RCAP 15 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Esquimalt Reserve Longhouse, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations related to various issues such as residential schools, the Indian Act, self-government, youth athletics, education and economic development. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains a greeting by Co-Commissioner for the day, Chief Andrew Thomas.

Erasmus introduces his fellow Commissioners and gives a brief summary of the goals and objectives of the Royal Commission.

File contains a presentation by Chief Andrew Thomas addressing the toxic waste located on the Esquimalt Reserve and asking why it are no toxic waste disposal facilities in all of British Columbia. Thomas is also chairman of the Land Claims Committee for the First Nations of South Island, British Columbia. He reads briefly from a report from that committee documenting the history of the Douglas Treaties and states that the Fisheries Act trumps all fishing rights negotiated during the Douglas Treaties signings.

File contains a presentation by Chief Ray Harris expressing concern with the distinct society status that Quebec enjoys and questions why Aboriginal peoples do not have the same recognition. Harris believes that "our Indian constitution needs to be entrenched" but says that a basic form of self-government with informal constitutions has worked in many small First Nations in British Columbia for years. He calls upon the Canadian government to also limit provincial jurisdiction relating to wildlife, conservation and forestry, among other areas.

File contains a presentation by Chief Samuel Sam, Esquimalt Reserve, British Columbia, expressing concern with the Indian Act and the loss of culture from the viewpoint of Chief and Elder in his community.

File contains a presentation by Chief Tom Sampson discussing the cultural significance of the longhouse where the hearings are being held and how that meaning has been lost through the years. He believes that young people do not learn from the wisdom of Elders and that the recent suicides on his First Nations are becoming "a full-time event in our villages" because of the lack of opportunities on Esquimalt Reserve. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a brief individual presentation by Danny Whetung relating to the White Paper, described by Whetung as "a systematic description...for the cultural and racial genocide of the First Nations people of this country." He commends the Commissioners for coming to Esquimalt Reserve and knows they "have come with an open heart," and hopes that examination of the White Paper by the Commission may lead to positive changes for Aboriginal people.