Sept-Iles

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File contains opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Uashat, Sept-Iles, Quebec, Thursday, November 19, 1992 by Commissioners Rene Dussault, Bertha Wilson, and Paul Chartrand. Commissioner Dussault gives an overview of the composition of the Commission, its goals, and activities. Commissioner Wilson offers her perspective as a Non-Aboriginal member of the Commission and makes remarks on its mandate.

File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Mani-Utenam, Sept-Iles, Quebec, . File includes a variety of presentations from bands, Aboriginal organizations, a member of Parliament, community groups, individuals, and Church officials. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File includes the opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Mani-Utenam, Sept-Iles, Quebec, Friday, November 20, 1992. Opening remarks by Rene Dussault give an overview of the Commissions activities, its mandate, and goals. Commissioner Wilson addresses the "tremendous lack of knowledge in white society about native people" and the Commission's educational function, while Commissioner Chartrand discusses his own background and hopes for the Commission's work.

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 contains a presentation by Real Vollant, Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Maniutenam. Vollant discusses how the Montagnais see the future in terms of three areas: land claims, constitutional offers, and self-government. He states that "Development, education, justice, health and social services--all of these depend on self-government." Following Vollants presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses education and language matters in the community with him. They then discuss industrial development, policing, trapping, hunting, fishing, wages, and other concerns.

File includes a presentation by Chief Gilles Bacon and Councillor Raoul Vollant of the Maliotenam Band Council. Chief Gilles Bacon makes a very brief statement welcoming the Commission and expressing happiness about recent elections.

File contains a presentation by Marcel Blouin, Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Sept-Iles. He apologizes for the absence of the Mayor, Jean-Marc Dion, and states that he will submit a written report to the Commission. Following his statement Commissioner Dussault requests that Blouin convey the message to the Mayor that they are very interested in hearing about the experiences of municipalities which have direct and long relationships with reserves within or near their boundaries such as Sept-Iles.

File contains a presentation by the Regroupement des Montagnais hors reserve de Sept-Iles/Maliotenam. Presenter Raymond Hamilton accompanied by Raymond Mainville, and Merilda St-Onge, presents a short history of the movement which seeks to represent off-reserve Indians who were registered with the Department of Indian Affairs since 1985. Hamilton discusses the lack of assistance for his people, education, health, housing, and other concerns.

File contains a presentation by Managing Director Octave Deraps, and Ms Bernier, of the Sept-Iles CEGEP. Deraps delivers a presentation highlighting the CEGEP's programs for Aboriginal (mainly Montagnais) students, including its degree program, Amerindian Studies courses, etc. Deraps also discusses relations with the Aboriginal community in formulating such courses and programs.