The Pas

A picture of people outside the Anglican Church at The Pas, Manitoba. Date unknown.

This file contains excerpts from a type-written diary called "Northern Saskatchewan Holiday," by Annie M. (Nan) McKay and Christina Bateman, 9 August to 16 September 1919. It highlights their trip to Lac la Ronge. There is also a list of photographs from the trip that are held at Saskatchewan Archives Board.

Image of people deboarding a paddlewheeler. Description reads: "Duke and Duchess of Devonshire arriving at The Pas after a 'shoot', Duchess shot 15 ducks 'on the wing.' September 15, 1919."

This chapter of Reginald Beatty's diary relates to travelling in The Pas, Manitoba area using dogsleds. Item found within folder 'Reginald Bird Beatty Papers.'

Historical note:

Peace and Conflict Studies Thesis (M.A.)--University of Manitoba, 2014.

A photograph titled Indian Sweat tents. Probably taken near The Pas, Manitoba circa 1930s.

Historical note:

Ernest J. Morris (1905-2004) was a lumberman who lived and worked near the reserve (Opaskwayak?) at The Pas, Manitoba ca. 1930s-1940s.

Image of Morin standing on the road, buildings and brush in the background. Description reads: "John Morin, our canoeman from Lac La Ronge to The Pas came to station to say 'good-bye' to us."

Discusses two schools that share a common name, but are located in different regions of Manitoba and under different Anglican Dioceses.

The Pas Lumber Company on Reserve at The Pas, Manitoba. 1947.

A panoramic view of The Pas Lumber Co. mill on a reserve. It is winter. There is lots of snow and a small cabin in the foreground.

A view of The Pas Lumber Co. mill in the winter on an unspecified reserve. No people in the picture.

This chapter of Reginald Beatty's diary relates to fine fur trapping in The Pas, Manitoba area in the spring.

Historical note:

RCAP 11 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, Metis, Civic, Educational organizations and individual's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

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.

File contains a presentation by Ms Evelyn Ballantyne from the Opasquiak Women's Centre. Ballantyne discusses three topics: Indian Act, Aboriginal self-government, Women's resources. Following the presentation is a discussion between Ms Ballentyne and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand regarding these topics.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand at the first sitting of the Royal Commission in The Pas, Manitoba. Blakeney reflects on the mandate of the Commission and its composition, while Chartrand reflects on the historical significance of The Pas and his own families association with the community.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioner Allan Blakeney. He introduces his co-chair, Paul Chartrand, a Metis from Manitoba and also introduces Elder George Lathlin from The Pas.

The file contains a presentation by Andrew Kirkness, Indian Council, First Nations of Manitoba, and President Glen McIvor of the Wabowden Treaty Council. Kirkness discusses off-reserve Treaty people's issues including relations with the Department of Indian Affairs, Bill C-31 issues, the Northern Flood Agreement, education funding, economic development, provincial funding, housing, cultural programs, hunting, justice issues, views on the Royal Commission, views on the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, and land issues.

File contains a presentation by Brian Cook. Cook discusses the need to incorporate Aboriginal history into school curriculums, the importance of having a land base, the Indian Act, the lack of an economic base for the reserve system, and problems with the justice system. Much of Cook's presentation deals with systemic racism. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cook and the Commissioners on the issues he has raised.

File contains remarks by Chief Andrew Kirkness welcoming the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba, and expressing his hopes for the process.

File contains a presentation by Chief Flett regarding issues including self-government, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, land, resources, the environment, gambling, fiscal arrangements, health, social services, economic development, on-reserve policing, the justice system, education, housing, and community infrastructure. Following the presentation is a discussion between Chief Flett and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand regarding the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains remarks by Chief Flett of the Pas First Nation welcoming the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba.

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 Pascal Bighetty and Darryl Linkletter, Junior Chief, representing the Missinipi people of the Churchill River area. Bighetty describes systems of indigenous self-government in other countries and the limits put on band councils by the Canadian government. He states that if South Africa can "invite the First Nations of Africa to sit side by side in the Parliament," then Canada should have Aboriginal Members of Parliament in the near future. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Daniel Daniels and Delilah Young speaking about the need for concerned adults becoming involved in the lives of Aboriginal youth. Without positive adult role models, Aboriginal youth may fall prey to alcohol, drug and solvent abuse and youth centres would allow Aboriginal youth to spend free time constructively. A discussion with the Commissioners follow the three The Pas Youth Project Committee speakers.

File contains remarks by Diane Delaronde of the Pas Region, Manitoba Metis Federation. Delaronde welcomes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba on behalf of her organization.

The file contains a presentation by Evelyn Ballantyne. Ballantyne discusses Bill C-31 and its effects on the lives of Aboriginal women in Manitoba with reference to housing, discrimination, lack of consultation of women on major political decisions, and the Charlottetown Accord referendum. Edith Young discusses women's and general Aboriginal issues including loss of culture and language, violence and residential schooling, family violence, the need for financial aid, the need for healing lodges, alcoholism, and political corruption at the band level.

File contains a presentation by Fletcher Stewart and Lydia Constant of the Henry Budd College for Ministry. The Henry Budd College for Ministry is an academic institution under the auspices of the Diocese of Brandon, Anglican Church of Canada. Its purpose is to equip persons for ministry in the Church. The aims of the College are three-fold: a) Academic and practical education of Aboriginal people for Christian ministry (lay and ordained) primarily but not exclusively in the Anglican Church of Canada.

