Northwest Territories

File contains a special consultation sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, on Thursday, December 10, 1992. File contains presentations made during a round table session on the topic of Aboriginal education. The participants are students of St. Patrick's High School. Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Bertha Wilson were in attendance.

The file contains a general discussion between Rocky Simpson, Robert Ross, Abbey Crook, and Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand. The participants mainly discuss fisheries, Metis, and general Aboriginal identity issues. Rocky Simpson, Robert Ross, and Abbey Crook's earlier presentations to the Commission on this day can be viewed on this site.

The file contains an individual presentation by Alex Morin, a concerned fisherman, discussing the Aboriginal fishery on Great Slave Lake, and his personal struggle for Metis and general Aboriginal fishing rights.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the B.G. Sivertz Community Centre, Hay River, Northwest Territories, Thursday, June 17, 1993. Following an opening prayer by Sarah Sibbiston, Commissioner Georges Erasmus welcomes the participants then discusses the mandate, goals, composition, and progress of the Commission to date.

The file contains a presentation by Billy Day of the Inuvialuit Communications Society.

The file contains spresentation by Bonita Chlow of the Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre.

The file contains a presentation by Cece McCauley. McCauley comments on Aboriginal staffing issues with the Inuvik RCMP; as well as job training and government employment generally in Northern Communities. Following McCauley's comments is a general discussion between Commissioners John Holman and preceding presenter George Gillies on Inuvik hospital maintenance costs. After the discussion Commissioner Rene Dussault thanks the days' participants, discuses tommorows session, and closes the days' sitting of the Royal Commission. Joan-Cole Heine concludes the days' sitting with a closing prayer.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Sibbeston discussing four areas of concern: having educational facilities closer to home, alcohol and the negative effects on families, more health care facilities in settlements, and land claims and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Chief James Firth of the Inuvik Gwi'chin Council. Chief Firth delivers a presentation on the history of Inuvik including the relocation of people by the government from nearby Aklavik to Inuvik; alcoholism and related social and health problems; the need to prepare for future resource development; the need for cross-cultural co-operation and mutual respect; some of the goals of the Council; the relation of self-esteem to quality of life; and the need for a "renewed political arrangement with the Government of Canada."

File contains a presentation by Chief Stanley Sanquez of Jean Marie River Band and Kerry Hardisty, Grade 9 student, Linowejen School, Jean Marie River Band. Sanquez focuses on land claims and self-government, while Hardisty questions exactly what the rights are of youth relating to self-government.

The file contains a presentation Chief Bernadette Unka of the Deninu Kue First Nation. Chief Unka discusses the history of her people who reside at Fort Resolution, NWT. Chief Unka discusses how Treaty, Metis, and Euro-Canadian people were at one time united in one government at the community, but how her people re-established band governance in 1990 due to their Treaty rights being slowly eroded.

File contains a presentation by Diane Petersen. Petersen gives an overview of the Gwich'in Final Agreement, a land claim deal between the federal government and the Gwich'in people which applies to part of the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

The file contains a presentation by Dick Hill who discusses the administrative, economic, and demographic composition of Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Hill discusses its' ethnic composition (1/3 First Nations, 1/3 Inuit, 1/3 other), its' administrative and institutional apparatus, and related issues in response to questioning from Commissioners Rene Dussault, Allan Blakeney, Grace Blake, and Mary Sillett. Land claims and economic development are also discussed.

File contains a presentation by Eileen Koe. Koe is a civil servant and proclaims herself to be both a Gwich'in, and a proud Canadian. Koe discusses her views on social issues and housing in the community. She discusses residential schools and the loss of the Gwich'in language, and the detrimental effect this has had on her people. Koe discusses alcoholism, housing programs, trapping, and the need for better job training programs.

The file contains a presentation by Elizabeth Hansen, Councillor, Inuvik Native Band. Hansen delivers a presentation on promoting, preserving, and maintaining Gwich'in cultural heritage. Hansen discusses heritage's relation to Economic development; housing; social services; alcoholism, drug, and solvent abuse; justice; and health services.

