Band Councils

This file contains a presentation by Rosemary Brown focusing on education, the First Nations Chartered Lands Act and the Lubicon Lake Cree land claim. Education funding cutbacks are threatening to close the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School, an important facility for Aboriginal youth education in Calgary. The Lands Act will empower Chiefs and Council to request that reserve lands by privatized and available for mortgages, and Brown requests that the Act be scrapped.

File contains a presentation by Roy Littlechief focusing on the misuse of power by the chief and band council relating to his unidentified First Nations. Accountability is needed with money and policies and he says reserve residents are denied better housing because of the greed.

This file contains a presentation by members of the Coalition Against First Nations Genocide, a group representing the grassroots of First Nations across Canada.

File contains a presentation by Sharon Pelletier at the University of Manitoba regarding her personal experiences as a mature student, single parent, and Bill C31 person. Following this is a discussion with the Commissioners also involving the preceding presenter, Dave Mowat, also a student at the University of Manitoba, regarding the issues raised in their two presentations.

File contains a presentation by Silas Wesley of Kashechewan Cree First Nation in Ontario discussing his past work with various Aboriginal organizations relating to self-government. He feels that the Commission will help in the struggle for self-government and hopes that "we can include and justify our land within the Constitution."

File contains a presentation by Rita Campbell and Chief Greg Lucus of the Stephenville Crossing Indian Band. Campbell presents on the composition of the band, the need for federal recognition, employment problems, a lack of family services, housing concerns, hunting and fishing rights, linguistic and cultural concerns, health concerns, and self-governance. Following this Chief Greg Lucas discusses health and service issues with Commissioner Erasmus, then with Commissioner Robinson and Tony John, including post-secondary education concerns.

File contains a presentation by the Abitibiwinni Band (Pikogan), Chief Harry McDougal and Edward Kistabish. The Band representatives discuss their land claim, and their unique position as the only Algonquin band in the area who are signatories to Treaty 9. In addition to this they discuss how some members of their communities are subject to the James Bay agreement, which makes for a complex legal situation for their people. Following the presentation the two presenters discuss some of these issues with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by the Corporation de developement economique montagnaise and by the Conseil regional de concertation et d'intervention en milieu amerindien. Presenters include co-coordinator Stephane Bacon of the CRCI, President Zacharie Mollen of the CRCI, and General Manager Paul A Fournier of the CDEM. Stephane Bacon covers a variety of economic concerns including Band management of businesses, Constitutional, Treaty, and Indian Act issues, the need for sharing based on equality and respect, and the need for self-governance to direct economic development.

File contains a presentation by the Gaming Commission by Councillor Ed Hayden in charge of Economic Development and Gaming, Carl Roberts, and General Manager Ernie James of the Gaming Commission. The three presenters discuss relations with the province, gaming developments on the First Nation, Treaty rights, self government, self determination, economic and jurisdictional concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by the Grand Lac Victoria Band Council Helene Michel and James Papati. Helene discusses education and building a healthy cultural self-image, as well as inspiring the youth of the First Nation. James discusses political questions facing the band, including some of the unique circumstances it faces as a Band without a reserve which inhabits La Verendrye Park, economic matters, and land ownership issues. The assembled Commissioners comment on and discuss some of these issues with Michel and Papati.

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 three Algonquin bands: Jean-Maurice Matchewan (Lac Barriere), Harry St. Denis (Wolf Lake), and Carol McBride (Timiskaming). This presentation on behalf of all three First Nations gives a brief historical background of the Algonquin people, an overview of their contemporary conditions, the outstanding claim of the Algonquin nation, relations with the Department of Indian Affairs, and a summary and policy recommendations to the Commission.

File contains a brief presentation by an unidentified female speaker who believes that before larger issues can be solved, "We need to take care of the people at home first." The speaker says the childhood abuse she suffered made her stronger as an adult, but more adult role models and more child services programs are required to help children before abuse occurs.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes a presentation by Walter Stonechild concerning various issues of the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present. In addition brief comments and the closing prayer are also present.

