Saskatchewan History, vol. 47, no. 1, Spring, 1995, pp. 36-41
Description
These selections from the Duck Lake Indian Agency records illustrate a pattern of negative government attitudes and policies of fiscal austerity towards First Nations peoples and communities. Introduction and commentary by J.R. Miller.
Entire issue on one .pdf, scroll to page 36.
American Indian Quarterly, vol. 19, no. 3, Summer, 1995, pp. 319-339
Description
Author examines 13 treaties made between 1736 and 1762 and collected for publication by Benjamin Franklin; argues that the texts of the treaties demonstrate not only the influence of the Iroquois signatories, but also their worldview and spiritual practice, and function as a form of ritual or ceremony.
International Journal of Canadian Studies, no. 12, Aboriginal Peoples and Canada, Fall, 1995, pp. [221]-234
Description
Reviews opportunities, challenges and difficulties that could arise from implementation of northern land claims.
Scroll down to page 221 to read article.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Charles Joseph Bernard
Description
File contains a presentation by Charles Joseph Bernard, Jr. of the Whycocomagh First Nation. Bernard was a sitting member of the Nova Scotia Working Committee on the Constitution. He discusses the relationship of his people with the Government of Canada including the Sylliboy case, residential schools, Treaties, the Donald Marshall case, his thoughts on the Royal Commission, some of the problems facing Aboriginal youth today, the justice system, racism, self-governance, culture, government funding, and other issues pertaining to Aboriginal people in Canada.
RCAP 12 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Joe A. Ross School, The Pas, Manitoba. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations related to various First Nations, women's, youth, educational organizations and individual's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
RCAP 57 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Mah-Sos School Gymnasium in Tobique, New Brunswick. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations by a series of community groups, and individuals on topics including education, women's issues, treaties, and Micmac history. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Park Plaza Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, on Monday, November 2, 1992. Elder Fred Plain relates an anecdote about cross-cultural understanding, discusses the Aboriginal community in metro Toronto, and welcomes the Commission. Following this are various brief introductory remarks by regional Commission coordinator Pat Chilton, and Commissioners Bertha Wilson, Mary Sillet, and Allan Blakeney.
File contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Windigo First Nations Band Office, Sioux Lookout, Ontario, on Tuesday, December 2, 1992. Commissioner Bertha Wilson explains the mandate, composition, and goals of the Royal Commission. Wilson welcomes the participants and discusses the purpose of the day's sitting which is an opportunity for Aboriginal youth in the community to voice their concerns and issues.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Roseau River, Manitoba on Tuesday, December 8, 1992. File contains presentations by Aboriginal organizations and community groups. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains closing remarks by Allan Blakeney and Viola Robinson, Commissioners. Blakeney summarizes today's presentations as giving a strong message of concern about treaty and Aboriginal rights and the fact that these are being ignored by the Canadian government.
File contains closing remarks by Chief Jim Omeasoo that includes a story about his grandfather who was alive at the time of the 1876 Treaty Six signing.
File contains an individual presentation by Betty Hardisty, teacher, via translator. She discusses her experiences with teaching Slave children about treaties and displays her students' wall murals that portray their understanding of treaties. Her students are fifth-generation relatives of the treaty signatories.
File contains an individual presentation by Charles Wagamese stating that the federal government has not fulfilled their treaty obligations and must fulfil them as representatives of the Queen. He calls for an end to patriarchy and for more input from elders relating to political leadership. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Clive Linkletter, a treaty status Aboriginal, focusing on Aboriginal self-government, treaty rights and on Section 35. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a brief presentation by Lawrence Standing-On-The-Road that touches on economic development, treaty rights, land claims and self-government.
