Quebec

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Restigouche, Quebec. An informal round table discussion takes place after the presentations that focuses on tourism. Some remarks are in French.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Restigouche, Quebec. An informal round table discussion takes place after the presentations that focuses on education.

File contains a presentation by Francois Trudel, Director, Department of Anthropology of Laval University. Trudel discusses how Canadian society can be decolonized in his view through knowledge of the other (via education) and building respect for the other. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners offer some comments on it.

File contains a presentation by Assistant Chief Francois Vincent giving an overview of the history of the Huron-Wendat people, and specifically the people who settled at Lorette, near Quebec City.

This file contains an individual presentation by Claude Bisonnette, a non-Aboriginal who is a certified life insurer in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. He began working with the citizens of Kahnawake in 1987, to the surprise of his co-workers. Bisonnette had to assure them that "(I)f I was having problems with the Mohawks I simply wouldn't go back there." He tells the Commissioners that he is often shocked at the negative attention minor incidents in Kahnawake are given and says the media doesn't help.

This file contains an individual presentation by Ernie Benedict focusing on broken treaties promises or treaties ignored altogether by the Canadian government. Benedict provides some history on early European contact in the Akwesasne. He questions where in his First Nations treaty was it stated that the St. Lawrence Seaway could be built without input from Aboriginals living in that area: "Where is the law in which an engineering drawing can supersede a treaty?"

This file contains an individual presentation by Hurbert (Lummy) Martin relating to seasonal fishing management in his community. The presenter feels that before government fishing policies are made, the reality of fishermen's lives should be taken into consideration. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains an individual presentation by June Deslisle, a member of the Bear Clan who has been involved with Aboriginal health care in Quebec for 40 years. She discusses a number of topics, including the establishment of a school in an old pool hall in Kahnawake, her involvement as a volunteer with the Kateri Memorial Hospital since 1955 and ending in 1991, and self-government. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Lucassie Echalook. Echalook discusses the local Church (Anglican?) and how it is run and financed by the Inuit community. Echalook also discusses some of the problems in the community and the consequences of government neglect.

This file contains an individual presentation by Raynald Vachon on employment and salary inequities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers. Vachon recommends that an organization be established that could be called "the Association of Aboriginal Workers in Quebec." The association could bring together all the Aboriginal communities in Quebec.

This file contains an individual presentation by Tom Porter that first provides some history on Wampum Belts. He states that peaceful, spiritual solutions must be found to solve the problems of Aboriginals in Canada. Porter believes that "the Creator never abandoned us...and that is why we are survivors and we will have a better life tomorrow."

Historical note:

File contains a presentation by Peter Inukpuk. Inukpuk offeres personal relections on the contemporary and historic state of Inuit society in Nunavick. Inukpuk discusses the economy, education, inventions, and rents.

This file contains introductions of the 11 attendees of a sitting for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Restigouche, Quebec.

File contains an Open Forum with Henri Jacob, Jean Dominique Leccia, Yvon Beaule. The three participants raise a variety of general concerns over Indigenous relations, government policy, land claims, self-governance issues, economic development and the environment. Following the forum are remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Rene Dussault, after which the Commission concludes its sitting for the day.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes the opening prayer given by Ernie Benedict and Taylor Montour as well as opening remarks made by Facilitator Alma Ransom, Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Co-Chair Georges Erasmus and Co-president Rene Dussault. Also included is a brief presentation by 3 to 6 grade students concerning problems facing the Mohawk reservation of Akwesasne.

This file contains opening remarks by Billy Two Rivers, Commissioner of the Day and Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair.

This file contains opening remarks by Billy Two Rivers and Joseph T. Norton who introduce the Commissioners.

File contains Opening remarks by Commissioner Bertha Wilson for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Wendake, Quebec City, Quebec, on November 17, 1992.

File contains Opening remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Wendake, Quebec City, Quebec, on November 17, 1992.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Restigouche, Quebec, with opening remarks by Joe Gray, Moderator.

