News and Updates

Their presentation, entitled "Consulting with Indigenous Peoples and Environmental/Impact Assessment", aimed to present the content of Canada’s and Quebec’s duties to consult Indigenous Peoples, and to address the interaction between these obligations and the regulatory frameworks for environmental or impact assessment at both the federal and provincial levels. The speakers also highlighted some of the potential changes to come, particularly regarding the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Respecting the rights of Indigenous communities and protecting the environment are issues at the heart of Ms. Patterson's mandates, and she also prioritizes the right for Indigenous communities to develop economically in a sustainable manner.

September 13th, 2022 marks the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which sets minimum standards for the survival and well-being of Aboriginal Peoples, including their right to protect their traditional territories.

Elisabeth Patterson participated in the 3rd Summit of First Nations and Municipalities during the Great Gathering 2023 of Aboriginal Peoples and Municipalities of Quebec which took place in Gatineau, on unceded Algonquin Anishinabeg territory. It was a pleasure for her to participate, along with Alia Hassan-Cournol, Associate Councillor to the Mayor and Reconciliation with Aboriginal [...]

Dionne Schulze is very proud to announce that David Schulze, Elisabeth Patterson, and Jameela Jeeroburkhan have once again been recognized by their peers for the excellence of their work in Aboriginal law and listed in The 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory* edition. This recognition confirms our colleagues' well-deserved place among the best lawyers in Canada.   [...]

It was with sadness that the Dionne Schulze team learned of the death of Me Peter W. Hutchins on January 13. Me Hutchins was among the first legal advocates for the rights of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

The Canadian government and lawyers for survivors have reached an agreement-in-principle to settle a class-action lawsuit over the operation of boarding homes for Indigenous students attending public schools between 1951 and 1992.

On December 15, 2022, Bill S-219 came into force, designating January 4 as "National Ribbon Skirt Day." It is hoped that this legislation will allow Canadians to further their understanding and education of Indigenous culture and heritage, specifically the ribbon skirt, which is a symbolic piece of clothing for Aboriginal women.

Twelve Atikamekw women are taking legal action against the regional health authority that operates Joliette hospital in Quebec and three physicians. They are claiming sterilization without having given consent.

We are pleased to announce that Dionne Schulze has been recognized as one of Canada's top law firms by the Globe and Mail. We are one of only 20 firms working in Aboriginal Law from across the country to have been recognized. Almost 25,000 lawyers and legal professionals were actively invited to participate in the survey. This is a fine recognition for our team and our talented lawyers

On November 24th, Me Sarah-Maude Belleville-Chénard and Me Léa Lemay Langlois will speak, at the 2nd edition of the Quebec Bar's conference on recent developments in Aboriginal law, chaired by Me Kateri Vincent. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ABORIGINAL RIGHTS

On September 30th, the second National Day of Truth and Reconciliation mobilized thousands of people dressed in orange in the streets of Tio'tià:ke/Mooniyang (Montreal) in honour of the victims of residential schools. Leading figures from different Indigenous communities, including Nakuset, Maggie Chittspattio, Ellen Gabriel, Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer and Chief Jessica Lazare, Steve McComber, Elisapie [...]