Agriculture

Studies how Native Americans reacted to the economic adjustment of losing control of land and resources in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Comments on the agricultural achievements of First Nations peoples, from pre-colonial times to date, on the Canadian Prairies.

RCAP 118 contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Regina Friendship Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan. This sitting of the Commission includes presentations groups concerned with education, economic development, agriculture, and the justice system as well as a Round Table discussion on youth participation. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes a presentation for Elizabeth Metis Settlement by Wilfred Collins concerning education, philosophy and spiritual believes in the Metis community.

File contains a presentation by Roy Louis that initially states that the Commission lacks a Treaty Commissioner so he is already skeptical of the findings of the Commission. His presentation covers a number of issues such as joint ventures and economic development, tourism, forestry, agriculture, and racism. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

The file contains a presentation by Adrian De Groot, past Commissioner of the Northern Manitoba Economic Development Corporation. De Groot discusses the organization's activities with communities in Northern Manitoba; economic enterprises such as wild rice farming, mining, and trapping; sustainable development practices; the organization's mandate and goals. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with De Groot.

File contains a presentation by Albert Delaire, Regional Director, Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Delaire accuses the Commission of over-representing Status Indian concerns to the detriment of Metis people, to which Commissioner Erasmus responds. Following this is a conversation between Delaire and Commissioners Erasmus and Blakeney on the Commissions mandate, and its efforts to include Metis people.

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 Elder Rosie Nelson. Nelson relates her own life history in English and Anishnabe (English translation provided) as well as her views on self-government and economic development (specifically gaming). Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand concludes the day's sitting of the Commission with closing remarks and thanks the participants.

File contains a presentation by Gabe Mentouck, a member of Native Mediation Inc. Mentouck relates why he opposes inherent Indian self-government, and tells a personal story of persecution and abuse by the Chief on his reserve. Mentouck highlights problems with a lack of accountability in Status Indian leadership, a lack of respect for individual rights on reserve, gangsterism and threatening behaviour towards those who opposse the status quo, and unfair treatment of himself from the wider Canadian legal system. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Mr.

File contains a presentation by John Crisp. Crisp discusses the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement, its establishment, history, and socioeconomic condition. Crisp relates problems with the Federal government whose census refuses to acknowledge Paddle Prairie's existence as a Metis Settlement, and a variety of health care, social services, and education concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Crisp and Commissioners Barb Beaulieu and Rene Dussault on these topics.

File contains a presentation by John Zahradnik. Zahradnik discusses Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal worldviews, ranching in the Nicola Valley, and the need to create a cultural synthesis when it comes to land management and use patterns. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Zahradnik for his thoughts.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Regina Friendship Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes a presentation made by Ken Thomas of the Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture Program, concerning treaty rights in agriculture, investment in Indian Farm Units and distribution of treaty land entitlement. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included.

File contains a presentation by Laurent Gagnon of Moral Rearmament. Moral Rearmament (now Initiatives of Change International) is an international moral and spiritual movement that, in 1938, grew out of the Reverend Frank N. D. Buchman's Oxford Group. Gagnon discusses the personal development of his changing views as someone from a Quebecois farming background towards the province's Aboriginal people. Gagnon discusses how his organization has worked to build dialogue and partnerships between communities in conflict worldwide, and the parallels between the Aboriginal and Quebecois experience.

The file contains a presentation by Paul Scotchman on behalf of the Western Indian Agricultural Producers Association. Scotchman discusses Aboriginal agriculture as it relates to the Commission's four areas of focus: relationship, self-determination, self-sufficiency and healing.

