Val-d\'Or

Looks at "Concrete Indians" living in urban communities. Duration: 45:10.

Focuses on incidence, severity, causes, and consequences of violence, and resources available both on- and off-reserve. Qualitative data gathered through focus groups of women and key informant interviews with service providers.

Independent civilian observer's mandate was to evaluate Montreal police force's investigation into allegations of sexual violence and abuse of power by the provincial police.

Study found that a disproportional amount of statement of offences (tickets) were issued to the city's Indigenous population. Argues that the problem is social rather than criminal and makes recommendations to improve the situation.

Final sample consisted of 268 adults, 36 adolescents, and 64 children residing in Montreal, Quebec City, and Val-d'Or.

File contains an opening prayer, welcoming remarks, and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hotel Confortel in Val D'or, Quebec, Monday, November 30, 1992. Following an opening prayer, Chief Albert Tenasco Jr. of the Algonquin Anishnabeg Nation, and Mayor of Val D'Or Ronald Tetreault welcome the Royal Commission to the city. Commissioner Rene Dussault then discusses the composition of the Commission, its mandate and goals. Commissioners Viola Robinson and Allan Blakeney also deliver brief introductory remarks.

File contains a presentation by Elaine Pichet, General Manager of the Val d'Or Chamber of Commerce. Pichet reads a letter to the Commission expressing the Chamber of Commerce's desire for good relations with the local Cree and Algonquin peoples, and explaining some of the projects and initiatives they have taken to promote those relations. Following her presentation Commissioners Dussault and Polson discuss the Chamber of Commerce, its position, programs, and role in race relations with Pichet. Following the discussion the sitting of the Commission is adjourned for the day.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Val d'Or Friendship Centre by Executive Director Edith Cloutier, Vice-President Lucy Louttit, Council Member Johanne Lacasse, and Secretary Alain Kistabish. The representatives discuss urbanization amongst Aboriginal peoples in the area, research their organization has conducted amongst these peoples (including Algonquin, Inuit, Metis, and Cree respondents), service delivery, self-governance in the urban context, building relations with the non-Aboriginal community and other matters.