Saskatoon

Fifteen images (3 shown here) of Rita Bouvier who was involved with Urban Indian Teacher Education Program in Saskatoon, December 3, 1980.

Comments on the Riversdale area of Saskatoon and Quint Development Corporation efforts to improve housing and affordability.

Includes Saskatoon City Council minutes from a meeting on Monday February 9, 1981 discussing a request for the appointment of Rodney Soonias to the Board of Police Commissioners representing the Native and Non-Native community. The matter was referred to the Committee on Committees.

Rows of tipis in temporary First Nations village erected at Pion-Era at the Saskatoon Exhibition, July 1959. There is a cooking pit and tri-pod. There is a crowd of people behind a fence observing the Dakota people in the camp. The woman in the striped dress with her hands on hips is likely Pauline Royal of Whitecap Reserve at Moose Woods, while Jewel Littlecrow peeks out from behind a tipi on the left.

Historical note:

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Travelodge Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Wednesday, May 12, 1993. Commissioners Rene Dussault and Viola Robinson discuss the mandate, goals, and composition of the Commission as well as its work with Metis people in Western Canada.

The file contains a transcript of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Travelodge Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Wednesday, May 12, 1993. File contains presentations by a variety of individuals discussing Saskatchewan Metis and urban Aboriginal issues.

File contains a discussion paper by John Nickel of the Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon. Nickel discusses his organization's 50 community programs "15 of which were of direct benefit to children, youth, adults of Aboriginal and Metis descent." Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with Nickel.

File contains a discussion paper by Gay Caswell, a former MLA and consultant with Caswell Consultants of Saskatoon. Caswell is "here to argue that a very appropriate place for Aboriginal self-government is in the area of social services, in particular child welfare protection." Following Caswell's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with her.

File contains a discussion paper by Robin Bellamy. Bellamy gives his "opinion to the years of what I've seen in the inner city of Saskatoon" as a person who has worked for the Friendship Inn and other community service organizations. Bellamy raises issues such as prostitution, substance abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse, racism, and poverty. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with Bellamy.

File contains a discussion paper by Don Junor. Junor, executive director of the Riversdale Business Improvement District in Saskatoon, discusses Aboriginal, business, and police relationships in inner-city Saskatoon. Following Junor's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a discussion paper by Lisa McCallum and Gayle McMartin. McCallum and McMartin present on behalf of the Labour Force Development Board of Saskatchewan, representing women. Their presentation focuses on the mandate and activities of their organization which deals with education and job training; as well as the principles behind it; and concerns they have with it. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a discussion paper by Lillian Sanderson and Nina Saxena of the Aboriginal Women's Council of Saskatchewan. Sanderson and Saxena present an update on where they are at with their research project which deals with "what role, if any, should Aboriginal women and Elders play in the development of information of self-government for Aboriginal people...the Aboriginal Women's Council does not distinguish between Metis, non-Status, or Status women." The presenters discuss some of their methodology and makes some preliminary recommendations to the Commission.

File contains a discussion paper by Bob Lacoursiere. Lacoursiere discusses his views on Aboriginal economic development as a small business owner and former Saskatoon mayoral candidate. Lacoursiere discusses self-government, self-determination, and self-sufficiency as it pertains to Aboriginal people and discusses the importance of role models in mentoring youth. Following Lacoursiere's presentation Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a discussion paper by Sandy Baumgartner. Baumgartner, Manager of Communications for the Canadian Wildlife Federation, discusses that organizations composition, goals, and ideas regarding Aboriginal resource rights and co-management practices. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with Baumgartner.

File contains a discussion paper by Robert Doucette, Don Kossick, Marlene Larocque, and Emil Bell. The first three presenters discuss their work with CUSO, the Canadian University Services Overseas, an International Development organization confronting what they term "structural apartheid in colonial countries including Canada. Included in this discussion is public education on institutional racism. Bell discusses the particular problems faced by people in prostitution and the lack of support services available for them.

File contains a discussion paper by Christine Lawanga. Lawanga, speaking on behalf of the Saskatoon Multiculturalism Council, discusses their Equity and Anti-Racism program. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson and Dussault discuss some of the issues raised with Lawanga after which the Commission adjourns its sitting for the day.