This file contains opening remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair, that explain the purpose and goals of the Commission.

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

File contains opening remarks by Co-Chair Rene Dussault for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Wendake, Quebec City, Quebec on November 17, 1992.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This is an overview of Discussion Paper No. 7, "Housing Our Past; Creating Our Future." by Sheila Watt-Cloutier on the problems of remote and northern communities with regard to reforms considered in Aboriginal education in other regions. The overview is presented by Josepi Padlayat.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by grade 6 students at Tsi Snaihne School and elders of Iakhihshotha on the subject of the "Adopt-a-Tota" program.

File contains a presentation by Eric Joubert, spokesperson of the Alliance autochtone du Quebec. Joubert describes the background of his organization which exists to assist Metis, Non-status, and status off reserve populations in Quebec and its involvement in various programs. Joubert then discusses rights concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Joubert for his suggestion.

This file contains a presentation by Andre Duchesne relating to the forestry industry in Quebec. He states that his organization attempts to consult with Aboriginal communities or groups regarding clearing, environmental concerns, land use and employment in round table forums. He also mentions that few Aboriginal persons appear interested in a career in forest management, but his organization would assist those persons financially. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Anna Samisack, Atiraq Women's Group. Samisack presents on women's issues in the community including daycare, funding for her group, and the loss of traditional culture. Following the presentation is a discussion between Samisack, Mayor Jobie Epoo, and Commissioner Dussault on daycare facilities in the community.

File contains a presentation by Arctic Exiles Markoosie Patsauq, Andrew Iquak, Anna Nungak, Patsauq Iqaluk, Samwillie Elijassialuk. These survivors of the High Arctic relocation program which forcibly removed Inuit people in the 1950s to the high arctic recount some of their personal stories of the process. Following the presentations Commissioner Dussault thanks them for presenting to the Commission.

This file contains a presentation by Arnold Lazare discussing the need for the Kahnawake Youth Centre to continue providing activities and programs for young people. Recently, despite funding cutbacks, the Centre has offered programs for adults as well. Lazare calls on the Commission to ensure funding continues as the Centre now serves adults. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Benoit Sioui. Sioui delivers a presentation entitled "The importance of a structure to promote and preserve our culture" in which he argues for the establishment of a museum and cultural centre to serve the Huron-Wendat communities needs.

The file contains a presentation by Brent G. Sivertz, Former Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Gerard Kenney assists Mr. Sivertz as he is feeling ill. The presentation deals with the High Arctic Relocation program, the rationale behind it, and Mr. Sivertz's role in it. Sivertz claims that some of the allegations made at earlier Commission hearings were untrue, and that no Inuit were forcibly relocated. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners question Sivertz on the contents of his presentation.

File contains a presentation by Bernard Arcand, Department of Anthropology, Laval University. Arcand argues that a cultural revolution is needed in non-Aboriginal Canada, and that non-Aboriginal Canadians need to be properly educated on Aboriginal culture. Arcand states this is will give non-Aboriginal culture egotistical as well as altruistic benefits. Following Arcand's presentation the Commissioners discuss his ideas with him.

File contains a presentation by Bernard Cleary. Cleary, a Montagnais man, Aboriginal negotiator, advisor to several Aboriginal nations, and journalist, discusses his experiences and belief that the government will not act on Aboriginal issues until the political will develops to do so. Following his presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks him for his submission.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Vincenette Cook for Akwesasne Adult Education Program on the subject of the educational system in Akwesasne. Questions from assembled Commissioners follow.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Rob Cree for the Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education of on the subject of the educational system in Akwesasne.

The file contains a presentation by Bob Pilot. Pilot, who was an RCMP officer at Craig Harbour and Grise Fiord in the 1950s, discusses his experiences related to the High Arctic Relocation program. Following his statement the assembled Commissioners question Pilot on the contents.

