Covers historical bases for current issues, philosophies which form foundations of culture and development, and implementation of action plans for social change.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
RCAP 60 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the West Ballroom, Inn of the South, Cranbrook, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations including a variety of First Nations politicians, a veterans organization, the United Church, and individuals. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains an individual presentation by Andrew Rickard that covers a number of topics, including extinction of Aboriginal languages, self-government, natural resources rights and the lack of Aboriginals in mainstream jobs. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains an individual presentation by George Smith, via translator, that focuses on Aboriginal self-government from the perspective of elders. Smith states that elders were consulted in all facets of life pre-contact but with the Canadian government's policies over the years, elder input and influence have been irrelevant. He calls for the government to consult with elders during self-government negotiations. Smith also briefly discusses band relocation, natural resources, and the effects of residential schools. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.
File contains an indivdual presentation by Irene Neeposh, a trapper, expressing personal dissatisfaction with government restrictions on Income Security and the use of wood for shelters and campfires. She calls on the Commission to ensure that her way of life on the trapline will not be phased out of existence with more government restrictions.
File contains a presentation by Andy Von Busse, Alberta Fish and Game Association. Von Busse discusses conservation issues in Alberta, specifically with regards to Aboriginal utilization of wildlife. Following the presentation is a discussion between Von Busse regarding Treaty rights to hunt, and jurisdictional questions with regard to wildlife management and land usage.
File contains a presentation by Bob Neale, President of the Nicola Stock Breeders' Association. Neale discusses his concerns with the land claims process underway in the Nicola Valley area of British Columbia and makes a variety of requests including that grazing rules for Crown Land be the same for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal stock owners, and that an impartial third party be included in the land claims resolution process. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Neale for his contributions.
File contains a presentation by Buddy Napoleon. Napoleon presents a history of Aboriginal peoples from a legal perspective from early colonization up until the present day in the Treaty Eight area. Napoleon then makes a series of policy recommendations to the Commission to rectify his concerns with government actions in the area. Following Napoleon's presentation, Napoleon and previous presenter Chief Berni Metecheah field questions from Commissioner Georges Erasmus related to issues facing the Halfway River First Nation.
File contains a presentation by Elder Catherine Cooper believing the Elder Council and the Youth Council should work together to ensure the youth learn about their culture and history. She briefly discusses health care problems and hunting and fishing rights.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Andrew Thomas
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Andrew Thomas addressing the toxic waste located on the Esquimalt Reserve and asking why it are no toxic waste disposal facilities in all of British Columbia. Thomas is also chairman of the Land Claims Committee for the First Nations of South Island, British Columbia. He reads briefly from a report from that committee documenting the history of the Douglas Treaties and states that the Fisheries Act trumps all fishing rights negotiated during the Douglas Treaties signings.
File contains a presentation by Chief Harold Turner discussing seven issues that affect First Nations people: self-government, treaties, natural resources and Aboriginal title to land, economic development, taxation, education and First Nations government financial concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Clarence Apsassin
Description
File contains a presentation by Clarence Apsassin, Blueberry River Reserve. He relates a brief history of Aboriginal people in North America from before 1492 down to the present day. Following this he discusses some of the history of Treaty 8 people, and his own work with various Aboriginal organizations. Apsassin makes a series of recommendations that Aboriginal governments be given more jurisdiction over their own affairs, and control over their own land and resources.
File contains a presentation by Donald D. Cameron focusing on the forestry and mining industry. He urges the Commission to "endorse the concept of multi-use of Canada's natural resources, not just by tourist outfitters, trappers, fishermen and mining and forestry companies, but by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Doris Young of the Indigenous Women's Collective regarding Aboriginal women's issues/views in the realm of the justice system, schools, the Indian Act, training and employment, political systems, and self-governance. Young also stresses the need for Aboriginal women's participation in the establishment of a Charter of Rights for Aboriginal People should such legislation be enacted.
File contains a presentation by George Saddleman. Saddleman welcomes the Commission on behalf of the Nicola Valley Tribal Council, then proceeds to give an organizational breakdown of the organization and discuss its institutional history. Saddleman discusses issues facing the Tribal Council's members such as water rights, fishing and hunting rights, and land claims. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Saddleman for his presentation.
File contains a presentation by John Harker, Canadian representative of the International Labour Organization. The International Labour Office is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Harker delivers an international perspective on the issues faced by indigenous peoples, and discusses how his organization seeks to promote the human rights of indigenous peoples and enchancing their position within national societies. Harker also discusses some of the legal history of indigenous issues within the United Nations, and actions taken by his group.
File contains a presentation by Jim Andersen. Andersen discusses his life in Makkovik and the struggles he has gone through, as well as his great interest in the struggles of Aboriginal people to attain their rightful place in Confederation.
