Description: "This research program, lead by Professor Bell ( University of Alberta) and Professor Paterson ( U.B.C. Law) will examine Canadian legislation affecting ownership, protection and control of First Nation cultural heritage and develop strategies for reform. The research has four primary objectives: to disseminate information about the existing legal regime; to facilitate respect for, and understanding of, First Nations concepts of property and laws affecting cultural heritage; to assist First Nation community partners collect and develop archival and educational resources on local indigenous laws and cultural heritage; and to critically analyse domestic law and provide recommendations for reform. Research will be informed by case studies designed in collaboration with First Nation partners featuring First Nation concepts of property, laws and heritage protection priorities; Canadian Aboriginal rights and property law; international laws and treaties on human rights, cultural property, intellectual property and the rights of indigenous peoples; and reform initiatives in jurisdictions with similar legal obligations such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America."

The site includes a bibliography of relevant print and electronic resources, links to Internet resources, Canadian legislation, and research papers, case studies, and First Nations third-party research codes.