RCAP 138 contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Westbury Hotel, Toronto, Ontario. Subjects discussed include the arts, education, legal issues, economic development and employment.

RCAP 147 contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Westbury Hotel, Toronto, Ontario. Subjects discussed include business and economic development, hunting and trapping, employment, education, child abuse, and churches and corporate responsibility.

RCAP 148 contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Westbury Hotel, Toronto, Ontario. Subjects discussed include community policing, substance abuse, Metis and Non-Status rights, the arts, the environment. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Native Canadian Centre, in Toronto, Ontario. Commissioners Dussault and Erasmus welcome the participants and discuss the Commissions' mandate and goals.

RCAP 47 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Native Canadian Centre, in Toronto, Ontario. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations from a variety of First Nations and Metis organizations. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Park Plaza Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, on Monday, November 2, 1992. Elder Fred Plain relates an anecdote about cross-cultural understanding, discusses the Aboriginal community in metro Toronto, and welcomes the Commission. Following this are various brief introductory remarks by regional Commission coordinator Pat Chilton, and Commissioners Bertha Wilson, Mary Sillet, and Allan Blakeney.

RCAP 58 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Park Plaza Hotel, in Toronto, Ontario. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to a variety of issues including midwifery, housing, justice, and child and family services. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Park Plaza Hotel, in Toronto, Ontario. Commissioner Bertha Wilson introduces this second day of the Commission's sitting at the Hotel, and introduces Commissioner for the day, Luanna Dawn Harper.

RCAP 59 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Park Plaza Hotel, in Toronto, Ontario. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations including a round table discussion on Urban concerns, various Aboriginal organizations in Toronto, the United Church Native Solidarity Circle, and a series of individual presentations. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

This file contains opening remarks by Lillian McGregor, Moderator and elder of the community of Birch Island, Ontario. Rene Dussault and Viola Robinson explain the purpose and goals of the Commission.

This file contains opening remarks by Rene Dussault and Mary Sillett that explain the purpose and goals of the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Alex McKay and George Fulford. McKay discusses Ojibwa spiritual beliefs and the importance of Aboriginal languages. Fulford expands on this by presenting on Aboriginal languages in a Canadian Constitutional and political policy context. Fulford reccomends that the Royal Commission "appoint a task force to look into the matter of aboriginal language and education in Canada." Following the presentations is a discussion between the presenters and the assembled Commissioners on language issues.

File contains a presentation by Allan Shiff. He discusses his perspective on the Commission as a non-Aboriginal man who is concerned for the issues facing Aboriginal Canadians. Shiff discusses the need for the Commission to take action with regards to unacceptable living standards in Aboriginal communities, and states that he thinks most non-Aboriginal people are supportive of such efforts. Shiff also discusses the need for accountability in projects to ensure they maintain public support. Following Shiff's presentation are comments by Blakeney and Wilson with regard to these issues.

File contains a presentation by Amos Key, Sweetgrass First Nations Languages Council Inc. Key discusses the history of language loss due to colonization, and his groups efforts to promote Aboriginal language use in Southern Ontario. Key also makes a variety of policy recommendations with respect to languages, and following the presentation discusses these issues with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Anne Rochon Ford, Vicki Ann Wagner, Interim Regulatory Council on Midwifery. The two presenters discuss their organization (funded by the province of Ontario), their work with Aboriginal peoples, jurisdictional issues, the loss of the traditional Aboriginal midwife in Aboriginal society, the desire to incorporate new practices with old, and related issues. They also discuss community birthing centres so that midwifes could be both trained and utilized in a culturally appropriate setting.

File contains a presentation by Bernd Christmas, Chairman, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto Self-Government Committee. Christmas discusses the historical phenomenon of Aboriginal migration to urban areas, the establishment of clubs and their historical evolution into Friendship Centres, and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Christmas discusses his organizations views on urban self-governance, and the work they have done in this area. Following the presentation is a discussion between Christmas and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus, followed by the closing of the days proceedings.

File contains a presentation by Bob Crawford, Native Liaison Officer, Metro Toronto Police. Crawford discusses Toronto's Aboriginal Peacekeeping Unit and his work with it. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Blakeney, Robinson, and Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Brian Espaniel. Espaniel discusses his groups views on the operation of the Justice System in Canada, and recommends a policy of "aftercare" to rehabilitate Aboriginal offenders. Following the presentation is a discussion between Espaniel and Commissioners Wilson and Blakeney on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Bud White Eye and Daniel Smoke of the Native News Network. White Eye discusses his organization, the state of Aboriginal news media in Canada, problems with misrepresentation and ignorance of Aboriginal peoples and issues in the mainstream media, and some suggestions to improve the situation. Smoke gives a brief structural overview of the Native News Network. Following the presentation Commissioners Sillet, Blakeney, and Wilson discuss some of these issues with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by Captain Douglas Campbell. Campbell delivers a speech accusing Commissioner Wilson for not being a citizen, criticizing the Commission as a waste of time, and blaming international capitalism and a variety of other assorted groups for the world's woes. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson, Blakeney, and Sillet take exception to his remarks. Warning: contains content that some may find offensive.

