliation? McIvor supplies the answers Canadians are looking for by scrapping the technical language that confuses the issues, and speaks directly to everyone looking for straight answers. Throughout, McIvor shares his perspective on why reconciliation as envisioned by the courts and Canadian governments frustrates Indigenous people and what needs to change to overcome the impasse. McIvor’s explanations of complex legal issues demonstrate a unique mix of a deep knowledge of the law, the ability to write clearly and concisely, practical experience from the frontlines of advocating for First Nations in courtrooms and at negotiation tables across the country, and a profound passion for justice rooted in his work and personal history.


To ensure the country’s reconciliation project progresses from rhetoric to reality, ordinary Canadians need straightforward answers to fundamental questions. McIvor provides the answers and context to support a thoughtful and respectful national conversation about reconciliation and the fulfillment of Canada’s commitment to a better future for Indigenous people.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous

224 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2025

About the author

I'm a passionate advocate for defending and advancing Indigenous rights.

10 years ago I founded First Peoples Law, one of Canada's leading law firms working solely on behalf of First Nations. I'm grateful to my colleagues for recognizing me nationally and internationally as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in Aboriginal law. I represent First Nations across Canada and teach at the University of British Columbia’s Allard School of Law.

My great-grandparents took Métis scrip at Red River in Manitoba. My family was dispossessed of its land at St. Peter's and moved, along with the Peguis First Nation, 200 kms north where they started over again doing their best to farm between swamps and rock ridges. Picking rocks as a kid was one of my motivations for going to university and ultimately becoming a lawyer. I'm a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

On my way to becoming a lawyer, I completed a Ph.D. in environmental history and was award a Fulbright Scholarship which allowed me the opportunity to study at the University of Washington and the University of Kansas where I learned a lot and made life-long friends.

My life-partner, Emilie, and I live on the east side of Vancouver. We are blessed with three beautiful children. One of our kids is a member of the Fort Nelson First Nation. The other two are members of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

Emilie and I are thankful for all the support and opportunities we've had and believe it is important to give back where we can. I volunteer as a member of the Board of Directors of Amnesty International Canada (English Division), the Editorial Board of Canadian Lawyer Magazine, and the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver.

I love playing hockey, listening to baseball and reading novels.

Reviews

[Boychild ffrench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for reference on legal history of indigenous rights in Canada.

Have this in your back pocket when you are about to get in that fight with your racist uncle.

This should be taught as part of history class in schools.

[Marshall E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in very accessible language and covers a lot of ground. I imagine I'll keep it on my shelf as a quick reference. Nice "further reading" section in the back.

[Debbie George · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy format to navigate. I learned a lot, but have much more to learn.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this book from the library. Really interesting, with a good overview on a lot of different topics. Well worth the read. Also love that he provided a list of other resources and books to read.

[Brian Gaston · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a good foundation of indigenous rights in Canada in a clear and concise manner. It is strictly factual and not a page turner.