File contains an introductory presentation by Henry Wetelainen of the Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association. He introduces five zone presidents of the Association: Sheilagh Chief, Howard Restoule, Ron Swain, Joe Major and Agnes Lidstone. The zones include 63 communities; Metis communities, off-reserve Aboriginal people, those with band membership, those who are treaty, and have chosen to work within the organization. Wetelainen introduces the first speaker, Ron Swain.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Lorne Waditaka
Description
File contains opening remarks mainly by Chief Lorne Waditaka, Chief of the Wahpeton First Nation. Waditaka discusses national issues such as the Constitution and First Nations place in it, the development of self-governance structures, the need for continued federal responsibilities and the importance of the treaties, the Metis people and their place in Canada, urban aboriginals, justice issues, social issues, and what he hopes will be gained from the hearings of the Royal Commission. Waditaka then introduces Commissioners Bertha Wilson, Paul Chartrand, Rene Dussault, and Mary Sillet.
File contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus delivered at the hearing of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at La Ronge, Saskatchewan on Thursday May 28, 1992. Erasmus intorduces the Commission and its mandate to the people in attendance, and discusses a wide range of Aboriginal issues as well as his hopes that the Commission will be an excercise in developing positive solutions to issues rather than just another study.
File contains a panel discussion regarding sovereignty and jurisdiction featuring Terry Nelson, Leonard Nelson, and the assembled Commissioners. The Nelsons discuss sovereignty and jurisdiction matters as they relate to Aboriginal peoples, and particularly to the Ojibway people in Manitoba in the context of international law, economics, and race relations. The assembled Commissioners discuss some of the ideas raised with the Nelsons.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Addison Crow
Description
File contains a presentation by Addison Crow, Blood Indian Reserve. Crow discusses self-governance, and a written presentation that has been submitted to the Commissioners dealing with 31 issues based on ten years of research ranging from health care, social services, "the Indian Act, et cetera, et cetera." Crow mentions that he feels like a "cat within a dog pen because my relatives here did not sign the treaties and we did in Alberta." Crow formally requests the Commission visit the Blood reserve in Alberta.
File contains an individual presentation by Agnes Gendron describing the impact of Bill C-31 upon her personally. Relatives of the speaker were present at the signing of Treaty Six in 1876 and she questions whether Aboriginal women will ever enjoy the full rights that the treaties should have provided them. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Alex Cywink. He discusses his views on Aboriginal issues in Ontario, including his discussions with Howard Hampton and the provincial government, the importance of honouring existing treaties before negotiating new agreements, and his views on the work of the Royal Commission. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cywink and Commissioners Dussault and Erasmus on the issues raised.
File contains a presentation by Barbara Johnson, a Micmac person from Hants County, Nova Scotia. Johnson discusses a wide variety of issues including Micmac identity, the Indian Act, Aboriginal women's issues, drugs, mobility rights, traditional lifestyles, and Education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners on issues covered.
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.
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 Archie Waguan of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. Waguan discusses the relationship his people have had with the government of Canada since they signed Treaty Eight in 1899, and the negative impact that the Canadian government and industry have had on their community and the environment which sustains it. Waguan questions the intentions of the Commission and its mandate. Commissioner Blakeney responds to the concerns raised by Waguan, and Commissioner Chartrand also contributes some comments.
File contains a presentation by Chief Berni Metecheah, Halfway First Nation. Chief Metecheah outlines some of his concerns over resource development (specifically logging activities) disrupting trap lines, and associated pollution. Metecheah also highlights his concerns with sport hunters wasting moose carcasses and over-hunting in the area, as well as the detrimental impact of herbicides on his community.
File contains a presentation by Chief Bill Erasmus of the Dene Nation. Erasmus welcomes the Commission to Denedeh, the Dene homeland, and discusses "the policy that the government has adopted over the years regarding discussions with our peoples in Canada concerining the spelling out of our rights and the requirement for extinguishment," as well as the traditional Dene economy of hunting and trapping. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Erasmus.
File contains a presentation by Chief Calvin McArthur of the Pheasant Rump Nakoda Band. McArthur is also a representative of the Dakota Nation Chiefs. McArthur explains his view that the Treaties are nation to nation agreements, and relates how his own band signed an adhesion to Treaty No. 4 in 1876.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
File contains a opening remarks by the Chief of the Eskasoni First Nation welcoming the Commission to his territory. It also contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus discussing the beginning of the "hearing phase" of the Commission's work, and the areas to be covered in its mandate including: self-government, treaties, a land base for people, economic development, women's issues, elder's issues, youth issues, the constitution, and "just about anything you might think of that affects aboriginal people. Our mandate covers all aboriginal people in all parts of the country."