File contains a presentation by Catherine Brooks, Executive Director, Anduhyuan Community School. Brooks speaks on behalf of women who come and stay at the Anduhyaun Women's Shelter in Toronto. Brooks discusses the challenges presented by violence against women in the Aboriginal community, and the operations of the shelter. Following the presentation is a discussion between Brooks and Commissioners Robinson, Sillet, and Erasmus, on the issues raised.

This file consists of a presentation by Chief Gordon Peters focusing primarily on the land claims process and negotiating with the Ontario provincial government, and the Charlottetown Accord. Peters also discusses the negative effects of residential schools upon Aboriginal people and the efforts being made to assist abuse survivors. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Colleen Wassegijig and Simon Paul. Wassegijig discusses the history of Aboriginal peoples in Canada with respect to formal education systems, and some of the problems that has created which now must be overcome. Simon Paul, a Dene man originally from Northern Saskatchewan, discusses Aboriginal education programs in Scarborough, Ontario for First Nations and Métis residents.

This file contains a presentation by Connie Laurin-Bowie and Bob Walker focusing on programs and services for Aboriginal disabled persons in Canada living on- and off-reserve. They cite research that Aboriginals living on reserves are almost twice as likely as the average Canadian to have a disability. People who have a disability are economically disadvantaged and vulnerable, and the presenters call upon the Commission to ensure that funding continues for programs to help both disadvantaged Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.

File contains a presentation by Dan Haggerty, President and CEO, Robert Hartog, Chairman, and Claude McCabe, Vice-President Canadian Native Programs, Canadian Executive Services Organization. Haggerty discusses the Canadian Executive Services Organization, a non-profit, non-governmental organization with the mandate to provide volunteers as consultants to support the development and management of the Aboriginal businesses and communities in Canada, and of the business and social sectors of developing countries around the world.

File contains a presentation by David Chartrand, President of the National Association of Friendship Centres, with comments by Terry and Tom Doxidurn, executive director and Vice-President, respectively, of said organization.

File contains a presentation by David Newhouse. Newhouse, a professor of Native Studies at Trent University, delivers a presentation highlighting six ways that he thinks Aboriginal society is changing: 1) urbanization, 2) "retraditionalization", 3) institutionalization, 4) the process of self-government, 5) cultural identity reinforcement, and 6) textual transformation. Newhouse elaborates on these sociological concepts, and then discusses their implications with Commissioners Blakeney, Wilson, Sillet, and Harper.

This file contains a presentation by Doris Fisher and Jackie Esquimox-Hamelin who are employees of the Gazhaadaawgamik Native School, a daycare for Aboriginal children. The purpose of the daycare is to have urban Aboriginal children retain their native languages and cultural identity in a full immersion setting. The presenters state that Aboriginal political leaders need to lobby for permanent responsibility for Aboriginal child care centres across Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Doug Maracle and William Tooshkewig relating to the Constitutional Process of 1980-1981 that eventually saw Section 35 entrenched in the Canadian Constitution. The presenters feel that Aboriginal people "will no longer accept more broken treaties and will not accept the continuation of the status quo." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 Ed Bianchi from Friends of the Lubicon. Bianchi discusses the situation facing the Lubicon Cree in Alberta, and their struggle for land and resource rights. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson, Sillet, and Blakeney discuss the issues raised with Bianchi.

This file contains a presentation by Eric Johnston, Lenore Keeshig-Tobias and David McLaren relating to overcoming roadblocks such as racism in the fight for Aboriginal self-government. The presentation focuses on hunting and fishing rights, with the Saugeen Ojibway recently being recognized as having the right to fish for trade and commerce. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Fenton Scott that first states: "The Prospectors of Canada and their predecessors have lived in harmony and mutual respect with Canadians of native ancestry for nearly 400 years.

This file consists of a presentation by Floyd Favel, Artistic Director of the only professional Aboriginal theatre company in Toronto. Favel states that culture is the cornerstone of all civilizations, and having people understand the importance of culture "is an uphill battle." Favel believes that if "you concentrate on culture it alleviates many, many other problematic areas because...you are dealing directly with a person's feelings, ideas and memories. He appeals to the Commissioners for any funding from government sources to help the Theatre continue.

File contains a presentation by Gerri Ense and Marla Metson, Native Skills Centre. Ense discusses her life experiences with reference to her own career, and some of the issues her organization encounters such as different cultural expectations in the workplace, and the establishment of the Native Skills Centre. Marla Metson, a non-Aboriginal person, discusses how she got involved with the Skills Centre then goes on to discuss a variety of organizational issues including funding concerns, Aboriginal trainers, and the need for increased Aboriginal input into training programs.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Peters, Regional Chief, Chiefs of Ontario. Peters discusses his organization and its goals in representing the First Nations of Ontario including self-governance, the need to administer their own social services programs, land claims in terms of reclamation of what was lost, and problems with intergovernmental relations. Following the presentation are questions and comments by Comissioners Erasmus, Robinson, Blakeney, and Wilson which Peters addresses.

