Moose Factory

File contains a presentation by John Turner. Turner presents on behalf of the Mushkegowuk Traditional Harvesters. Turner outlines three reasons why it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a living off the land: the activities of animal rights groups who oppose trapping, the activities of sport hunting groups who oppose subsistence rights to hunt, and the development of hydroelectric projects which negatively impact habitat. Turner then goes on to discuss how Aboriginal people have increasingly adopted European values and look with disdain upon trapping as a career choice.

File contains a presentation by Karen Pine-Cheechoo. Pine-Cheechoo,an Ojibway woman in a Cree community, discusses her life experiences. In particular she discusses struggles with alcoholism and gender relations in her community.

File contains a presentation by Kevin Scofield, director of Wawatay News. Scofield gives his views on world events, and how he thinks the new Canadian Constitution is a positive development for Aboriginal peoples. Scofield also discusses his experiences with racism and discrimination in Canada.

File contains an individual presentation by Neil Thompson. Thompson presents a pre-prepared statement on behalf of the Daily Press in Timmins, Ontario by John Farrington. Farrington addresses the Commission about the publications they create for Aboriginal communities, and youth literacy programs they run. Following the presentation Thompson discusses these programs with Commissioner Georges Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Silas Wesley of Kashechewan Cree First Nation in Ontario discussing his past work with various Aboriginal organizations relating to self-government. He feels that the Commission will help in the struggle for self-government and hopes that "we can include and justify our land within the Constitution."

File contains a presentation by Theresa Neegan. Neegan discusses what she sees as the discrepancy between the views of the Aboriginal political leadership with regards to their views towards women, and the reality at home in the communities. Following her presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss her presentation and the other three preceding presenters which dealt with women's issues (Grace Delaney, Karen Pine-Cheechoo, and Brenda Small) regarding the issues raised in their presentations.

File contains a presentation by Vern Cheechoo. Cheechoo discusses the diversity of people in the Moose Factory area (both in terms of Aboriginal groups, and non-Aboriginals) making various distinctions, and stating that the inherent right to self-government comes from a relationship with the territory itself. Cheechoo also discusses the need to acknowledge diversities and begin to "cherish and begin to give honour to each other because of our distinctiveness."

File contains a presentation by Wilbert McLeod. McLeod represents the Moose Factory Claimant Group, whose grandparents were "arbitrarily exluded from Treaty No. 9 in 1905 by the Treaty Commissioners." McLeod lays out his organizations claim and discusses how the ancestors of his organization were left out of Treaty 9, and how that Treaty was negotiated in an arbitrary manner by officials who did not consider how the people defined themselves.

File contains opening remarks by Georges Erasmus and Viola Robinson explaining the purpose and objectives of the Royal Commission.

Leadership and Training Thesis (M.A.)--Royal Roads University, 1999.