Manitoba

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

In the 19th century many Cree and Ojibway (Saulteaux) became permanent residents of the grassland borders taking on parts of material culture of the Plains. This paper looks at the change in footwear.

Final Report concludes that Canada (the Crown) did not breach Treaty 1 when it permitted a surrender of the Band's reserve land. Commissioners include: Daniel J. Bellegarde, Alan C. Holman, and Sheila G. Purdy. [This file has been saved and made available online with permission from the Indian Claims Commission website before it closed down in March 2009.]

Historical background and submission to Indian Claims Commission (ICC) in respect to the Crown deducting payments for medical aid from 1909-1934 from the Band's interest trust account. ICC recommended that the claim be accepted for negotiation and that the subject of medical aid is worthy of a comprehensive study to clarify the intentions of the various treaties. [This file has been saved and made available online with permission from the Indian Claims Commission website before it closed down in March 2009.]

File contains a portion of the transcript of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This volume contains presentations of four community social initiatives followed by questions, four community medical initiatives followed by questions, a keynote luncheon address, the presentations of four discussion papers followed by questions, a Round Table discussion and a closing plenary session with general discussions of Day 2.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus and Thelma Chalifoux for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Fort Garry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Thursday, April 23, 1992. Commissioner Erasmus welcomes the participants to this third day of hearings at Fort Garry Place, and Thelma Chalifoux discusses the Metis concept of being a Senator.

RCAP 56 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Anicnabe School Gymnasium, Fort Alexander, Manitoba. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to a variety of issues including self-governance, gaming, environment, and education. The sitting also contains numerous individual presentations on assorted matters, and two by Metis and Women's organizations. Each submission can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Fort Alexander, Manitoba, on October 30, 1992. Moderator Gerald Courchene convenes the Commission, followed by Commissioner Paul Chartrand who thanks the participants in attendance and emphasizes his own roots at nearby St. Laurent, Manitoba. Commissioner Mary Sillett then introduces the Commission staff and says a few words about the Commissions mandate and goals.

File contains an opening prayer, opening and welcoming remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Roseau River, Manitoba on Tuesday, December 8, 1992. Following an opening prayer by Elder Rosie Nelson, Commissioners Paul Chartrand, Viola Robinson, and Allan Blakeney deliver opening remarks discussing the mandate, goals, and composition of the Commission. Following this, Councillor Charlie Nelson of the Roseau River First Nation delivers welcoming remarks to the participants on behalf of the community.

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 opening remarks by Senator Elsie Bear of Selkirk, Manitoba. Bear discusses her happiness with the creation of the Commission, and her Metis roots.

File contains a portion of the transcript of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This file contains the opening proceedings and presentations of four community social initiatives followed by questions on Day 2.

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.

File contains a presentation by Augustine Abraham, President of l'Union nationale metisse St-Joseph du Manitoba, in French. Abraham relates the history of her organization, which was founded to represent the francophone and Roman Catholic Metis community of Manitoba in 1887. She discusses how the idea of a seperate Metis government is contrary to Louis Riel's vision, and how her organization would like to see the Metis as partners in Canada. Abraham also discusses land issues, and the then recent Constitutional talks chaired by Joe Clark (the so-called "Canada Round" of negotiations).

File contains a presentation by Buzzie (Henry) Phillips, and Rudy Simard. These two individuals speak on behalf of the community of Manigotagan, the Manigotagan Community Council, the Aboriginal Council of Manigotagan and Bill C-31 off-reserve Indians and the proposed Chillwee Indian Band. Their presentations make a variety of recommendations to aid Métis and non-Status Indian populations in the area particularly with respect to government jurisdiction, land rights, and natural resources. Following the presentation are remarks by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the presentations.

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.

File contains welcoming remarks by Chief Lawrence Henry, Roseau River. Henry discusses self government issues and welcomes the Commission to Roseau River. Following Chief Henry's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss jurisdictional and self-governance issues with him.

File contains a presentation by Claire Riddle, Vice-President, Winnipeg Region of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Riddle mainly discusses economic matters including education, assistance for entrepreneurs, affirmative action, small business, and self-government for Metis people. She also discusses some Metis history making the assertion that "traditionally the Metis were a commercial nation whose entrepreneurs pursued ventures in national and international trade." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding its contents.