File contains a presentation by Glen Ross discussing the Health Transfer Agreement of 1992 and the difficulties associated with transferring control of health services to First Nations. Other topics discussed include AIDS prevention and dentistry services. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Irene Personius. Personius discusses issues related to education, and how the school system has impacted her own family. Following the presentation are some brief comments from Commissioner Blakeney, followed by Mr. Nathan McGillivary initiating closing prayers by a community elder, and the adjournment of the day's proceedings.

File contains an individual presentation by John Constant detailing the loss of Aboriginal culture and how "the white man took advantage of our God fearing nature of welcming people into our fold." He relates a number of stories of how Aboriginal people are lacking the "spirituality, respect, honesty, and leadership" that was common pre-contact. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Kathy Martin addressing the need for Aboriginal women to be equal participants in the political, social, economic, legal and education systems. Martin also discusses the justice system and believes that Aboriginals "have the right to form our own justice system."

File contains a presentation by Lawrence Whitehead. Whitehead presents his views on self-governance, treaties, and recounts his personal role in shaping tribal councils in Manitoba. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioner Chartrand and Mr. Whitehead on Treaties and the Indian Act.

File contains an individual presentation by Leo Marcellous. He states that the Aboriginal way of life has been lost due to colonization and compares the Ten Commandments to the four circles once taught to Aboriginals - 'I' (yourself), family, community and nation (all peoples). He states that elders speak of this time in the past where "the old way of our people, our forefathers, the way they used to think, the way their values were of life" would be essential in helping Aboriginal people to heal themselves. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Marion Lindsay discussing the substandard housing conditions that are commonplace in the Umpherville settlement. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners. She calls for the repair of the local community hall, hub of activity in the settlement. She introduces Mrs. MacKenzie, member.

File contains remarks by Mayor Bruce Unfried of the town of The Pas, Manitoba. Unfried welcomes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to his community, and expresses his hopes for the process on behalf of himself and the town council.

File contains a presentation by Mrs. MacKenzie, president of the Umpherville, MB Women's Group. Translating is Marion Lindsay. Mrs. MacKenzie asks the Commission to have the federal government "ask the people what they want first, no what the government wants for the people to do." A discussion with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Richard Chaske, President of the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres. He discusses the history and role of Friendship Centres in assisting urban aboriginal peoples in Manitoba, believing that more government resources should be available to implement programs to ease the transition from reserve life to urban life. Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand provide questions and comments.

File contains a presentation by Rod Martin of the Indian Council of First Nations. Martin discusses the impact of his experiences working for the government, his perspective on the Indian Act and the problems it has caused for First Nations.

File contains a presentation by Mr. Ron Nadeau of Native Communications Inc. Nadeau discusses the history of his organization and the importance of Aboriginal broadcasting, government funding, broadcasting in the Cree language, and their relationship with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Following the presentation is a discussion between Nadeau and Commissioner Blakeney and Paul Chartrand on broadcasting in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

File contains a presentation by Sandra Delaronde, Vice President of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. Delaronde discusses the status of Aboriginal women in their relationship within Aboriginal organizations, and Aboriginal communities, as well as offering a few suggestions to the Commission. Following the presentation is a discussion between Delaronde and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Sandra DeLaronde and Doug Lovestead focusing on post-secondary education, giving the history of Keewatin Community College and statistics on Aboriginal student graduation rates. Proposals include the establishment of an Aboriginal council that participates in the decision making process of Keewatin Community College, and the establishment of an Aboriginal learning centre at The Pas and Thompson campuses. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Stan Sinclair and Brian Sinclair of the Moose Lake Metis Federation. The Sinclairs discuss how they feel that the Metis' aboriginal rights have been suppressed, that government assistance provided is completely inadequate, and that the Metis have lost many of their cultural traditions. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney and the two presenters on some of the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Tom Nepetayo of the Indian Council of First Nations. Nepetayo addresses the Commission, and Commissioner Blakeney in particular, with regards to Aboriginal self-governance and intergovernmental affairs in this context. Blakeney addresses the points raised by Mr. Nepetayo, and following this a discussion occurs between the two Commissioners and the three presenters from the Indian Council of First Nations (Chief Andrew Kirkness, Rod Martin and Tom Nepetaypo) on a variety of issues raised in their presentations.

File contains a presentation by William Lathlin. Lathlin, a Councillor of The Pas First Nation, discusses his views on the workplace, worker's compensation, and discrimination in the workplace. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioner Blakeney and Mr. Lathlin on some of the workplace issues he raised.

File contains opening remarks by Alex Skead in the Ojibway language (translation in English given as text). Alex discusses his personal spiritual beliefs, the importance of the sweat, and fasting, and the importance of a healthy culture in producing healthy individuals in the wider society.

File contains opening remarks by Samaria Reynolds of The Pas, Manitoba. She touches on a variety of issues including education accessibility, medical care for northerners, her own disability and the issues that has raised for her, issues arising with her reinstatement under Bill C31 (which gave many Aboriginal women back their Status under the Indian Act), her children and grandchildren and the experiences they've faced, the problem of youth suicide, and the importance of learning from Elders.

File contains a presentation by the Reverend Verna Jebb and Mr. Ron Buck of the Moose Lake Bible Group. Jebb and Buck discuss some of the social problems afflicting their community including gas sniffing, a lack of recreational opportunities for youth, alcholism and other substance abuse, illicit drugs, gambling, violent crime, property crime, and the need for community based funding. Following the presentation is a short discussion between the presenters and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on the issues covered, as well as community policing and police resources.

File contains a presentation by Chief Andrew Kirkness in English and Cree (translation provided in text). Kirkness discusses the historical relationship between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Canadians, land claims, intergovernmental affairs, the Constitution, the status of off reserve First Nations people, Education, nothern conditions, the Indian Act, economic issues, cultural issues, the importance of Elders to First Nations governance, and the situation of Aboriginal youth.