Society

File contains a presentation by Aboriginal Students from Algonquin College. The students voice a variety of concerns related to education, race relations, grass roots politics, cultural revival, the justice system, history curricula, drug and alcohol abuse, health service facilities, and assimilation. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the students concerns with them.

File contains a presentation by on behalf of the All Nations Trust Company by General Manager Larry Peeters, and Delphine Terbasket. Peeters introduces Terbasket, who delivers a presentation on the negative effects Canadian taxation policy has had on their financial institution, All Nations Trust. He states that the high tax burden placed on All Nations Trust has made operations extremely difficult. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Terbasket for the presentation and make some comments on the issue.

File contains a presentation by Alma Brooks, a Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) woman. Brooks relates her life journey and involvement with both politics and the community at large in helping to heal her people's problems. She states that self-governance is an impossibility until her people are healed. Following her presentation is a discussion between her and Commissioners Dussault and Sillet on healing and politics respectively.

File contains a presentation by Amanda Golosky, Counsellor, Keyano College. Golosky discusses Keyano College's programming in local communities, building on the previous presentation by Doug McCrae. Following her presentation Commissioner Chartrand thanks her for her thoughts.

The file contains a presentation by Amber Flett. Flett is a Cree-Ojibway student at Catholic Central School in Lethbridge, Alberta. Flett discusses her experiences with loss of culture and racism in a mixed-culture school setting. Flett discusses how she found a support network in school when she moved to Alberta, and stresses that schools need more Native involvement programs.

The file contains a presentation by Andrew Kirkness, Indian Council, First Nations of Manitoba, and President Glen McIvor of the Wabowden Treaty Council. Kirkness discusses off-reserve Treaty people's issues including relations with the Department of Indian Affairs, Bill C-31 issues, the Northern Flood Agreement, education funding, economic development, provincial funding, housing, cultural programs, hunting, justice issues, views on the Royal Commission, views on the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, and land issues.

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 Annie Napayok on behalf of the Keewatin Legal Aid Society. She discusses justice issues in the Keewatin region, for which she is the only legal aid representative. Among her concerns are culturally insensitive applications of law, a lack of funding, and youth justice concerns. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney discuss some of these issues with Napayok.

File contains a presentation by Austin Sterling. He delivers a short presentation on the positive aspects of having Band Schools. Sterling is himself the principal of such a school. Following his remarks Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault thank him for his participation.

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 Barbara Barnes and Glenn Morrison for the National Association of Cultural Education Centres on the subject of the survival of Native culture.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Bev Julian, Native Women's Association of Canada. Julian discusses the personal impact of suicide on herself, her training both as a social worker and a traditional healer, and some of the work she has done which has healed people who were considering suicide. Following her presentation Chairperson Hodgson thanks her for sharing her views.

File contains an individual presentation by Bill Gower. Gower, an active member of the community who's on the hamlet Council, discusses the problems he sees with the Education system. He stresses that unless something is done to create jobs in the area in the near future the effects of its failings will be catastrophic. Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney discuss these concerns and possible solutions with Gower.

The file contains a presentation by Billy Day of the Inuvialuit Communications Society.

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.

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.

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 Bob Fix and Norman Champagne on behalf of Fairview College. Fix discusses the college's experience with providing post-secondary education for Aboriginal people who form 60-65 percent of the student body. Following the presentation is a discussion between Fix and Commissioners Dussault and Robinson on the college's operations and programming.

File contains a presentation by Bob Neale, President of the Nicola Stock Breeders' Association. Neale discusses his concerns with the land claims process underway in the Nicola Valley area of British Columbia and makes a variety of requests including that grazing rules for Crown Land be the same for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal stock owners, and that an impartial third party be included in the land claims resolution process. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Neale for his contributions.

The file contains spresentation by Bonita Chlow of the Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre.

File contains a presentation by Chairperson Brenda Bernhardt-McNabb of the Northwest Territories Council of Friendship Centres. Bernhardt-McNabb discusses the role of her organization which is to "assist those centres who may have difficulty in funding, managements, role and responsibilities of boards and staff, and so forth" at the territorial level. Bernhardt-McNabb discusses some of the funding challenges faced by Northwest Territories Friendship Centres.

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.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Cam Shade. Shade, a post-secondary student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses the need for education "based on some of the native cultural aspects rather than the white society" and his reasoning for thinking this way. Shade also mentions the need for better instruction in culture and history in non-Aboriginal Canadian society.

File contains a presentation by Carol Croxon. Croxon, who works for the Ojibway Family Resource Centre, Nipissing First Nation, discusses family violence and associated issues. Following the presentation Croxon discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Wilson and Sillett.

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 Cathy Rutherford. Rutherford discusses her observations as the foster parent of 16 Aboriginal children and 10 white children. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank her for sharing her views.

The file contains a presentation by Cece McCauley. McCauley comments on Aboriginal staffing issues with the Inuvik RCMP; as well as job training and government employment generally in Northern Communities. Following McCauley's comments is a general discussion between Commissioners John Holman and preceding presenter George Gillies on Inuvik hospital maintenance costs. After the discussion Commissioner Rene Dussault thanks the days' participants, discuses tommorows session, and closes the days' sitting of the Royal Commission. Joan-Cole Heine concludes the days' sitting with a closing prayer.