File contains a presentation by Connie Eyolfson of the Strong Earth Women Lodge. Eyolfson first discusses her home community of Traverse Bay, and claims they are First Nations (Non-Status), and not a Métis population as the Métis Federation of Manitoba has claimed. Eyolfson then goes on to describe her organization, the Strong Earth Women Lodge, which provides 24 hour care service for crisis situations. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the content.

File contains a presentation by the Dave Courchene, Jr. of the Mother Earth Spiritual Camp, and closing remarks for the Commission's sitting by Chief Jerry Fontaine. Courchene's presentation deals with his historical perspective on "the spirit of indigenous people," and the need to return to traditional spirituality to heal Aboriginal communities of their social ills. Courchene then delivers his views on the importance of self-governance and Aboriginal sovereignty. Following the presentation is a discussion between Courchene and Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the issues raised therein.

File contains a presentation by Denise Thomas, Southeast Region of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Thomas discusses the need for Métis economic development in her region of Manitoba, and highlights some ways she thinks this can be done through financial and educational infrastructure measures. Following the presentation Thomas engages in a brief discussion with Commissioner Sillet on women's business issues, followed by a comment on the presentation by Commissioner Chartrand.

The file contains a presentation by Donald Saunders, York First Nation. Saunders discusses "the relocation of the York Factory Band, the Treaty Land Entitlements, the Northern Flood Agreement, land claims and land exchanges." Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand discusses some of the issues raised with Saunders.

File contains a presentation by Elder George Courchene. Courchene discusses the history of his people, Treaty, some of their spiritual beliefs, and general Aboriginal issues.

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 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 Fabian Morrisseau and Harold Fontaine. Morrisseau presents on the impact of drug and alcohol abuse on First Nations communities. Fontaine, as an Aboriginal social worker, offers some observations on what he deems unequal citizenship in Canada with regard to drug and alcohol treatment care. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Fontaine and Commissioners Chartrand and Sillet on treatment issues.

This file contains a presentation by Frank McKay that first gives the history of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Department that has policed eight reserves since 1974; Birdtail Sioux, Dakota Plains, Long Plain, Oak Lake Sioux, Roseau River, Sandy Bay, Sioux Valley and Swan Lake, Manitoba. He calls on the Commission to ensure an Aboriginal police training academy situated either in Manitoba or a centrally-located area on the Prairies. McKay then introduces Clarence Daniels, Health Director, Dakota Ojibway Health Services.

The file contains a presentation by Ila Bussidor, Sayisi Dene First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Jill Henderson, a student at the Sagkeeng School. Henderson, who is Junior Chief of her school, presents on the value and importance of learning the Ojibway language. Henderson discusses her views on how language is a key aspect of one's culture, as well as her personal attempts to learn her people's language.

File contains a presentation by Kenneth Emberley. Emberley briefly discusses the Oka Crisis, then presents on the connection between being an administered people and many of the social ills plaguing Aboriginal communities. Emberley then presents a series of ideas on imping the Land Claim process, preserving Aboriginal rights, the need for a whistle-blower's law, and dealing with the legacy of residential schools. The remainder of the presentation deals with world affairs and resource use as the presenter thinks they pertain to the goals of Aboriginal peoples.

File contains a presentation by Kim French. French, a local businessman, discusses his views on on-reserve Casino development at Roseau River, and why he thinks it would be a positive thing for both his community and the First Nation. Following French's comments the Commissioners thank him for his contribution.

File contains a presentation by Lisa Raven, Hollow Water Band, Wanipigow School. Raven discusses her theory that the government has deliberately underfunded Status Indian education which she equates with an act of genocide. She also discusses the need for significant investments in education and economic development on reserves.

File contains a presentation by the Aboriginal Advisory Council. Chairperson Louise Chippeway, Dan Highway, Elsie Moar, Bernice Hilts, Brian Ranville, and Clayton Sandy all contribute. The presenters are all civil servants with the provincial and federal governments and discuss affirmative action programs, overcoming racism, and Aboriginal participation in the labour force. Chairperson Chippeway and Ranville deliver most of the presentation. Following it the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

The file contains a presentation by Peter Sinclair, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Sinclair discusses "our day to day nightmare with the ongoing obstruction and interference by Government Bureaucracies." Sinclair relates some of the Cree Nation's history with regard to resource exploitation, residential schools, land use, racism, the negative impact of hydro-electric development, and related concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson discusses some of the issues raised with Sinclair after which the Commission's sitting is concluded for the day.

