File contains an opening prayer by Roy Meneen and opening remarks by Co-Chair Rene Dussault during the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples on Thursday, October 29, 1992, at High Level, Alberta. Dussault states the Commission's mandate and goals as well as welcoming the participants.
File contains an individual presentation by Gordon Sinclair that touches on many issues such as scrip and Indian Registration, relocation of burial grounds, pollution, spirituality, band elections and elders' rights. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Greg Kjos who has ministered with people who either live near or work near Aboriginal First Nations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He believes that our society should regard Aboriginal spirituality as having equal status with other established faiths. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Dale Awasis, Native Educator. Awasis discusses education, and his general concerns regarding Aboriginal people with Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.
File contains a presentation by Dennis Thorne. Thorne, whose Oglala Lakota (Sioux) name is Tungan Cikala, speaks on the topic of "Protection of Traditional Spiritual Beliefs." Included in his presentation are problems with the Canadian border and the guards measures there against Aboriginal holy people (Thorne argues that the Jay Treaty enshrines freedom of movement for Aboriginal people across the Canada-U.S.
File contains a presentation by Duncan Awasis, Mark Amy Centre. Awasis gives the first half of his presentation in Cree (English translation is provided in the text) and the second half in English. Awasis stresses the importance of rediscovering the "Indian way" in terms of culture and spirituality to heal the people. Awasis also mentions some of the problems facing the community of Fort McMurrary that he has encountered during his work at the Mark Amy Centre, an alcohol addiction treatment centre.
File contains a presentation by Emile Trip-de-Roche. Trip-de-Roche discusses the mandate of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and her personal views on it. Trip-de-Roche advances a critical view of the Commission's mandate discussing such issues as natural resources, parks, burial grounds, and land claims. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney with Trip-de-Roche regarding the Commission and its mandate, followed by an adjournment of the days proceedings.
File contains a presentation by Wilson Okeymaw, executive director of an additions facility on Ermineskin First Nation. He addresses the problem of addictions among Canada's Aboriginal peoples and speaks of his own struggle with alcohol. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
Book review of: Wolverine Myths and Visions: Dene Traditions from Northern Alberta compiled by the Dene Wodih Society, edited by Patrick Moore and Angela Wheelock.