The file contains a presentation by Celeste McKay and Joyce Courchene, Indigenous Womens Collective. McKay and Courchene discuss Aboriginal women's issues with relation to self-determination, economics, and the Indian Act. They make some policy recommendations to the Commission with regard to these issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Keenan of the Teslin Tlingit Council. Keenan discusses the differences but also the commonalities in values between Aboriginal people and other Canadians. Keenan also discusses the Canadian justice system, over representation in prisons, the need for more resources toward prevention rather than corrections, initiatives his people have taken in the Yukon, and other justice related matters.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Beaucage, Nipissing First Nation. Chief Beaucage discusses the de'Medici North Bay Inc. collaborative fur venture, world fur markets, and related issues. Chief Beaucage also discusses other economic activity within the First Nation's industrial park.

The file contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Wesley of the Kitsumkalum Band. Chief Wesley welcomes the Commission, expresses his hopes for it, and gives some demographic, cultural, and territorial information on his people. Chief Wesley discusses the political structure of his people, their relationship to other Aboriginal groups, and the federal government.

The file contains a presentation by Chief James Firth of the Inuvik Gwi'chin Council. Chief Firth delivers a presentation on the history of Inuvik including the relocation of people by the government from nearby Aklavik to Inuvik; alcoholism and related social and health problems; the need to prepare for future resource development; the need for cross-cultural co-operation and mutual respect; some of the goals of the Council; the relation of self-esteem to quality of life; and the need for a "renewed political arrangement with the Government of Canada."

File contains a presentation by Chief Joe Nicholas of the Columbia Lake Indian Band. Nicholas highlights some of his concerns notably in the land management and economic sphere, and argues that First Nations governments must be given direct control over their particular spheres in order for economic and social progress to take place.

File contains a presentation by Chief Paul Sam. Chief Sam comments on the preceding presentations of Cathy Rutherford, and the two Roman Catholic Peace and Development Group presenters. Following this Sam invites the Commissioners to come in six months time and take in an Aboriginal fastball tournament. Following the Chief's remarks Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand discuss this with him.

File contains a presentation by Chief Stewart Paul of the Tobique First Nation. Paul welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson to Tobique, then proceeds to discuss the history of the First Nation, its part in Pre-Confederation Treaties, the creation of their reserve, its war veterans in numerous global conflicts, notable individuals from Tobique, and some of the economic and social concerns faced by the nation. Paul also elaborates on some of the programming undertaken by the community to deal with these concerns.

File contains a presentation by Chief Walter Barry, Beniot's Cove Indian Band. Barry discusses his concerns regarding fisheries, employment, education, and cross cultural understanding. Following the presentation Berry discusses these issues with Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Tony White.

File contains a presentation Christie Clifton, North Coast Tribal Council Education Centre. Clifton discusses her centre's mandate and operations serving Haida, Tsimshian, and Nisga'a people. Clifton discusses its' range of post-secondary programs, its' success in the community, and its' frustration with current funding arrangements. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Clifton.

File contains a presentation by Christine Gibson, Co-ordinator fo the Mi'kmaq Child Development Project. Gibson discusses the general child care situation in Canada, in Nova Scotia, and amongst Aboriginal Canadians. Gibson then discusses the specific operation of her project and makes a variety of recommendations for its enhancement. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss the project and related child care issues with Gibson.

File contains a presentation by the Nicola Valley Native Community Law Office, Merritt Legal Services, by Cliff Thorstenson. He discusses his observations on Aboriginal people and the Canadian justice system, particularly with regards to the local situation. Thorstenson offers a critique of justice institutions, and recommends a more culturally appropriate approach to community justice issues. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault on justice concerns.

File contains a presentation by the Coldwater Band School. School. The presentation is made up of comments by multiple students at both the elementary and secondary level highlighting collective concerns such as the physical, mental, and environmental well-being of their community. 15 students and staff speak in total. Following the presentations are comments by Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thanking the presenters for their contributions.

File contains a presentation by Colleen Nadjiwon-Johnson. Nadjiwon-Johnson, a small business owner from the Walpole Island First Nation, discusses a "number of issues affecting myself and other Native small business owners." These include taxation, economic development initiatives, caisse populaires (credit unions), janitorial and personal services, Aboriginal rights (treaty, hunting, fishing, etc.) advocacy, and human resources issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Nadjiwon-Johnson.

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.

File contains a presentation by Commissioner of the Day Louis Morin. Morin discusses his own life experiences including the relocation of his people from Clear Lake to Turnor Lake by the government, fishing, hunting, and trapping issues. Following Morin's presentation Commissioner Dussault and discusses some of the issues raised with Morin.

File contains a presentation by Connie Eyolfson of the Strong Earth Women Lodge. Eyolfson first discusses her home community of Traverse Bay, and claims they are First Nations (Non-Status), and not a Métis population as the Métis Federation of Manitoba has claimed. Eyolfson then goes on to describe her organization, the Strong Earth Women Lodge, which provides 24 hour care service for crisis situations. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the content.

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 Darlene McLeod, Band Administrator, Wahpeton Band. McLeod delivers a presentation on housing, mortgages, and education financing concerns. Following McLeod's presentation a discussion takes place between the assembled Commissioners, previous presenter Beverly Waditaka, and Darlene McLeod on the issues raised in their respective presentations.

The file contains a presentation by Darrin Crowshoe. Crowshoe, from the Peigan Nation, discusses some of his life experiences and philosophy.

File contains a presentation by the Dave Courchene, Jr. of the Mother Earth Spiritual Camp, and closing remarks for the Commission's sitting by Chief Jerry Fontaine. Courchene's presentation deals with his historical perspective on "the spirit of indigenous people," and the need to return to traditional spirituality to heal Aboriginal communities of their social ills. Courchene then delivers his views on the importance of self-governance and Aboriginal sovereignty. Following the presentation is a discussion between Courchene and Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the issues raised therein.