Society

File contains a presentation by Director Gordon King of the Micmac Native Friendship Centre (Halifax, NS). King discusses the role Friendship Centres play in communities, their non-political nature, and the success they have had working with urban Aboriginal populations. King introduces the days presenters from the Friendship Centre and states to the Commissioners that they "have the powers to start the process for change to ensure a better life for Aboriginal peoples residing in urban areas.

File contains a presentation by Mike Cardinal. Cardinal, who is area supervisor for Native Counselling Services in High Level, discusses what his organization is and relates its history. Cardinal then discusses the organizations programming, particularly with relation to the justice system. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cardinal, Robinson, Dussault, and Beaulieu with regard to Native Counselling Services.

The file contains a presentation by Mike Garson, Split Lake Cree First Nation. Garson discusses self-governance and self-determination; land and resources; colonization and government paternalism; water; Treaty rights; and hydro development. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Garson.

File contains a presentation by Patsy Paul-Martin of the Millbrook Native Learning Centre. Paul-Martin discusses "the major barriers the Native participants face when they enrol in the Millbrook Native Learning Centre that impedes their upgrading to success." She highlights a variety of concerns and makes some recommendations for addressing them. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Paul-Martin, after which are closing remarks and the conclusion of the day's sitting of the Royal Commision.

File contains a presentation by Laurent Gagnon of Moral Rearmament. Moral Rearmament (now Initiatives of Change International) is an international moral and spiritual movement that, in 1938, grew out of the Reverend Frank N. D. Buchman's Oxford Group. Gagnon discusses the personal development of his changing views as someone from a Quebecois farming background towards the province's Aboriginal people. Gagnon discusses how his organization has worked to build dialogue and partnerships between communities in conflict worldwide, and the parallels between the Aboriginal and Quebecois experience.

File contains a presentation by Nancy Gaudon, Port-au-Port Band. She discusses how the band has no economic base since the fishery collapsed, and lists a variety of concerns including housing, social needs, language issues, economic development, self-determination for off-reserve and Non-status Indians, Education and Historical Identity. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with Gaudon.

File includes a presentation by Director General John Memanskum, and Advisor Paul Wilkinson of the Naskapi Band of Quebec. Memanskum discusses the relocation of the Naskapi-Montagnais people and the history of their band, as well as the James Bay agreement in Northern Quebec, the Indian Act, self-government models and related matters. Following the presentation Memanskum engages Commissioner Dussault in a discussion of the issues raised. After this Commissioner Dussault concludes the day's sitting of the Commission and thanks the days participants.

File contains a presentation by the Native Outpatient Centre: Meysncut Counselling Centre by Sara Williams and Jane Caprion. Sara Williams begins with a presentation giving an overview of their organization, and its work dealing with abuse and education in the community. Williams also makes a variety of organizational and funding recommendations to the Commission related to the organization's work. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand engage Williams and Caprion in a discussion on the issues raised, and the activities of the Centre.

File contains a presentation by Donna Roundhead of Nodin Counselling Services. Roundhead discusses the high suicide rate in Nishnawbe-Aski communities, calls for a federal inquiry into the high suicide rate, discusses the need for Aboriginal mental health consultants, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Roundhead.

File contains a presentation by Bill Butler and Lynn Bennett of the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre. The presenters discuss housing, employment, child care, and other urban issues. Bennett also discusses the Low Income People's Involvement agency, or LIPI, and some of the advocacy work it does. Following the presentation Butler and Lynn discuss some of the issues raised with Commissioners Wilson and Sillett.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Northern Lights School Division by Rick Laliberte and Gordon Rutten. Laliberte discusses his own background as a Cree person and educational issues in Northern Saskatchewan, the need for a child centred approach, and linguistic issues. Rutten delivers a series of 13 recommendations to the Commission on education in Nothern Saskatchewan dealing with administrative, finance, cultural, and linguistic concerns. Following the presentation the two presenters discuss educational concerns with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by the Northwest Urban Aboriginal Society of Prince Rupert. Vern Brown, President of the Prince Rupert Local of the Council of Haida Nations introduces his fellow presenters John Stewart, Bill Wright, and Fred Anderson. Brown discusses the urban Aboriginal population in Prince Rupert, its' demographic make-up, educational and language concerns, the need for facilities and resources, land claims issues, housing issues, seniors issues, disabled people's issues, health issues, and general urban and off-reserve concerns.

File contains a presentation by Karen Acorn, Suicide Prevention Officer, and Nowya Williams. Acorn and Williams address the issue of suicide in the region and express the belief that it is something which can often be prevented when the proper information and counselling is available for people. Williams stresses the importance of involving Elders in community counselling to help address the problem. Following the presentations the assembled Commissioners discuss the issue with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Pastor Stanley Reid, of the Crime Prevention Committee. Reid discusses the lack of policing in coastal communities, and the problem of a lack of resources generally to deal with crime and crime related issues.