File contains a presentation by Emma Robert. Robert discusses concerns affecting working women, particularly those with children, in the community. She sees the biggest problems as being a lack of daycare and babysitter facilities. Another concern she raises is rents being too high for working people. She highlights her biggest concern for people in the community in general as being proper job training which isn't available at the moment. Following the presentation, Commissioner Rene Dussault offers a comment and question on daycare and housing which Roberts answers.

The file contains spresentation by George Gillies, Inuvik Regional Hospital. In response to a question by Commissioner Allan Blakeney, Gillies discusses the amount of health staff in the Mackenzie Delta area including the proportion of Aboriginal employees, and their positions. Commissioner Mary Sillett also asks a staffing question, and then preceding presenter Patricia Lowe and Allan Blakeney discuss northern community staffing issues.

The file contains a presentation by President Rocky Simpson of the Hay River Metis Nation. Simpson summarizes a group discussion and its' findings held to discuss a new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of Canada, self-determination for Aboriginal peoples within Canada through self-government, economic self-sufficiency for Aboriginal people, and personal and collective healing for Aboriginal people and communities. Simpson makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on these points.

The file contains a presentation by Executive Director Roy Fabian of the Hay River Treatment Centre. Fabian discusses cultural oppression in Dene history, and the healing process which is neccessary to treat its effects. Fabian stresses the need for the Dene to listen to the Elders and practice their teachings. Fabian also discusses his views on the land claims process, and how cultural oppression has lead to social issues such as child abuse, family violence, and housing problems. Fabian also elaborates what he sees as the need for Aboriginal individuals to start healing themselves.

File contains a presentation by James Cardinal on behalf of Chief Peter Ross of the Arctic Red River community of the Gwich'in people (in the Mackenzie River Delta). Cardinal's presentation disucsses alcohol problems, land claims, band issues, education, and a host of other issues. Following the presentation is a conversation between the presenter and the Commissioners (mainly Allan Blakeney) regarding some of the issues raised, notably the effectiveness of alcohol prohibition in Gwich'in territory.

File contains a presentation by James Mercredi representing the Fort Simpson Dene Council. He expresses concern about proposed uranium mining and how it will affect the Deh Cho River system. Mercredi cites Treaties 8 and 11 and various governmental papers and believes aspects of these documents are unconstitutional. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Jim Antoine, Member of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly for Nahende. He gives a brief introduction to Treaty 11 relating to his constituency and to the future formation of Nunavut. Antoine discusses what land claims and self-government would mean to the Northwest Territories, focusing on the extinguishment clause. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Edsu of Fort McPherson. Edsu discusses his views on the trapping industry in the area and his view of its great importance to people of the north. Edsu protests southerners coming in as transient labour and taking jobs that he feels northerners are qualified to do. He also discusses rival claims over land by trappers and large multinational resource companies. He requests recognition from the federal Government of the importance of the trapping industry to his people, and criticizes the anti-fur movement as destructive and naive.

File contains a presentation by Kevin McCormick, representative, Inuik Fisheries, and a resident of Pangnirtung. He feels that the Canadian government should be dealing with important economic and social issues in the Baffin region and that negotiations relating to the formation of Nunavut should not take precedent over these issues. He calls for the Canadian government to subsidize airfares and hotel costs in the Eastern Arctic to create growth in the tourist industry.

The file contains a presentation by Archie Catholique, Joe Boucher, and Ellen Bielawski of the Lutsel'Ke Dene Band. Catholique discusses concerns with a nearby hydro dam, flooding, and the loss of two experienced Elders through the ice due to it. Boucher, an Elder who speaks via a translator, discusses the impact of flooding at Nonacho Lake on gravesites, animal populations, and Dene life in general. Follwoing the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus makes some comments on the contents.