File contains opening remarks and an opening prayer from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Travelodge Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Thursday, May 13, 1993. Commissioners Rene Dussault and Viola Robinson discuss the mandate, goals, and composition of the Commission as well as the format for this particular sitting dealing with urban Aboriginal affairs in Saskatchewan. Following the remarks is an opening prayer by Metis Senator Nora Ritchie.

The file contains a transcript of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Travelodge Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Thursday, May 13, 1993. File contains a variety of discussion paper presentations on urban Aboriginal issues in Saskatchewan.

Contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Saskatoon Indian and Native Friendship Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, land claims, self-government, on- and off-reserve Aboriginals, training of Aboriginals in education and law enforcement, and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 51 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, land claims, self-government, racism and discrimination, and Metis and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains closing remarks by Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair.

File contains a general discussion on Metis issues by presenters Clem Chartier, Isabelle Impey, Cathy LaValley, Alphonse Janvier, Joyce Racette, Lyle Boland, Commissioners Rene Dussault and Viola Robinson. The topic of discussion is Metis issues in Saskatchewan. Topics covered include Metis rights, economics, self-governance, women and social issues.

File contains a general discussion between presenters Cliff Wright, Theresa Dust, Robert Doucette, Jack Smith, Barry Kennedy, Commissioners Rene Dussault, Viola Robinson, and facilitator Murray Hamilton. The topic of discussion is urban Aboriginal issues in Saskatchewan, specifically issues raised in the preceding presentations listed under the presenter's names and available for viewing on this site.

File contains a presentation by Emile Bell relating to the negative effects of residential schools and the impact of AIDS on Aboriginal people in Canada. Bell, a co-founder of Joe Duquette High School in Saskatoon, works with street people in Saskatoon where the majority are Aboriginal. He calls on the Commission to help provide financial compensation for survivors of residential school abuse, and funding for a shelter for those living on the streets. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by John Hart relating to existing affirmative action programs, particularly the Saskatchewan program and the federal program. The goal of affirmative action is to bring Aboriginal people into the workforce equivalent to the numbers in the total population. Hart concludes his presentation by saying affirmative action in Saskatchewan and Canada is not working and calls on the Commission to help make employers aware of it. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains opening remarks by Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair that explains the purpose and goals of the Commission.

File contains opening remarks by Maurice Blondeau welcoming the Commission to Saskatoon.

The file contains a presentation by Al Adams, Deputy Mayor, City of Thompson. Deputy Mayor Adams welcomes the Commission to Thompson, then discusses its' demographic and economic composition, funding concerns, co-operation with Aboriginal communities, taxation issues, and resource development. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Adams.

File contains a presentation by Alphonse Janvier. Janvier discusses Metis justice and social issues in Saskatchewan. Janvier also discusses financial issues.

This file contains a presentation by Anne-Marie Hodes relating to the Native Health Care Careers Program at the University of Alberta. Hodes examines the barriers affecting admission and retention of Aboriginal students to professional health facilities. The mandate of the Program focuses on encouraging Aboriginal students to consider a career in medicine in order to correct the under-representation of Aboriginal physicians in Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation. Everett Lambert acts as facilitator.

File contains a presentation by Barry Kennedy. Kennedy, a member of the First Nations Council of Moose Jaw, discusses that organization's history and activities in the economic and social spheres. Kennedy also discusses his organizations relations with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Metis Society of Saskatchewan.

File contains a presentation by Bill Hanson that initially recalls his 30 years of experience in the Aboriginal political movement in Canada. The rest of the presentation addresses a wide range of subjects, including education, land claims and self-government, economic development and poor management of band funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains presentations by Bishop Sjoberg, Dr. Kuhn, and Cathy Dorland, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The Bishop delivers a brief expressing solidarity with Aboriginal Canadians, and contrition for historical wrongs. Bishop Sjoberg then discusses what is necessary for a new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians, and some of the work the ELCIC has done to bring this about and increase cross-cultural understanding. Dr. Kuhn discusses self-determination issues in a political and economic sense.

