Maeve O'Neill Sanger

As the world transitions to low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission sources of energy, focus is shifting to developing reliable and responsible sources of the resources needed to power our economies. Canada is recognized for its reserves of critical minerals and has been ranked first in mining potential by global companies in the sector. The federal government has also expressed support for developing Canada's critical minerals resources and value chains.

In Dickson v. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, 2024 SCC 10, the Supreme Court of Canada recently settled important questions regarding the interplay between the collective rights of Indigenous peoples and individual rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Significantly, the majority confirmed that the Charter may apply directly to First Nation governments.

The federal government's recently introduced Bill C-61 supports both a First Nations drinking water class action settlement agreement and further efforts to incorporate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP) into Canadian law, attendees learned during the January Indigenous Law Insights webinar. Presenters were litigation associates Marleigh Dick and Maeve O'Neill Sanger.