The file contains a presentation by Margaret Donovan, Vice-President of the Gwich'in Tribal Council. Donovan discusses the history of the Gwich'in people including the signing of Treaty 11 in 1921; land claim issues; language rights and recognition; self-governance and intergovernmental relations; cultural, educational, and quality of life concerns.

The file contains spresentation by Marlene Villebrun, Canadian Mental Health Association. Villebrun discusses discrimination and low self-esteem issues; alcohol and drug abuse; the need to make Aboriginal history mandatory and a priority in Canadian schools; the intergenerational effects of cultural deprivation; and the need to better equip youth for "living in two cultures."

The file contains a presentation by Mary Jane Adamson of the Inuvialuit Communications Society. Following a brief introduction from previous presenter Billy Day (also of the Communications Society), Adamson discusses the importance of Aboriginal broadcasting to not only Aboriginal but non-Aboriginal Canadians as an educational and cross-cultural understanding tool; language issues; educational issues; and job training in broadcasting.

File contains a presentation by Mary Teya, Community Health Representative. Teya discusses health staffing concerns; alcoholism; the community's Concerned Persons Committee; suicide; running water, sewage, and basic infrastructure for Aboriginal people. Following the presentation Teya discusses some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.

This file consists of a presentation by Monte Hummel relating to conservation objectives in Canada. The World Wildlife Fund of Canada (WWF) believes that government policies regarding parks and protected areas must recognize the moral legitimacy and the legal reality of Aboriginal title, self-government, treaty rights and outstanding land claims. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains a presentation by Neil Colin. Colin complains about the ignorance of the north he has encountered in southern Canada, including from Conservative federal government officials who did not even know where Yellowknife was. He also discusses his concerns about pollution and its effects on the North which he has witnessed himself. Following the presentation Rene Dussault thanks him for it, and closes the days preceedings.

The file contains spresentation by Patricia Lowe, Society of Friends Against Family Violence. Lowe discusses the society's work promoting the establishment of a shelter for battered women and children and women in Inuvik over the past four years, and why such a facility is needed.

The file contains a presentation on by President Rita Arey of the Northwest Territories Status of Women organization, closing remarks and a closing prayer. President Arey presents on her organization's work on behalf of women in the Northwest Territories, and specifically the challenges facing Aboriginal women in the Northwest Territories.

File contains a presentation by Robert Alexis, Vice Chief for Trapping. Alexis is Vice Chief of Trapping for the Gwich'in people of Fort McPherson and discusses the problems and concerns of trappers in his presentation. The most important issue facing trappers he states is the switiching of traps from traditional leg holds to conibear traps. He contrasts trapping with office work and professes his love for the lifestyle of the trap line. He discusses how the conibear is a bad substitute for the traditional leg hold traps.

File contains a presentation by Sara Jerome. Jerome, (sometimes speaking in Gwich'in which is provided in English translation) discusses her experiences with the education system (post-secondary), and her views regarding the culture and language of the Gwich'in people. She expresses frustration with Commissions visiting the Western Arctic in the past which lead to no changes. She also discusses her frustration with the Canada 125th birthday celebrations which ignored aboriginal peoples languages but put a high emphasis on English and French.

The file contains a presentation by Abbey Crook of the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre. Crook, Executive Director of the Centre, makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on behalf of Northwest Territories Friendship Centres. These include culture and language recommendations; education recommendations; justice recommendations; social recommendations (in terms of delivery of social services); and economic recommendations all based on a survey conducted by the Friendship Centres of their constituencies.

File contains a presentation by Taig Connell, Employment Officer, Canada Employment. Connell presents on his concerns over the lack of jobs in Fort McPherson: notably long term, good paying jobs, and the lack of federal assistance to provide such jobs. Connell argues that plenty of potential exists for such jobs particularly in the natural resource areas if government would provide the start up capital and programming. Following the presentation is a discussion between Connell and Commissioner Rene Dussault regarding the quality of jobs currently available.

