Overview of unmapped Métis and non-status First Nations settlements in the Winnipeg suburbs, focusing on the settlement of Rooster Town.

RCAP 1 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Fort Garry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 21, 1992. This was the inagural sitting of the Commission and contains a variety of presentations related to various non-Aboriginal Canadian ethnic groups, Metis, and First Nations organizations. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 153 contains a round table discussion from a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Wednesday, June 2, 1993.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Thursday, June 3, 1993. Following an opening prayer, Commissioner Paul Chartrand delivers opening remarks describing the Commission's mandate, composition, and goals. Commissioner Bertha Wilson also delivers some brief introductory remarks.

RCAP 154 contains a transcript of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Thursday, June 3, 1993. The file contains presentations by a variety of Aboriginal and community organizations.

RCAP 2 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Fort Garry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 22, 1992. This was the inagural sitting of the Commission and contains a variety of presentations related to various non-Aboriginal Canadian ethnic groups, Metis, and First Nations organizations. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 3 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Fort Garry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 23, 1992. This was the inagural sitting of the Commission and contains a variety of presentations related to various non-Aboriginal Canadian ethnic groups, Metis, and First Nations organizations. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

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.

File contains closing remarks by Justice Sinclair and each of the Commissioners present in relation to the days proceedings and myriad opening presentations on April 21, 1992 in Winnipeg. The Commissioners discuss highlights of the presentations from their own perspectives, and extend thanks to the participants, then the Commission meeting is adjourned and scheduled to resume the following day.

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.

This file contains a round table discussion from a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Wednesday, June 2, 1993. This portion includes opening comments from Moderator Roland Penner, Menno Wiebe, Spokesman, Mennonite Central Committee and Commissioners Paul Chartrand and Bertha Wilson.

File contains a brief prayer in Inuit by Co-Chair Rene Dussault, followed by an introduction of Elder Angus Merrick by Phil Fontaine. Angus Merrick, who is ninety years of age, delivers a prayer in his native language, then makes a few comments on youth regarding cultural awareness and linguistic retention.

File contains opening remarks on the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples by Justice Sinclair and Paul Chartrand. Discusses the Commission, its mandate, and the historical significance of Winnipeg as the starting point for the Commission.

File contains opening remarks on the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples by Rt. Hon Brian Dickson. Dickson speaks on the creation of the Commission, his appointment by Prime Minister Mulroney, the mandate, and composition of the Commission, which Dickson was largely entrusted with enacting. Dickson lists the seven Commission members and provides some biographical background data on them, as well as the importance of dialogue in establishing a new shared future for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

File contains a presentation by Alex Skead, Migweech Elder. Skead outlines his spiritual views, his background, and the problem of Alcohol abuse.

File contains opening remarks by President Art Miki of the National Association of Japanese Canadians. Miki discusses what he sees as problems in the telling of Canadian history, as well as his hopes for the Commission and that the lives of Aboriginal people across the country will be improved by it.

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).

The file contains a presentation by BillyJo De La Ronde, Labour Canada. De La Ronde discusses his ideas on Metis history, politics, economic development, education, self-governance, and self-determination (between the last two concepts he draws a clear distinction). Following the presentaiton Commissioner Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with De La Ronde.

The file contains presentations by Bishop Sjoberg, Dr. Kuhn, and Cathy Dorland, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The Bishop delivers a brief expressing solidarity with Aboriginal Canadians, and contrition for historical wrongs. Bishop Sjoberg then discusses what is necessary for a new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians, and some of the work the ELCIC has done to bring this about and increase cross-cultural understanding. Dr. Kuhn discusses self-determination issues in a political and economic sense.

This file contains a presentation by Brenda Genaille outlining the projected negative effects of program funding cuts by the federal government for 1993-1994. Genaille details some of the programs offered by the Brandon Friendship Centre, including the Adult Basic Literacy Program, a pre-employment training program, drug and alcohol awareness programs, and a human justice court worker program. Genaille introduces Richard Chaske, President of Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres, who takes part in the question-and-answer session with the Commissioners after the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Brian Henderson that brings greetings to the Commission on behalf of Hon. James McCrae, Minister of Justice for Manitoba. He discusses the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry Report and how his department is attempting to fulfill the myriad of recommendations at the provincial government level. He also mentions the valuable role of elders within the justice system.

The file contains a presentation by Celeste McKay and Joyce Courchene, Indigenous Womens Collective. McKay and Courchene discuss Aboriginal women's issues with relation to self-determination, economics, and the Indian Act. They make some policy recommendations to the Commission with regard to these issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Chief Edmund Metatawabin focusing on Aboriginal self-government. He states that local First Nations government must be empowered first to oversee health and family services, education, public works and security, police protection, housing, and other issues relating to First Nations on a local level. Once that structure is in place can Aboriginal leaders call for self-government on a national level. Cecilia Scott, youth representative, speaks briefly about the importance of education for Aboriginal youth.

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 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 Commission Co-Chair Rene Dussault during the first public meeting of said Commission. Dussault discusses the importance of discussion, and listening in the Commission process. “We know that many Aboriginal people are tired of being studied by others. They want to speak directly to us, and we want to hear from them. We want to hear their views of history and of what the future could or should hold for them. Similarly, we want to hear from the non-Aboriginal Canadians, who have not only a right, but an obligation to participate in this debate.

File contains a presentation by Dave Mowat, a University of Manitoba student, regarding education funding, band governance, self-government, and issues he's encountered as a Bill C-31 person.

The file contains a presentation by David Chartrand and Pat Harper of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Chartrand and Harper, representing the Winnipeg Region of the Federation, discuss a brief history of their organization as an urban based entity, Metis membership's issues from an urban perspective, self-determination and self-governance in an urban setting, education and training issues, employment issues, economic development issues, family issues, cultural issues, child care, and cultural issues.