The file contains spresentation by Patricia Lowe, Society of Friends Against Family Violence. Lowe discusses the society's work promoting the establishment of a shelter for battered women and children and women in Inuvik over the past four years, and why such a facility is needed.

The file contains a presentation by Paul Scotchman on behalf of the Western Indian Agricultural Producers Association. Scotchman discusses Aboriginal agriculture as it relates to the Commission's four areas of focus: relationship, self-determination, self-sufficiency and healing.

File contains a presentation by Paul Williams, vicar of the Anglican Church in Rankin Inlet. He presents his concerns as an individual on education and suicide in the community. Williams argues that there is not enough funding for culturally relevant education of the kind that is needed. Williams then discusses the problem of the extremely high rate of suicide in the community, and the lack of help in dealing with it. Following his presentation Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney thank Williams and discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Pauline Decontie, Education Department, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Following a song by the children in the local immersion class, Decontie delivers a presenation on language, culture, identity issues, and their relation to education (for both children and adults). Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss these issues with Decontie.

File contains a presentation by Peter Efimoff. Efimoff, a student at Prince Rupert Senior School, discusses his personal views on Aboriginal culture, languages, and relations with other cultures.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes presentation by Professor Vance Peavy concerning the health system in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Randy Sawyer. Sawyer discusses Aboriginal languages in Canada and their importance. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with Sawyer.

File contains a presentation by Reg Louttit of the Attawapiskat First Nation, Nation Justice Project. Louttit discusses the project on his First Nation, its origins, aims and difficulties encountered.

The file contains a presentation by Reuben Ploughman. Ploughman discusses his perspective on the High Arctic Relocation as a Hudson's Bay Company employee at Inukjuaq (Port Harrison) and other locations in Northern Canada. Following the presentation Ploughman discusses some of his testimony with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by the Reverend Doug Greenough of the St. Clair United Church. Reverend Greenough, pastor of a Church on the Sarnia Reserve, discusses the United Church of Canada's views on Aboriginal spirituality, his own personal ones, and cross-cultural understanding.

The file contains a presentation on by President Rita Arey of the Northwest Territories Status of Women organization, closing remarks and a closing prayer. President Arey presents on her organization's work on behalf of women in the Northwest Territories, and specifically the challenges facing Aboriginal women in the Northwest Territories.

File contains a presentation by RMP (Ron Momogeeshick Peters), an Ojibwa man, relates his personal life story including relationship difficulties and the struggles he has faced in his life.

File contains a presentation by Robert Doucette. Doucette discusses conditions for Metis people within the City of Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan generally. Doucette highlights problems of institutional racism, access to education, ignorance of Aboriginal identity and issues in the general population, migration to urban centres, and related issues. Doucette also discusses the need for a Metis land base and the differences in the way the government addresses Metis and Treaty people's issues.

The file contains a presentation by Robin Weasel Bear. Weasel Bear discusses his support for the youth programs going on at the Peigan Reserve, and his participation in these programs. Weasel Bear tells the Commission that a lot more of these programs should be "set up on every reserve, and even in cities."

File contains a presentation by Ronnie Leah, Sociology Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Leah discusses research she performed in the community which highlights the experience of Aboriginal women in the Lethbridge area in terms of systemic racism they face in their daily lives. Leah discusses her methodology, findings, and some ways in which she thinks the problems of racism in the community can be addressed.

File contains a presentation by Roy Cheechum on Community Project Development. Cheechum delivers a brief history of La Loche, an overview of problems the community faces such as high unemployment and high dependency on outside goods and services, housing issues, economic developments, tourism, and government spending in the community, the lack of a community tax base, and the success of the non-profit Methy Construction. Cheechum suggests that government spending has generally been ineffective and poorly delivered given the communities needs.

The file contains a presentation by Sadie Parnell of the Kermode Friendship Centre. Parnell discusses the Friendship Centres operations and goals. Parnell requests more assistance from the government in terms of programming and education, particularly with reference to disabled people and non-Aboriginals to foster cross-cultural understanding. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson comment on the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Samantha Bastien, a student at Piegan School on the Piegan Reserve, Alberta. Bastien states that she "basically agree[s]" with everything previous presenter Robin Weasel Bear had to say in his presentation. Robin Weasel Bear's presentation can be viewed on this site.

