Examines the heritage tourism industry in southwestern Alberta and the possible expansion of cultural tourism into the Crowsnest Pass, Fort Macleod and Cardston regions.
File contains introductory remarks by Treffrey Yellow Old Woman, representative, Siksika Nation. She describes in brief the issues her group hopes to cover, primarily relating to self-government, community development and Aboriginal women. She then introduces Robert Michel as the first speaker.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Addison Crow
Description
File contains a presentation by Addison Crow, Blood Indian Reserve. Crow discusses self-governance, and a written presentation that has been submitted to the Commissioners dealing with 31 issues based on ten years of research ranging from health care, social services, "the Indian Act, et cetera, et cetera." Crow mentions that he feels like a "cat within a dog pen because my relatives here did not sign the treaties and we did in Alberta." Crow formally requests the Commission visit the Blood reserve in Alberta.
File contains a presentation by Amanda Golosky, Counsellor, Keyano College. Golosky discusses Keyano College's programming in local communities, building on the previous presentation by Doug McCrae. Following her presentation Commissioner Chartrand thanks her for her thoughts.
File contains a presentation by Bernice Cree, Chief, Fort McMurrary No. 468, First Nations. Cree gives an overview of her First Nation and its reserve including demography, economy, and some of the social issues it faces. Cree also comments on government policy regarding her First Nation.
File contains a presentation by Bob Fix and Norman Champagne on behalf of Fairview College. Fix discusses the college's experience with providing post-secondary education for Aboriginal people who form 60-65 percent of the student body. Following the presentation is a discussion between Fix and Commissioners Dussault and Robinson on the college's operations and programming.
File contains a presentation by Gilbert Anderson that describes the people of his First Nations as being "a little island by outselves." Anderson describes the events leading to the formation of the reserve and 1958, its surrender. Anderson states that descendants of the original Michel Band still select leaders and maintain social ties, and the Band's goal now is to secure a land base. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Denis Tardif that begins with a brief history of Aboriginal and Francophone relations in Alberta. He states that "Canadian society consists of three major national communities; the native national community, the Francophone national community and the anglophone national community." These groups must work together "to succeed in the great goal of building a just Canadian society." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Edward Morin of the Enoch Cree Nation. Morin describes his life experiences as a Status Indian in Alberta, including residential schooling, relations with government officials, discrimination in the justice system, and other problems. Morin also offers up his own views on the Constitution and the need to provide people with economic opportunity in Canada, both Aboriginal and non.
File contains a presentation by Everett Lambert. Lambert, a Mohawk-Cree-Metis man, discusses economic development for Aboriginal Canadians. Lambert states that "Natives don't just need money. Natives need jobs. They need meaningful full-time jobs, jobs that keep them busy eight hours a day, 40 houyrs a week, not the part-time underpaying overworked position too many of our people presently hold." Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney and Shirt discuss employment issues with Lambert.
File contains a presentation by Harriet Janvier, Director, Mark Amy Centre. Janvier discusses some of the community problems she has encountered in her work for an alcohol addiction treatment centre. She highlights a lack of proper facilities, and some of the social problems in the community.
File contains a presentation by Jennifer Scott relating to her organization, whose mandate is to provide services to adults with disabilities in order to assist them to become contributing and participating members of their communities. The association provides two non-facility based programs, the first being an outreach program designed to assist disabled persons acquire skills to live independently.
File contains a presentation by John Loftus on behalf of the Action North Recovery Centre. Loftus discusses the challenges his organization (which treats drug and alcohol abuse, as well as family violence cases) deals with in High Level. Foremost among his concerns are a lack of professional staff and resources. Following the presentation is a discussion between Loftus and Commissioners Dussault and Robinson on these issues.
File contains a presentation by Laura Dahdona, Matthew Nanooch, William Pelech, and Mary Francis on behalf of Aboriginal Social Work Students in High Level. Dahdona discusses funding and accessibility issues with regard to post-secondary education.
File contains a presentation by Margo Vermillion, a Fort Chipewyan resident who works as co-ordinator of a temporary elders care unit in the community. Vermillion discusses seniors issues in the community, particularly in terms of long-term care. She discusses the need for such a facility in the community itself, and the detrimental effects of removing seniors from their home community for long-term care. Following the presentation is a discussion between Vermillion and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on senior's issues.
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.
File contains a presentation by Mike Mercredi, Director of Athabasca Native Development Corporation. Mercredi describes the mandate and goals of his organization which represents Metis and First Nations people throughout Northern Alberta, and works to provide economic opportunity for them. Mercredi discusses some of the challenges his organization has faced, and some of the structural problems confronting northern economic development. Following the presentation are some remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand.
File contains a presentation by Olie Schell. Schell is the manager of Career Development and Employment for the Government of Alberta. Schell discusses programs which Alberta Career Development and Employment have been involved with in the area around Fort McMurray. Following the presentation is a discussion between Schell and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of these programs.
File contains a presentation by Ralph Richard on behalf of Native Employment Services in High Level, Alberta. Richard discusses his organizations history as a formerly federally funded, and now provincially funded agency that acts as an "honest broker" between non-Aboriginal employers and Aboriginal people. Richard discusses some of the issues his organization faces in this respect and their work with pipeline companies in Alberta. Following the presentation is a discussion between Richard and Commissioners Beaulieu, Robinson, and Dussault.
File contains a presentation by Richard Long that examines concerns of the off-reserve Aboriginal person. Long states that off-reserve Aboriginal persons feel they have no political or financial power and he questions who will govern urban Aboriginals in the larger centres. He introduces Nora Houle, representative of the Native Council of Canada Board of Directors.
File contains a presentation by Tom Erasmus who is a community development worker for the Alberta Mental Health Association located in the northeast region of Alberta. He is also a co-ordinator of native services for the northeast region of Alberta.
File contains a presentation by Tony Punko, Executive Director of the Athabasca Tribal Corporation. Punko outlines his views on Federal policy towards First Nations, with particular attention to legislative, economic, and social issues. Punko suggests that more attention need be payed to issues of local self-governance. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Punko on these topics.