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
George Fern
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief George Fern, Prince Albert Tribal Council. Fern states that he is the Chief of the Fond du Lac First Nation, and that resource co-management and revenue sharing is the position his Nation takes on economic development in the area which he believes is consistent with Treaty.
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.
File contains a presentation by Chief Harry Cook, La Ronge Indian Band. Cook welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand to La Ronge, and expresses his solidarity with other Aboriginal peoples such as the Metis. Cook also discusses the importance of Treaties to his people.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Jerry Fontaine
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Jerry Fontaine, Sagkeeng First Nation. Fontaine delivers a critique of the record of Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative government arguing that "the track record of this government on listening to its citizens is one that leaves much to be desired. I think this is what troubles me most about this exercises [the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples]." Fontaine presents a variety of Canadian Constitutional, Treaty relationship, and Department of Indian and Northern Affairs concerns.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Roger Augustine
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Roger Augustine of the Union of New Brunswick Indians. Augustine delivers a presentation on the history of his people, Constitutional issues, Treaties, self-governance, land claims, and related issues. Following this he discusses land claims and justice models with Commissioner Erasmus.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Stewart Paul
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Stewart Paul of the Tobique First Nation. Paul welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson to Tobique, then proceeds to discuss the history of the First Nation, its part in Pre-Confederation Treaties, the creation of their reserve, its war veterans in numerous global conflicts, notable individuals from Tobique, and some of the economic and social concerns faced by the nation. Paul also elaborates on some of the programming undertaken by the community to deal with these concerns.
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 Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus during the first public meeting of said Commission. Erasmus spoke about how Chief Thunderchild viewed the need to hold on to Aboriginal land rights, and how this was still important in the nineteen-nineties.
File contains a presentation by Diane Dokkie. Dokkie discusses Aboriginal education concerns in Fort St. John. She emphasizes the need for curriculum changes, greater understanding and awareness on the part of non-Aboriginal educators, and related concerns. Dokkie also discusses band schools. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners engage Dokkie in a discussion on some of these issues.
File contains a presentation by Earl Magnusson, Director of Urban Development, Federation of Saskatchewan Indians. Magnusson speaks on the issues facing urban Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan. He discusses Treaty rights, self-governance, and municipal service delivery. Following the presentation is a discussion between Magnusson and Commissioners Wilson, Chartrand, and Erasmus on these issues as well as the "portability" of Aboriginal rights.
File contains a presentation by Eric Robinson, President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. Robinson discusses his organizations purpose, and mainly focuses on the problems facing the urban Status and Treaty people in Winnipeg, and across Canada. He stresses the need for the Federal government to take action on behalf of Treaty people who live off reserve to alleviate poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to services. Following the presentation, Robinson introduces Mary Guilbeault's (also fo the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg) presentation.
File contains a presentation by Ethel Blondin, MP, who briefly discusses a multitude of concerns relating to Aboriginal, Metis and Dene peoples. She calls for a national youth conference on issues such as AIDS education, substance abuse and single parent families. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Fourth Vice-Chief Tom Iron of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Iron presents on health care, and specifically what it means to the FSIN in the Treaty Six area. He discusses the paramount importance of the treaties, and their meaning to Saskatchewan First Nations. He also discusses some of the Health provisions in Treaty no. Six. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand discusses the FSIN defintion of "nation" with Iron.
File contains a presentation by Gaby Bird. Bird is a representative of the Mushekegowuk Student Services organization. Bird discusses treaty and educational concerns. Bird sees it as fundamental that non-Aboriginal society be educated in Aboriginal history and culture from an early age to bridge the gaps of ignorance between the two peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson with Beck and preceding presenter Hunter on their educational programs.
File contains an a presentation by Chief George Desjarlais of the West Moberly First Nation. He discusses the history of his people and their entrance into Treaty Eight. Desjarlais states that the government has not lived up to its end of the Treaty, which was intended to provide for peaceful co-existence and shared land management by the two peoples. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the points raised with Desjarlais.