This file contains a presentation by Brenda Gedeon Miller that first gives a brief history of the Mi'kmaq Nation in Canada, describing Mi'kmaq government and the Mi'kmaq way of life. The presenter's First Nation has recently begun to assert its jurisdiction within their territory and have reorganized the administration of their local government, and also have obtained a mandate from community members to continue to "reassemble our Nation, our governments and our communities." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Bruce MacIntosh relating to tourism opportunities with the communities of Restigouche and Pointe a la Croix, Quebec. Sport fishing and a local ski facility are tourism hotspots and MacIntosh wishes to partner with these communities to create further employment and other economic opportunities. James Blanchard, First School District 14, Campbellton, New Brunswick, is introduced as the next speaker.

The file contains a presentation by Bud Neville. Neville, a former employee of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, discusses his experiences in Resolute Bay, Northwest Territories (now Nunavut) with regard to the High Arctic Relocation program. Following Neville's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

This file contains a presentation by members of the "Making Adult Decisions" (M.A.D.) Youth Group of Kahnawake discussing problems relating to race relations between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals, and relations with the outside police forces, RCMP and Surete du Quebec, that patrol the Kahnawake area. The group has conducted cultural exchanges with Canadian non-Aboriginal youth and with youth from former Soviet republics. M.A.D.

The file contains a presentation by Dan Soberman. Soberman, an academic and lawyer, discusses a variety of evidence pertaining to both the intent and implementation of the High Arctic Relocation program. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the contents and some of the issues raised with Soberman.

File contains a presentation by Daniel Oweetaluktuk. Oweetaluktuk makes a brief statement (via translator) requesting funding to instruct youth "on how to go about in the land" and assistance from the Crown to make "the fur trade accepted."

File includes a presentation by Danielle Descent. Descent discusses health and social services issues (including disease, suicide, addictions, family violence, education, and culturally related matters) in Sept-Iles/Maliotenam. Following her presentation the assembled Commissioners thank her for sharing her views on these issues.

File includes a presentation by Dennis Perron, MNA for Duplessis, and Opposition (Parti Quebecois) Critic on Aboriginal Affairs. Perron delivers an address on the relationship of the province of Quebec, and particularly past PQ governments to the Aboriginal peoples of the province. Perron stresses the importance of good relations, and claims that Quebec has the best record in Canada with regard to the treatment of Aboriginal peoples. Perron also discusses land rights and cultural questions.

This file contains a presentation by Donald Horne relating to the multitude of services his organization provides to the citizens of the Kahnawake community, including alcohol and drug prevention; youth, elder and family social services; family violence awareness programs, community and environmental health programs and child welfare services. Horne states that Kahnawake has a good infrastructure in terms of dealing with social programs, but urges the Commission to help secure continuing funding for these vital programs.

The file contains a presentation by Dr. Graham Rowley. Rowley, a retired professor and public servant, discusses his experiences with the Inuit in relation to the High Arctic Relocation program, and associated issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Rowley.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Roland Chamberlain, clinician, and Dr. Jacquelin Cossette, clinician. Dr Chamberlain discusses the health needs of Aboriginal communities in Northwestern Quebec, specifically alcohol related physical health and violence related issues. Dr. Cossette makes a variety of recommendations to enhance the overall health of Aboriginal communities, and the need to provide francophone equivalents of some English educational materials. Following this the assembled Commissioners discuss community health related topics with the two practitioners.

This file contains a presentation by Edith Cloutier, Ida Labillois-Williams, Louis Bordeleau and Roseanne Petifuay relating to problems encountered by the Friendship Centre movement as it seeks to assist urban Aboriginals. The Centres have developed a significant and unique expertise that could help in establishing self-government mechanisms in the urban setting.

This file contains a presentation by Edward J. Cross whose group's mandate is to preserve, maintain and promote Kanien'kehaka language, culture and tradition and to provide the community with the tools for its survival as a people. After federal government funding for the committee was frozen and eventually cut back over the last five years, Cross calls on the Commission to help establish a renewed relationship with Aboriginal peoples and the federal government, based on mutual respect and a willingness to solve funding concerns.