File contains a presentation by Warner Goodvoice, Social Development Administrator, Wahpeton Band. Goodvoice discusses self governance, funding and bureaucratic issues particualarly with regard to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Goodvoice argues that it is neccessary to get more grassroots engagement and funding into these structures. Following the presentation Comissioner Wilson questions Goodvoice on what he thinks self-governance would mean in pratice and he answers here.

File contains a presentation by Chief Wayne Goodwill of the Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation. Goodwill relates the history of his particular band, and claims that "prior to 1850 our ancestor used to roam right up to the Saskatchewan Rivers and they migrated with the buffalo. In the 1860s when the wars began in the southern area along the Black Hills [South Dakota], most of the people did not migrate anymore." Goodwill protests of being unable to attain adequate funding to complete his people's study of its history in Canada.

File contains a presentation by Wilfred Price discussing self-government and he states that "70 percent of our people who are living off-reserve do not get proper representation." He presents the idea that having a small group of people from a population of tens of thousands of Aboriginal people in BC elect a select few to represent them is wrong. He wants self-government where all are involved, not just a few. Comments from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by the St. Basil First Nation, Floyd Bernard on behalf of Chief Richard Wallace. Bernard discusses many of the problems of his small community, mainly a lack of adequate infrastructure and service (such as Police and Fire services) provisions. File also contains a conversation between Erasmus and Bernard on these issues, as well as the purpose of the Royal Commission.

File contains a presentation by Chief Larry Johnson of the Caldwell Nation. Chief Johnson discusses his peoples negotiations for a land base in southwestern Ontario, and the history of the Nation including their war service on behalf of Britain and Canada. Following the presentation Chief Caldwell discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Education and Training. Bruce Mack, Verna Billy, and Chief Nathan Matthew discuss band schools, tuition agreements, and public education. The presenters also discuss related income, day care, counselling, and social services issues.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Sto:lo Tribal Council by Chief Clarence Pennier. Chief Pennier gives an overview of his organization's composition and activities representing 11 of the 24 Sto:lo Bands. Chief Pennier discusses the importance of culture to the Sto:lo, historical wrongs committed by the Canadian government upon them, problems with the Indian Act elections structure, and explains the traditional Sto:lo governance principles.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Westbank Indian Band by Tom Lindley. Lindley discusses difficulties with the Indian Act rules for band governance, disputes within the community and the desire to recall the band representatives, issues with taxation and non-Aboriginal people living on reserve, and concerns with self-government negotiations underway. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Lindley, after which the day's sitting of the Commission is adjourned with a closing prayer.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Yellowknives Dene Band Council by Chief Jonas Sangris and Chief Darrell Beaulieu, as well as a closing prayer which concludes the days sitting of the Commission. The two Chiefs welcome the Commission to the community and then discuss health and social issues, job training, community development, education, culture and languages. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Chiefs and assembled Commissioners on some of the issues raised, followed by the adjournment of the days proceedings and a closing prayer.

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 Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Grand Chief Joe Norton of Kahnawake, Gordon Peters from Chiefs of Ontario and attorney Micha Menczer on the subject of border crossing rights.

File contains multiple presentations on the topic of Anisinaabe self-governance. The first presentation is by Chief Rod Bushie, Hollow Water Indian Band (pgs 71-75). Bushie discusses his views on Anicinabe self-governance: the need for it to be community based, and the need for a healthy community in order for it to be effective.

File contains a presentation by Chief Thomas Bressette of the London District Chiefs. Bressette, Chief of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, London District, discusses his peoples land dispute with the Department of National Defence over an area known as Stony Point. Chief Bressette goes on to discuss land and self-governance issues generally, recommending to the Commissioon that an arbitration board be set up to resolve such disputes similar to the practice employed in labour relations, and that the federal Department of Indian Affairs be dismantled.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes questions, answers and discussions of the presentation given at the Round Table on Relationship issues with "ourselves, our families and our community." Also included are closing remarks given by moderator, Sherry Lawson.

File contains a presentation by Chief Andrew Kirkness in English and Cree (translation provided in text). Kirkness discusses the historical relationship between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Canadians, land claims, intergovernmental affairs, the Constitution, the status of off reserve First Nations people, Education, nothern conditions, the Indian Act, economic issues, cultural issues, the importance of Elders to First Nations governance, and the situation of Aboriginal youth.

