Big Cove

RCAP 13 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Big Cove, New Brunswick. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations related to various First Nations, women's, children's, educational and individual issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains a presentation by Albert Levi expressing gratitude to the Commissioners for the Royal Commission of Aboriginal People, saying "our call has been answered." He gives a brief history of the Mi'kmaq First Nation and the treaties signed, and calls for Aboriginal self-government in Canada. 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 Anthony Francis, Former Chief, Big Cove, New Brunswick, discussing the effects of the British North America Act, the Indian Act, the Diamond Jenness Policy and the White Paper have had on Canadian Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clifton (Francis) Simon, resident of Big Cove, New Brunswick. Simon touches on a number of areas of concern for him: self-government, economic development, discrimination against Aboriginal women, justice and education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Elizabeth Levi first presenting a brief history of the women's group, and outlines the group's aims and objectives in the future. Of note is the scheduled opening of an office later in 1992 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and the two Council presenters on some of the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Evangeline Francis regarding the system First Nations peoples lived under before contact with Europeans. Francis discusses the roles men and women played in family life and how those roles were "eroded away over the years by the oppression. She emphasizes the victimization of Aboriginal women and the need for Aboriginal men to heal. She introduces Elizabeth Levi, the next speaker.

File contains a presentation by Harry Sock, Director, Child and Family Services, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock discusses the effect of unemployment, lack of housing and social problems have on Aboriginal families on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion involving Harry Sock, Leon Sock and the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Leon Sock, Economic Development Officer, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock says that "the failure of deal seriously with the question of Indian economics in Canada can be rated as one of the greatest failures in our national policy." He lists obstacles the Canadian government must overcome to work with Aboriginal leaders and proposes the reorganization of the defunct Big Cove Economic Development Program to start the process on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Mildred Milliea, teacher of the Mi'kmaq language. Milliea provides a brief history of native languages in Canada and describes her experience teaching the Mi'kmaq language beginning in 1969. She concludes by saying that "native languages and culture should be implemented in the Constitution." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Serena Francis, born in Big Cove and now a social worker with Child and Family Services in Big Cove, New Brunswick. Francis wanted to meet with members of the Family Respect Project, also located in Big Cove, to formulate a presentation but were unable to do so.

File contains opening remarks by Elder Stephen Augustine who explains the significance of the sweetgrass and drum ceremony. Augustine also provides a history of the Mi'kmaq First Nation of Big Cove, New Brunswick. Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillett and the honorary Commissioners, Elder Anthony Francis and grandson Justin Francis, are introduced. File also contains opening remarks by Commission Co-Chairs Rene Dussault and Mary Sillett about the history and purpose of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, and what the Commission hopes to accomplish.