Fort Chipewyan

Looks at the water crisis on reserves, and the right to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Photograph of children praying to a newly-arrived French statue of the Virgin Mary at Holy Angels Boarding School, Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, June 1931. From the book The Face Pullers: Photographing Native Canadians, 1871-1939 by Brock Silversides.

Photograph 1 of 2 of a fur delivery. On back: "Fur from HBC Fort Chipewyan" [Alta].

Photograph 2 of 2 of a fur delivery. On back: "$25.00 worth of furs leaving Fort Chipewyan 1961."

Image of Hudson's Bay Company buildings. On back of smaller image: H.B.Co. buildings / Ft. Chipewyan / used by McKenzie / Hearne / Franklin / Simpson.

Political Science Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Alberta, 2003.

RCAP 44 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, Athabasca Delta Community School. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations by various First Nations and Metis leaders, school staff and students, as well as individuals from the community. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains opening remarks for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples sitting at Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, on Thursday, June 18, 1992. Remarks by Commissioners Blakeney, Chartrand, and Marcel outline the mandate and goals of the Commission, and translation arrangements for the Fort Chipewyan venue.

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 Tony Mercredi, of the Athabasca Chipewyan Band. Mercredi welcomes the Commission, and remarks on his participation at the World Summit Conference in Rio. Mercredi then proceeds to deliver a presentation on the relationship between Canada and Aboriginal peoples and how he thinks it must be renogiated based on new principles of trust and understanding. Mercredi also disucsses the impact of pollution on his community with regard to the uranium mining, oil sands extraction and pulp mills.

File contains a presentation by Emile Trip-de-Roche. Trip-de-Roche discusses the mandate of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and her personal views on it. Trip-de-Roche advances a critical view of the Commission's mandate discussing such issues as natural resources, parks, burial grounds, and land claims. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney with Trip-de-Roche regarding the Commission and its mandate, followed by an adjournment of the days proceedings.

File contains a presentation by Jim Carberry. Carberry discusses his favourable impressions of Canada as a youth in Northern Ireland, and his shock and disgust at the position of Aboriginal people in Canadian society when he arrived here. Carberry discusses how he sees Aboriginal problems as mirroring those of other minorities around the world, and makes some suggestions to increase Aboriginal pariticipation in the wider society. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney with Carberry on some of these topics.

File contains a presentation by John Stewart. Stewart, a member of the Youth Justice Committee, discusses youth justice concerns particularly with regard to young Metis children. Stewart asks that funding be provided to treat these children in the community rather than sending them away to jails. Following Stewart's presentation is a discussion between Stewart, Chief Tony Mercredi, and Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney on youth justice issues.

File contains a presentation by Margo Vermillion, a Fort Chipewyan resident who works as co-ordinator of a temporary elders care unit in the community. Vermillion discusses seniors issues in the community, particularly in terms of long-term care. She discusses the need for such a facility in the community itself, and the detrimental effects of removing seniors from their home community for long-term care. Following the presentation is a discussion between Vermillion and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on senior's issues.

File contains a presentation by Sharon Venne, Lubicon Cree First Nation. Venne discusses the history of the Lubicon Cree, how they were left out of Treaty Number Eight, and the negative impact the oil industry has had on their community. Venne discusses the Lubicon land claim and the standoff between the Cree and the government of Canada. Following the presentation is a discussion between Venne and Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney on these issues.

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.

File contains presentations by the staff and students of Athabasca Delta Community School. Included are remarks by Principal George Vander Loose, students Skylar Nelson, Rebecca Flett, Nicole Martin, Nicole Fraser, and teacher Ms Armstrong. Principal Vander Loose welcomes the Commission and acts as Master of Ceremonies for the other presenters.

Note in file: Between McMurray and Fort Chipewyan, Alberta.

Study involved interviews, observations, written surveys, meetings, and other consultations. Sample drawn from residents of Wabasca, Fox Lake, Ft. Mckay, and Fort Chipewyan in 2007-2008.