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 multiple presentations on the topic of Gaming related issues. The first presentation is by Mary Star and Gary Courchene of the Sakeeng Gaming Commission (pg. 82-84). Star discusses the creation of the Gaming Commission and the hope that proceeds could be used for the betterment of the community. Star also discusses conflict with the provincial government over their plans. Courchene introduces himself but declines to comment on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Senator Bear of the Metis Senate of Manitoba. Bears brief remarks include a welcome to the Commission to the Metis Homeland, and a welcome to the youth in attendance.

File contains a presentation by Senator Fortunate Guiboche, Metis Senate of Manitoba. Fortunate Guiboche welcomes the Commission to the Metis Homeland, and stresses the importance of this homeland to the Metis people, as well as explaning the significance of the Metis Senate to his people. He then introduces a presentation by Senator Bear.

File contains a presentation by Senator Head of the Metis Senate of Manitoba, followed by remarks by Senator Fortunate Guiboche of the same body. Head discusses the need for a level playing field for Metis people, and Guiboche goes on to make a series of remarks and observations on the importance and role of the Royal Commission, as well as his expectations of it. Following this is a wide-ranging discussion between the Metis Senators and the Commissioners.

File contains an a presentation by Sharon Venne of the Saulteau First Nation. She provides her perspective on Aboriginal governance, the Treaty and the failure of non-Aboriginal society to live up to it, conflicts with the province over wildlife management rights, and educational matters. Following Venne's presentation Erasmus discusses some of these issues with her. Venne also discusses the origins of her First Nation in Manitoba, and a trip there to meet with distant Saulteaux relations of her Nation. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Stan Nelson regarding Treaty Land Entitlement. Nelson discusses the Indian Act, Self Governance, and Treaty Land Entitlement for Rouseau River. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Roseau.

File contains a presentation by Steven Katz. Katz discusses justice issues in Canada, and the need for an overhaul of the system due to systemic discrimination toward Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation Katz discusses some of these concerns with Commissioners Chartrand and Sillet.

The file contains a presentation by Sydney McKay of the Manitoba Metis Federation (Thompson Region), and Freda Lundmark, Metis Women of Manitoba. Lundmark discusses Metis youth, employment, cultural, recreational, education, Elders, housing, child care, child support, gender and employment, curricula, Aboriginal languages (including Michif, Cree, and Saulteaux), jurisdiction, justice, health, and general concerns of Metis women and youth in Northern Manitoba.

File contains a presentation by the Gaming Commission by Councillor Ed Hayden in charge of Economic Development and Gaming, Carl Roberts, and General Manager Ernie James of the Gaming Commission. The three presenters discuss relations with the province, gaming developments on the First Nation, Treaty rights, self government, self determination, economic and jurisdictional concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by Tony Belcourt, Constitutional Advisor, Metis National Council. Belcourt adds some remarks to the previous presentation by Marc Leclair, spokesperson for the Metis National Council. Belcourt asks the Commission to act on behalf of Metis peoples to let their history be known to Canadians, and to have them included as equals under the designation of Aboriginal peoples. Belcourt points out that often Metis people have been disregarded and Aboriginal used as a blanket term for First Nations and Inuit people in general parlance.

File contains a presentation by Tony Sinclair, Student, Anicinabe School. Sinclair, who is Junior Chief of Anicinabe School highlights a variety of concerns including: a lack of recreation and related facilities for youth, the need for daycare, the need for improved road infrastructure, the need for running water, and a request that the school board cut funding for band students who go to school off reserve and invest that funding in the community's school instead.

File contains a presentation by Winona Fontaine, Student, Sagkeeng High School. Fontaine presents on the Indian Act, why she views it as "dehumanizing and patronizing" and how she thinks it should be replaced with a piece of legislation that it becomes "a document that will protect Indian land and ensure civil, human, treaty and Aboriginal rights." Following her presentation Moderator Gerald Courchene thanks Fontaine and the two preceding student presenters for sharing their thoughts.

File contains a presentation regarding Child Abuse by Patricia Darling. Darling discusses the use of play therapy to treat troubled children in the school setting on reserve. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand engages in a discussion with Darling on the ideas raised.