File contains a presentation by Cathy LaValley. LaValley discusses the federal "Pathways to Success" educational and job-training program in Saskatchewan, specifically as it pertains to Metis residents.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Ogram and Cal Albright relating to the Aboriginal Relations Subcommittee, part of the Race Relations Committee. A number of recommendations are offered, including policies and programs affecting Aboriginal people be reviewed for systemic racism as well as cultural sensitivity and appropriateness, after consultation with Aboriginal people. Also recommended is all municipalities consulting with the Aboriginal community on any new policies that affect the community. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Starr whose organization working in conjunction with the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Prevention Program. She is a strong advocate of the numerous Aboriginal youth conferences happening more frequently in Saskatchewan and Canada, and feels this forum is critical for youth to speak for themselves and lobby for positive changes affecting them and their families. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Lindsay Cyr and Felix Musqua addressing the failure of the Charlottetown Accord and the position that their organization will still pursue; "the inherent right to nationhood, self-government, jurisdiction, systems of laws, resource rights, distinct languages, cultures and values." Cyr then states that his organization will table its documentation later in the year. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chris Axworthy relating to his constituency that encompasses a large Aboriginal population made up of status Indians living off-reserve, as well as non-status Indians and Metis people. He is aware of the feeling of disfranchisement of urban Aboriginal people, the need for self-government, and for more funding for Aboriginal post-secondary education. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cindy Sparvier, social worker at the all-Aboriginal high school in Saskatoon. The staff at Joe Duquette address common and painful issues with the students and help them work through their problems, as well as providing an education based on Aboriginal values and history. She calls on the Commission to help secure funding for either an expansion of the present school or for a new facility. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Claude Petit expressing frustration with the ability of his organization to offer services and organize events for Aboriginal veterans without funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clem Chartier of the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan. Chartier relays the regrets of President Gerald Morin who was unable to attend the sitting, introduces some of the participants in attendance, then discusses Metis land title and land rights issues, hunting rights, economic concerns, self-government and self-determination, policy ideas, personal and collective healing, racism and discrimination, intergovernmental relations, and the Metis Nation Accord in order to "give a holistic view of our organization."

File contains a presentation by Cliff Wright. Following an introduction by facilitator Murray Hamilton, an employee of the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Wright discusses his role as Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and what that entails. Wright also discusses land allocation practices in in the province.

File contains a presentation by David Arnot, Battlefords Justice Advisory Council. Arnot, presenting on behalf of the Battlefords Justice Advisory Council delivers a presentation first dealing with the Katapamisuak project which deals with community justice, and the workings of the general justice system as they pertain to Aboriginal peoples. Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus discuss justice issues with Arnot following the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Dennis Sapp and Victor Cote describing the difficulties of being disabled in Saskatoon. They believes changes in the disabled transit service, and in policies for housing, education and employment would benefit all Aboriginal disabled people. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gary LaPlante, Kewatin Communications. LaPlante discusses self-governance and the critical view of it he has experienced from some Aboriginal people. LaPlante discusses his own life experiences and his view that race relations are a two way street and that some Aboriginal people harbour racist views and that this must be addressed.

File contains a presentation by Georgette Djan-Drapper, the Saskatchewan representative of the organization, focusing on racism in Canada, retention of Black identity, language and culture, and better treatment from the criminal justice system. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gerald Morin, MIchele Harding and Clem Chartier covering a wide range of topics, including the aftermath of the Charlottetown Accord, the Metis Nation Accord, land claims and self-government. Harding also represents the Education and Employment Women's Working Agenda group. Her brief presentation discusses adult basic education and the high dropout rate of Aboriginal and Metis youth in high school. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gloria Mehlmann and Karen Chamone focusing on education as it relates to Indian and Metis peoples. They recommend that Indian and Metis materials must be an integral part of the curriculum; Indian and Metis materials must be presented in all subject areas; and contemporary materials on Indian and Metis people must complement historical material, among other recommendations. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Ahenakew representing the treaty Aboriginal veterans of Saskatchewan. He recalls stories of Aboriginal veterans returning to Saskatchewan and not receiving financial, educational or agricultural benefits that were given to non-Aboriginals. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Isabelle Impey. Impey discusses the Gabriel Dumont Institute: its' mandate, guiding principles, organizational structure, and relation to self-government. Impey also discusses some of the Insitute's programs, post-secondary education financing issues, and projects it is involved with. Following brief comments by Commissioner Dussault, Impey delivers the second part of her presentation which deals with Metis women's concerns.