File contains a presentation by Sandra Green, First Nations Women's Group. Green, a member of the Haida Nation and Eagle Clan, discusses the mandate and issues of the First Nations Women's Group of Prince Rupert. Their mandate is to "preserve the First Nations family in a healthy and positive way" and their issues include "social issues of family violence, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual abuse" AIDS, and high youth mortality generally. Green goes on to highlight a number of root causes of these problems, and recommend solutions to the Commission.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Social Development by Charlene Belleau, Ralph Phillips, and Bob Manuel. The presenters discuss social development as a necessary precondition of land claims and self-governance. They discuss the need to address the social damages inflicted by residential schools and foster homes, dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. Commissioner Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Shacken Band School. Martha Aspinall, Charmane Sheena, and Sally Holmes discuss a variety of concerns regarding Band Schools, post-secondary funding, racism and discrimination, and jurisdictional issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank the presenters for their thoughts.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Central Okanagan Regional District by Sharron Simpson, Chairperson. Simpson discusses her viewpoint as a Canadian with little knowledge of Aboriginal peoples. Simpson discusses her limited experiences with First Nations and Inuit people in her youth, the colonial mentality, the sociological concept of anomie, the need for mutual respect and understanding to forge a new relationship, work with the Westbank Indian Band, and concerns about the development of self-government. Simpson also makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission.

The file contains a presentation by Shelly Yellow Horn. Yellow Horn discusses the Youth Group Program on the Peigan Reserve which she is involved with. Yellow Horn explains its' mandate which involves alcohol and drug abuse prevention, education, cultural identity, and the development of youth leaders.

File contains a presentation by Shibogama First Nations Council, Sarah McKay. McKay discusses the social and health conditions of the local First Nations, and attributes many of their problems to colonialism and policies such as the residential schools. McKay recommends that any move towards self-governance first start by addressing the mental, spiritual, and physical health concerns of area First Nations. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with McKay.

File contains a presentation by Shirley Cook. Cook, an aboriginal student enrolled in a television production course at the Native Communications Society in Yellowknife, discusses the role she thinks television can play in Aboriginal communities and culture. Cook also discusses the importance of the North to Canada, and the importance of telling the stories of the people there. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Cook.

File contains a presentation by Simon Brascoupe of Apikan Ltd. Brascoupe discusses economic development, the role culture plays in it, and concludes with general economic strategy advice. Brascoupe emphasizes the interrelatedness of development and spirituality, the importance of traditional and local economies, and his belief that the future lies in education of people. Following Brascoupe's presentation Commissioners Dussault and Blakeney discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation on behalf of St. Martin's Hospital by Administrator Violet Lemaigre, and Pat Malmgren. Administrator Lemaigre discusses the situation of her hospital which she desribes as very small and constantly underfunded. Lemaigre also discusses transportation issues, disease and addiction issues, staff shortage issues, mental health issues, elderly and disabled persons issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillet discuss some of the issues raised with Lemaigre and Malmgren.

File contains a presentation by Steven Katz. Katz discusses justice issues in Canada, and the need for an overhaul of the system due to systemic discrimination toward Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation Katz discusses some of these concerns with Commissioners Chartrand and Sillet.

The file contains a presentation by Superintendent Brian Krambl, City of Winnipeg Police Department. Krambl discusses the Police services efforts to date regarding employment equity, cultural education, and general policing issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Krambl.

File contains a presentation by Tamara Bell, Proprietor, Pow Wow Native Arts and Fashion Centre. Bell is a Haida woman and entrepreneur who presents on economic issues. Bell discusses the need for an economic base, the ability of businesses to "bridge gaps and cut through cultural and social boundaries," and claims "Economic independence has a distinct advantage in helping both the Native and Non-Native community." Following the presentation Bell answers questions from Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand on the issues raised in her presentation.

File contains a presentation by Ted Andersen, Makkovik Economic Development. Andersen discusses training program, employment issues, trapping and fishing, and general economic issues facing the community.

File contains a presentation by Arnold Paul of the Temagami First Nation. Paul discusses his home community of Bear Island, education, and economic development; specifically M'Kwa Minissi Anishnabaquec which operates a craft shop and training program for local women. Paul recommends to the Commission that the government negotiate self-governance arrangements on a case by case basis to suit the needs of individual communities.

This file contains a presentation by six members of Association des Femmes autochtones du Quebec, a group represents approximately 3000 women from Aboriginal nations residing in Quebec. It focuses on three issues: family violence, day care for pre-school children and Aboriginal women in the urban setting. The group deals with obstacles when attempting to help Aboriginal women, such as the lack of support for domestic violence victims and the lack of resources to assist persons who assault or abuse.

File contains a presentation by the City of Quebec. Participants include Deputy Mayor Claude Cantin, and Reginald Gravel of the City Planning Department. Cantin delivers a detailed presentation on the relations between Aboriginal and Quebec societies, Canadian municipalities and Aboriginal governments, and the specific relations between Quebec City and the Huron-Wendat Nation. A host of issues are covered including racism and discrimination, ignorance of culture, economic development, the need for jurisdictional clarity, the importance of history in education, and related topics.

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 Raymond Laliberte and Sylvie Paquerot of the First Nations Support Committee. Laliberte gives an overview of the organization and its history which is composed entirely of non-Aboriginal Quebecois and functions as a pressure group making statements on current events regarding Aboriginal-non-Aboriginal relations in Quebec. Following his presentation, the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Laliberte and Paquerot.