File contains a presentation by Doris Young of the Indigenous Women's Collective regarding Aboriginal women's issues/views in the realm of the justice system, schools, the Indian Act, training and employment, political systems, and self-governance. Young also stresses the need for Aboriginal women's participation in the establishment of a Charter of Rights for Aboriginal People should such legislation be enacted.

File contains a presentation by Dorothy Betz, President of the Ke Ki Nan Centre. Presenting alongside Dorothy is Claire Ross, Property manager of the Ke Ki Nan Centre. The Centre was the first urban Aboriginal senior's home of its kind in Canada, and the presenters talk about its establishment and goals. Some comments are also made by the Commissioners regarding the Centre.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Sheehan, a non-Aboriginal doctor who works on the Sagkeeng First Nation's lands. Sheehan gives his view of the poverty facing First Nations in Canada, the problems of isolation, the diabetes epidemic among First Nations, problems with the education system, health care accessibility issues, the need for an Aboriginal health care organization as an arm of Aboriginal government, and related concerns. Following the presentation are remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand thanking the preceding five presenters for their presentations.

File contains a presentation by by Earl Campbell, Joe Baptiste, and Amanda Gail Daniels, Anishnaabe Owayishi. Campbell discusses their organization Anishnaabe Oway-Ishi Inc. (based in Winnipeg, MB) which he describes as "a pre-training program for employment and training opportunities program for Aboriginal youth." Amanda Gail Daniels speaks about racism, employment equity, and the welfare system. Joe Baptiste discusses the government and economics as they pertain to Aboriginal people in Canada.

File contains a presentation by Elijah Harper regarding a wide variety of issues including self-governance, the Constitution of Canada, previous Royal Commissions, Justice, and some of his personal experiences. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

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 Evelyn Webster, Vice-President, Indigenous Women's Collective to the Commission. Webster provides a brief historical overview of her organization, and its mandate to address the social, economic, and political issues confronting Aboriginal women in Manitoba. Webster then goes on to discuss the traditional role of women in Aboriginal societies, and traditional Aboriginal values.

The file contains a presentation by Flora Zaharia and Cam Mackie, Frontier College. Zaharia and Mackie discuss the College's operations as the oldest adult educational institution in Canada, and its' relationship and programs for Aboriginal peoples. Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Fred Shore, President, Aboriginal Staff, Student Network, University of Manitoba. Shore discusses suggestions to enhance and improve Aboriginal experiences and participation in post-secondary institutions. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with the Commissioners.

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.

The file contains presentations by Ron Zong, Gail Watson, and Jerry McNeil, of the Manitoba Association of School Trustees. The presenters discuss their philosophy of education, the struggle for Aboriginal rights, the need for Aboriginal perspectives and local control over education, building trust between communities, the legacy of residential schools in Canada, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by Gilbert Cheechoo focusing on the loss of Aboriginal culture. He is frustrated that his years of service with numerous Aboriginal organizations have done little to help. Cheechoo feels the Canadian Government needs to abandon the broken system it has in place and settle the land claims and self-government issues. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Grace Menconse, Vice-President of Native Mediation Inc. Menconse, a Bill C-31 person, discusses her groups problems with an undefined self-government, jurisdictional issues, with lack of accountability and transparency in Band politics, and the need to apply the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Status Indians. Menconse also discusses electoral fraud and serious human rights abuses which she accuses Aboriginal leadership of being complicit in.

The file contains a presentation by Mary Guilbeault and Jennifer Wood of the Winnipeg First Nations Tribal Council. Guilbeault and Wood discuss their organization's mandate, composition, and operations in Manitoba. Specifically they address concerns such as employment, off-reserve people's reasons for leaving, rights issues, overrepresentation in prisons, racism and discrimination, funding concerns, and identity issues. Following the presentation Commsisioner Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

The file contains a presentation by Jim MacLatchie and Lisa Allagaier, John Howard Society of Canada. MacLatchie and Allagaier discuss the composition, mandate, and work of the society with Canada's prison population and particularly with respect to Aboriginal prisoners. They discuss the importance of establishing Aboriginal representation amongst prison staff, and particularly the important role of Elders in the penal environment. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners thank the presenters and comment on the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Joy Playford of the Federal Business Development Bank serving Aboriginal people. Playford, Director of Business Management Training Services for the Bank in the prairie provinces and Northwest Territories, discusses what the Bank does and gives some examples of "individual efforts that perhaps would be helpful to others who seek to support Aboriginal peoples and their enterprises." Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Playford.

File contains a presentation by Katherine Morrisseau and Iris Lauzon of the Ojibway Language Immersion Program for Preschoolers in Winnipeg. The presenters discuss reasons for the decline of Aboriginal languages, their importance, curriculum, and their efforts to teach Ojibway to children. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Chairperson Kris Ramchandar and Harold Rampersad, of the Community and Race Relations Committee of the City of Winnipeg. The presenters discuss the position of Aboriginal peoples in Canadian society, some of the history of colonization, and make a series of recommendations to the Commission regarding government policy in the social and economic spheres.

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 Lucassie Arragutainaq, Vice-President, Arctic Co-operatives Limited. Arragutainaq discusses the Co-operative movement in the North, its principles, function, and history across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. He discusses its importance to Inuit and Dene people, and the need for government policies that are helpful to this kind of community development, particularly in the finanical sector (Credit Unions).

File contains a presentation by Marilyn Fontaine, Spokesperson, Aboriginal Women's Unity Coalition. Fontaine discusses her organizations history, and the issues it deals with including sexism, violence, abuse, lack of political representation, self-government talks, and the environment.