File contains a second presentation by Chief James Ross. Chief Ross discusses the Gwich'in people's land claim in the Northwest and Yukon Territories; their history; Treaty No. 11; and general economic and political issues facing the Gwich'in people. Following the presentation Chief Ross discusses some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.

The file contains welcoming remarks by Chief Alex Bolton of the Kitsumkalum Band. Chief Bolton welcomes the Commissioners and other participants to the Commission's sitting.

He gives a description of the difficulties encountered on reserves and the efforts made to combat them.

Case studies of Chiefs Poundmaker and Big Bear compiled by Blair Stonechild using oral history and original source materials. A curriculum intended to "enable the student to review the circumstances surrounding Indian involvement in the Resistance and to arrive at his or her own conclusions about the culpability of the Indian people."

List of Aboriginal bands, reserves and band code numbers for Saskatchewan by unknown author.

Physical Education and Recreation Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Alberta, 2000.

Federal statute providing the Sechelt First Nation with management and administrative controls concerning specific land.

Educational Administration Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Saskatchewan, 2003.

The Seventh Annual Report of the United States Board of Indian Commissioners includes reports of living conditions on reservations; correspondence and transcripts of meetings between government officials and Aboriginal chiefs and officials; and lists of Indian Agencies with names of tribes and agents.

Historical note:

Harold Nelson Woodsworth served as an Indian Agent at a number of agencies in Saskatchewan.

A ledger containing a detailed calendar of outgoing correspondence from the [Shellbrook] Agency. Correspondence subjects include medical and school admissions, building and housing construction, and grocery, stationery and agricultural purchases. This ledger contains information relating to private and legal matters of individuals, therefore there are no pages available for viewing.

Historical note:

Harold Nelson Woodsworth served as an Indian Agent at a number of agencies in Saskatchewan.

Panelists discuss whether engaging with Canadian political process and voting undermines Indigenous sovereignty. Followed by question and answer period. Duration: 1:14:28.

A head and torso portrait of Chief Whitecap of the Moose Woods Reserve, now called the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. Photo taken in Regina in 1885 after the North West Resistance. Whitecap reportedly saved the people of Saskatoon from massacre at the time of the resistance. The Dakota people under his leadership fled the U.S. Cavalry for Canada in ca. 1862.

Correspondence by John Diefenbaker regarding honorary chieftainship from Sioux thanking Chief Little Crow for being named Chief Walking Buffalo.

The Sixth Annual Report of the United States Board of Indian Commissioners includes reports of living conditions on reservations; correspondence and transcripts of meetings between government officials and Aboriginal chiefs and officials; and lists of Indian Agencies with names of tribes and agents.

Historical note:

Harold Nelson Woodsworth served as an Indian Agent at a number of agencies in Saskatchewan.

File contains a copy of Diefenbaker's speech at the inauguration of construction on the South Saskatchewan Dam, in which he thanks the Chief, Little Crow and the braves of the Dene tribe for making him a honorary Chief. He also speaks of the proud history of the Dene, their contributions to Canada, and the appointment of an indigenous man to senate.

Discusses issues surrounding one Alberta band's efforts to control its membership numbers.

Entire issue on one pdf. To access article scroll to p.11.

Looks at the concerns expressed during consultations with organizations, bands, and individuals and includes recommendations for changes to existing programs and services.

Author describes some negotiation and conflict that was, for the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples, a part of the transition from traditional hereditary leadership and governance systems to Western, elected systems of governance.

Purpose of study was to develop quantifiable range of costs for legal and professional advice, band councils, administration, and elections.

Discusses attributes of successful programs and the institutions which administer them such as governance, involvement of householders, ability to enforce rules, availability of capital, inspections, and subsidies.

Lists items held in the Centre's library. Categorized by topic and indexed by author and title. Most entries are annotated.

Photograph featuring the sweet grass club of Battleford's Chief Sam Swimmer and Councilman John Weennee on his left.