Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples: Presentation by Richard Francis and Darrell Paul

File contains a wide ranging presentation by Richard Francis and Darrell Paul of the Kingsclear Maliseet First Nation. The presentation is given on behalf of Chief Stephen Sacobie who was unable to attend due to other commitments. Francis outlines a wide variety of concerns to his people centering around the right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as offering a critique of what he sees as a governmental system driven by greed. Darrell Paul presents in tandem on similar matters. Issues covered include colonization, self-governance, the Constitution, the Charter of Rights, economic development and investment, schooling (including residential and post-secondary), treaties, jurisdictional conflicts, and a host of other issues. The Commission points out to Mr. Francis that it is functionally independent of the federal government as he addresses them as being one and the same. Following the presentation is a discussion between the two presenters and Commissioners Rene Dussault and Mary Sillet over some of the issues raised, notably education and finances.