File contains a presentation by John Turner. Turner presents on behalf of the Mushkegowuk Traditional Harvesters. Turner outlines three reasons why it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a living off the land: the activities of animal rights groups who oppose trapping, the activities of sport hunting groups who oppose subsistence rights to hunt, and the development of hydroelectric projects which negatively impact habitat. Turner then goes on to discuss how Aboriginal people have increasingly adopted European values and look with disdain upon trapping as a career choice.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Kelvin Ng
Description
File contains a presentation by Kelvin Ng whose organization deal with political, economic and social issues at the regional level. Their goal is to lobby for changes which will benefit all residents of the region. Subjects discussed are education, economic development, the establishment of a financial institution that would serve area residents, a housing shortage and high rates of employment. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Patrick Polchies. Polchies is a member of the Kingsclear First Nation, and voices his views on a variety of topics including the inherent right to self-governance, the importance of Aboriginal inclusion in the Constitutional process, questions about accountability in Aboriginal governance, fishing rights, the Cultural Properties Act, and religious artifacts. Following the presentation is a brief discussion between Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillet, and the presenter followed by the end of the Commission's session for the day.
File contains a presentation by Paul Dixon stating that the Canadian government has destroyed "most of the hunting societies that have existed since time immemorial." Traplines are being destroyed as forestry operations are wiping out animals' shelter and vegetation for safety of their lives. The cyclical movements of animals and the mating pathways are greatly damaged and Dixon states that innumerable animal and plant species are endangered. He calls on the Commission to help stop the destruction of animals and plants used by trappers for survival.
File contains a presentation by Pearl Calahasen, MLA for the Lesser Slave Lake constituency in Alberta. She begins her presentation by acknowledging she is speaking as an Aboriginal person, not as MLA. She describes her personal experiences with racism when entering high school in a large city, with post-secondary educational institutions, and with her campaign to run for MLA. Calahasen discusses education, economic development, and fishing, hunting and trapping issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a wide ranging presentation by Richard Francis and Darrell Paul of the Kingsclear Maliseet First Nation. The presentation is given on behalf of Chief Stephen Sacobie who was unable to attend due to other commitments. Francis outlines a wide variety of concerns to his people centering around the right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as offering a critique of what he sees as a governmental system driven by greed.
File contains a presentation by Robert Doucette that begins with the history of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan and its locals. He states that Metis people need to have control over education, natural resources, relocation, hunting and trapping, taxation, trade, among other numerous issues. He feels that Metis people deserve the funding allocated to Aboriginal and Inuit people and calls to the Commission to help restore rights and funding to the Metis peoples. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Roger Cousins. Cousins speaks on the topic of land claims in the Eastern arctic. He discusses Aboriginal land claims in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and then the Nunavut claim in the Eastern arctic. In answerance to Commissioner Dussault's earlier question on where the Commission should start Cousins states "a good place to start would be to make sure that the Inuit have a land base in their home communities." Following the presentation Commmissioner Dussault discusses the topic with Cousins.
File contains a presentation by Rita Campbell and Chief Greg Lucus of the Stephenville Crossing Indian Band. Campbell presents on the composition of the band, the need for federal recognition, employment problems, a lack of family services, housing concerns, hunting and fishing rights, linguistic and cultural concerns, health concerns, and self-governance. Following this Chief Greg Lucas discusses health and service issues with Commissioner Erasmus, then with Commissioner Robinson and Tony John, including post-secondary education concerns.
File contains a presentation by Toby Andersen, Labrador Inuit Association. Andersen addresses the issue of the Inuit land claims agreement for northern Labrador which he has been involved with negotiating for several years. Andersen gives his own views on the process and the agreement (including discussion of tourism and fisheries issues), and asks that the Commission intervene on his organization's behalf. Following the presentation is a discussion between Andersen and Commissioners Dussault and Sillett.
File contains a presentation by Vice Chief Alphonse Bird of the Prince Albert Tribal Council. On behalf of the Tribal Council (which represented 12 First Nations at the time), Bird welcomes the Royal Commission to the area and discusses how his organization will be making a more comprehensive presentation on areas of concern to them in La Ronge, Saskatchewan on May 28th. Areas of concern to be highlighted include Treaty Rights, the Constitution, housing, poverty, northern food costs, employment, resource revenue sharing, taxation, infrastructure, health and justice issues.
File contains a presentation by Henry Zoe, MLA, on behalf of the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council. Zoe outlines some of the problems facing the Treaty 11 Council and presents solutions on settling their land claim, institutions of self-governance, and regional economic development. The Treaty 11 Council represents the communities of Rae/Edzo, Lac la Martre, Rae Lakes, and Snare Lake. Following Zoe's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Edward Head
Description
File contains opening remarks by Senator Edward Head. Head discusses his Metis origins and gives an overview of his family's story from the time it left St. Norbert, Manitoba, to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, back to northern Manitoba and his home community of Granville Lake.