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Full-Text Articles in Law

Making Sense Of Aboriginal And Treaty Rights, Brian Slattery Jan 2000

Making Sense Of Aboriginal And Treaty Rights, Brian Slattery

Articles & Book Chapters

This paper proposes a basic framework for understanding the decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada relating to aboriginal and treaty rights. It argues that the foundations of these rights lie in the common law doctrine of aboriginal rights, which originated in ancient custom generated by historical relations between the Crown and indigenous peoples, as informed by basic principles of justice. This sui generis doctrine is par t of the common law of Canada and operates uniformly across the country, it also provides the context for interpreting section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982. The doctrine of aboriginal rights has …


First Nations And The Constitution: A Question Of Trust, Brian Slattery Jan 1992

First Nations And The Constitution: A Question Of Trust, Brian Slattery

Articles & Book Chapters

This article argues that the fiduciary relationship between Aboriginal peoples and the Crown is a special instance of a general doctrine of collective trust that animates the Canadian Constitution as a whole. This doctrine sheds light on the federal structure of Canada the unique status of Quebec, and the position of First Nations as a self-governing polities within Confederation. The article explores the origins and character of the constitutional trust, and considers its application to issues surrounding the inherent Aboriginal right ofself-government and Aboriginal land rights.


The Legal Basis Of Aboriginal Title, Brian Slattery Jan 1992

The Legal Basis Of Aboriginal Title, Brian Slattery

Articles & Book Chapters

This paper considers a range of differing approaches to the question of Aboriginal land rights in the light of the judgment of the B.C. Supreme Court in the Delgamuukw case.


Aboriginal Language Rights, Brian Slattery Jan 1991

Aboriginal Language Rights, Brian Slattery

Articles & Book Chapters

This paper considers several possible foundations for Indigenous language rights in the Constitution of Canada and argues for an approach that grounds these rights in inter-societal common law.


Understanding Aboriginal Rights, Brian Slattery Jan 1987

Understanding Aboriginal Rights, Brian Slattery

Articles & Book Chapters

The entrenchment of aboriginal rights in the Constitution Act, 1982 and the importance of aboriginal claims now reaching the courts highlight the need to understand these long-ignored rights. This article sets out a general theory of the subject, drawing on the leading cases and the complex history of relations between native peoples and the Crown. Aboriginal rights are based on a set of basic common law principles that operate uniformly across Canada, except where modified by treaty or legislation. Under those principles, native peoples presumptively hold full rights to lands in their possession, and retain their accustomed laws andpolitical institutions, …


The Constitutional Guarantee Of Aboriginal And Treaty Rights, Brian Slattery Jan 1982

The Constitutional Guarantee Of Aboriginal And Treaty Rights, Brian Slattery

Articles & Book Chapters

This paper proposes a workable framework for the application of the constitutional provisions dealing with Aboriginal and treaty rights in Canada.