This file consists of a presentation by Gus Ashawasega and Judi Hall focusing on housing for Aboriginals in Metropolitan Toronto. The Native Men's Residence is one of five urban Aboriginal housing organizations in Toronto perspective on Aboriginal housing in Toronto. Housing is required for families, singles, homeless, two-spirited peoples, seniors and the disabled. The federal government announced as of 1 January 1993 that new funding commitments for urban Aboriginal housing initiatives would no longer be provided.

File contains a presentation by Heather Clements. Clements discusses her experiences as a Scots-English Canadian nurse living on a reserve, and her perceptions of a lack of knowledge in Non-Aboriginal culture of Aboriginal Canadians and why this should be corrected. Clements also discusses health care and educational issues, arguing that Aboriginal peoples should be given control over their own health and educational services and making some suggestions to that effect. Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney, Wilson, and Sillet discuss some of these issues with her.

File contains a presentation by J. Spencer Rowe. Rowe makes an individual presentation on cultural issues. Rowe discusses the importance of Aboriginal language education, and how he views spirituality as the path forward for Aboriginal peoples but that this root is difficult as they have become seperated from their lands.

This file contains a presentation by Jane Vinet that describes the Association as an animal welfare organization dedicated to improve humane trapping methods. Vinet offers a number of recommendations to the Commissioners, including coordinated partnerships to implement trap replacement and trapper education programs, and that Aboriginal trappers voluntarily adopt trapping regulations in accordance with the humane trapping regulations as a minimum standard. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Jimmy Dick. Dick discusses the inherent right to self-government and his views on it. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney with Dick on the form self-governance should theoretically take, specifically with regard to an urban context like Toronto.

This file contains a presentation by Joanne De Laurentiis relating to Aboriginals and Canadian banking. As Aboriginal communities continue to acquire funds through treaty negotiations or land claims settlements, and as Aboriginal people continue to develop new business and entrepreneurial skills, banks want opportunities to respond to those new business demands. The banking industry is taking some steps to work with Aboriginal peoples by sponsoring a number of business training programs, providing loans to viable Aboriginal enterprises, and also providing non-lending services as well.

File contains a presentation by Joe Miskokomon, Grand Chief, Union of Ontario Indians. Miskokomon delivers a presentation on behalf of his organization that deals with the challenges facing its members: namely, self-governance, overcoming divisions between Aboriginal peoples, the struggle for women's equality, urban issues, and others. Miskomon states that he views self-governance primarily as a question of jurisdiction, and that jurisdictional issues must be addressed. Following the presentation are comments and a discussion between Commissioners Dussault, Erasmus, Robinson and Miskomon.

File contains a presentation by Joe Sanford. Sanford discusses his life as a Non-Status Indian and his thoughts that he has been discriminated against by the Indian Act, and Bill C-31. Sanford asks who has the jurisdiction to define people. Following his presentation Commissioners Sillet, Wilson, and Blakeney discuss this with him.

This file contains a presentation by John MIller, Jeannette Assinewai, Marjorie Mishihinijima and Sarah Bondy whose organizations works in the best interests of disabled Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal persons. Both groups deal with "discriminating legislation and policies which limit access to support offered to Aboriginal communities with developmental handicaps." Also discussed are findings from a Round Table on Aboriginal persons with disabilities held in early 1993. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by John Moore. Moore, a Cree man from the James Bay area, discusses the significance of the Treaties and what he would like to see in the future for Aboriginal people in Canada. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson, Chartrand, and Blakeney discuss some of the issues raised with Moore.

File contains a presentation by Joseph Sagutch. Sagutch discusses his artistic contribution to the Commission in designing its offical logo. Sagutch goes over the cultural significance of the different aspects of the logo in his own view as designer.

This file contains a presentation by Joy Fontaine, Todd Ducharme, Jonathan Rudin and Cliff Summers that first gives a brief history of their organization, now serving 70,000 Aboriginal residents in Toronto, Ontario. Legal programs provided are the Native Criminal, Family and Young Offender Courtworker program, the Native Inmate Liaison program and the Aboriginal Justice Counsellor Training Program.

File contains a presentation by Katherine Fournier, United Church Native Solidarity Circle. Fournier discusses her organizations views on issues facing Aboriginal people including the need to educate non-Aboriginal people about the history of injustice towards their counterparts, the neccessity for the Federal government to deal with land claims and self-governance issues despite the defeat of the Charlottetown Accord via referendum, and that groups like the Solidarity circle can be supportive but not set the agenda: in their view that is something Aboriginal people must do themselves.

File contains a presentation by Keith Gordon, a Kahnawake Mohawk living in Toronto. His presentation focuses on four points: Canada must exhibit a willingness to be bound by the agreements it vociferously negotiates; Canada must acknowledge through the negotiation process the specific entitlements of Aboriginal peoples and their governments; governments must promote legitimacy to eliminate stereotyping; and all people must utilize the opportunity to promote the evolution of standards.