The file contains a presentation by the Concerned Fishermen, Chairman Robert Ross. Chairman Ross discusses his Aboriginal fishermen's organizational viewpoint regarding the environment, conservation harvesting, marketing of their own fish, and tourism. Ross makes a variety of complaints regarding the fishing operations of the Freshwater Fish Corporation on Great Slave Lake, alleging serious environmental and labour abuses.

The file contains a presentation by Deputy Mayor Red McBryan on behalf of the Town of Hay River. McBryan presents a submission which summarizes the views of the Town Council and residents on self-determination, self-sufficiency, and healing. The report includes a variety of recommendations to facilitate a new relationship between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Canadians. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand thank Red McBryan for his contribution.

The file contains a presentation by Victor Allen. Allen delivers a presentation on the history of Inuvik going back to the establishment of the community in the 1950s. Following Allen's presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett delivers opening remarks, and Commissioner Allan Blakeney makes brief comments before questioning Allen regarding his presentation. Commissioner John Holman also discusses some of the issues raised in the presentation with Victor.

File contains a presentation by William Koe Councillor, Tetlin Gwich'in Council. William Koe presents on his concerns regarding education and the economy in Fort McPherson. He discusses drop-out rates, upgrading programs, local training courses, trades training, business support courses, writing workshops, and getting jobs for the community. Following the presentation a discussion ensues between Commissioners Rene Dussault and Allan Blakeney with Mr. Koe regarding Education issues.

File contains a presentation by Woody Elias, of Fort McPherson. Elias discusses residential schools, government and the fur trade (accusing the government of collusion with the anti-fur lobby), oil companies, and unemployment. Following the presentation is a discussion between Elias and Commissioners Dussault, Snowshoe, and Blakeney.

File contains volume 3 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 portion of the volume contains a presentation of Discussion Paper K by Lynn Chabot on behalf of Dianne Longboat on Aboriginal Health Professions on Day 3. Also included are questions regarding this paper and the previous Discussion Papers of the day.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Inuvik Community Corporation by Vice-Chairman Pauline Gordon and Chairman Glenna Hanson.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Inuvik Regional Multicultural Society by Louis Beck and Simon Jozzy. Beck discusses "the society and what it stands for" through the use of a parable. Simon Jozzy discusses what the multicultural society means to him personally as an immigrant to Canada and stresses that "learning and education is the foundation of understanding." Louis Beck then goes on to discuss racism and combatting it, while Jozzy ads the need for increased education and the important role that parents play in forming children's attitudes about race.

The file contains spresentation by Cheryl Pascal, Gwich'in Youth and Eugene Pascal, Chief, Aklavik Indian Band. Cheryl Pascal discusses Gwich'in language; cultural; post-secondary education; and general youth concerns.

File contains opening remarks by Peter Katuk(via a translator) regarding the situation for Inuit people in the Northwest Territories: the struggle for survival, his own birth in an igloo in 1921, how life is a learning experience, how the Inuit people have been left out of Canada, how the Cree and the Hudson Bay Company were condescending and bossy to the Inuit, an incident between his father and the RCMP who made his father relocate his home from Repulse Bay, the need to amend what Katuk describes as the defeat of Aboriginal people in Canada, how his people assisted southerners who came to th

File contains a second presentation by Chief James Ross. Chief Ross discusses the Gwich'in people's land claim in the Northwest and Yukon Territories; their history; Treaty No. 11; and general economic and political issues facing the Gwich'in people. Following the presentation Chief Ross discusses some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.

Signed at Fort Norman, Northwest Territories, on September 6, 1993. Volume II. Land Selection Descriptions, Schedule 1 (Appendix E to the Agreement).

Claims Agreement signed in Fort Norman, Northwest Territories, on September 6, 1993 between Canada and the Dene of Colville Lake, Deline, Fort Good Hope and Fort Norman, and Metis of Fort Good Hope, Fort Norman and Norman Wells.