File contains an individual presentation by Phillip Sinclair with translator, representing the Shoal River Indian Reserve. It focuses on the water pollution found in the Swan River Valley area and other rivers and creeks that are connected to Shoal River and flow into Lake Winnipegosis. He believes that farmers upstream are using Shoal River as a disposal site and seeks compensation from the Canadian government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Sonny Flett, President of the Fort Chipewyan Metis Local. Flett presents on the concerns of the Metis people of the area, mainly with regard to the impact of industry on the Metis way of life. Flett discusses the negative impact of the Bennett Dam on the Athabasca Delta, polluted water, and a lack of access to education and assistance. Flett also discusses the state of local fisheries and relations with the rest of the Metis Nation of Alberta and the provincial government.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes a presentation for the Mennonite Central Committee of British Columbia by Darryl Klassen and Eric Gilman concerning working to improve agriculture, conservation, health, education and other social needs in the Aboriginal Community. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes a presentation for the Peavine Metis Settlement by Elmer Anderson concerning transportation and utilities and the area of agriculture in the Metis community.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Lloyd Benedict, Henry Lickers and Richard David for the Mohawk Council, Environmental Division on the subjects of water, air and soil safety.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of British Columbia Federation of Agriculture by Cor Vandermeulen. Vandermeulen discusses his organization's role and view towards the British Columbia treaty negotiation process. Vandermeulen discusses the uncertainty his farmer and rancher constituency experiences when Aboriginal leaders discuss changes in land management practices, and power structures.

Looks at the past and present reindeer pastoralists from 1960's to present day.

Book review of: Saskatchewan: A New History by Bill Waiser.

Book review of: Saskatchewan Agriculture: Lives Past and Present edited by Lisa Dale-Burnett.

Looks at reasons for the population's poor health and difficulties encountered when a tribes try to control production, quality and distribution of food. Some of the issues include definition of "traditional food", access, environmental degradation, poaching and invasive species.

Anthropology Thesis (Ph.D.)--Washington University, 2006.

Outlines the implementation of communal title in three pilot villages in the north-East of Cambodia. To access this article, scroll to page 14

Reports on biodiversity tour and discusses seed conservation by people living in a village located in the Khun Jae National Park. To access this article, scroll down to page 14.

The Seventh Annual Report of the United States Board of Indian Commissioners includes reports of living conditions on reservations; correspondence and transcripts of meetings between government officials and Aboriginal chiefs and officials; and lists of Indian Agencies with names of tribes and agents.

Historical note:

Harold Nelson Woodsworth served as an Indian Agent at a number of agencies in Saskatchewan.

A ledger containing a detailed calendar of outgoing correspondence from the [Shellbrook] Agency. Correspondence subjects include medical and school admissions, building and housing construction, and grocery, stationery and agricultural purchases. This ledger contains information relating to private and legal matters of individuals, therefore there are no pages available for viewing.

Historical note:

Harold Nelson Woodsworth served as an Indian Agent at a number of agencies in Saskatchewan.

Looks at the impact shifting cultivation has on the habitat of wildlife and consequences for indigenous people in the Karen communities in Thailand. To access this article, scroll down to page 22.

Debates the impacts of traditional shifting cultivation on land cover, deforestation and carbon emission.

Black and white photograph of Metis cowboys Alex Gladstone and Dan Nault, in western cowboy apparel.

Black and white photograph of four young sarcee cowboys (from left) Anthony Dodging Horse, George Big Plume, Frank One Spot, and Pat Dodging Horse, all wearing western cowboy apparel.

Examines history of reindeer husbandry and present conditions in post Soviet Russia. To access this article, scroll down to page 60.

Discusses a European-styled agricultural community which was developed to facilitate conversion and Europeanization of the semi-nomadic Montagnais in the St. Lawrence Valley.

Profiles three independent cases that reflect the diversity of social enterprise development.

Anthropology Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Arizona, 1968.

Discusses changes in government legislation affecting the industry and the herders.

Looks at the devastating effects of settlement on Zuni tribal lands in northwestern New Mexico and the current land restoration plans.

Uses the example of wheat to illustrate the challenges of transporting and adapting European culture to life in the Americas.

Discusses transformation of livelihood systems, disruption of communities and survival of cultural heritage and identity. To access this article, scroll down to page 30.

Book review of: Stealing the Gila: The Pima Agricultural Economy and Water Deprivation, 1848-1921 by David H. DeJong.

Abstracts and selected papers. Topics were grouped in four areas: global food policy and food safety issues; food production and economic development; food production and sustainable practices; and global perspectives in advancing food security in the Circumpolar world.

Reports on research on current state of swidden agriculture in upland villages and the adaptations employed by locals in response to state pressure on land use. To access this article, scroll down to page 6.

Book review of: 'Taming the Wilderness' by Anne Allingham. To access review, scroll down to page 177.