Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples: Presentation by Chief Gerald Wesley, Kitsumkalum Band

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. Chief Wesley then gives a general overview on three main areas: "claims, land claims and the resolution of such; self-government, or in your paperwork you've been identifying it as self-determination; and education and social development." While discussing these issues Chief Wesley also touches on the British Columbia Treaty process, fishing rights, health and education issues, what non-Aboriginal people can learn from Aboriginal people, municipal issues, and disabilities. Throughout the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson question and discuss some of the issues raised with Chief Wesley.