The file contains a transcript of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lethbridge Lodge, Ballroom A, Lethbridge, Alberta. It contains presentations by a variety of individuals discussing racism issues.
File contains the opening ceremony and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lethbridge Lodge, Ballroom A, Lethbridge, Alberta. Moderator Reggie Crowshoe and Commissioner Georges Erasmus welcome the participants and make opening remarks. Erasmus discusses the composition, goals, and mandate of the Commission, while Crowshoe mentions the purpose of this sitting is to discuss racism.
The file contains a transcript of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lethbridge Lodge, Ballroom A, Lethbridge, Alberta on Tuesday, May 25, 1993. File contains presentations by a variety of individuals, Aboriginal and community groups.
The file contains an opening ceremony and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lethbridge Lodge, Ballroom A, Lethbridge, Alberta on Tuesday, May 25, 1993. Moderator Reggie Crowshoe welcomes the participants after which Commissioner Georges Erasmus makes mention of the fact that the hearings are primarily concerned with suggesting solutions rather than highlighting problems in communities.
The file contains a transcript of the Youth Circle held by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lethbridge Lodge, Ballroom A, Lethbridge, Alberta on Tuesday, May 25, 1993. It contains presentations by a variety of individuals as part of the Youth Circle.
The file contains an opening prayer, drum ceremony, and opening comments by Moderator John Stiffarm for the Youth Circle sitting held by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Tuesday, May 25, 1993, at the Lethbridge Lodge, Ballroom A, Lethbridge, Alberta. Following a sweetgrass ceremony, opening prayer, and drum ceremony, Moderator John Stiffarm discusses the significance of the ceremony and the circle hearing, as well as its' format. Commissioner Georges Erasmus also makes some brief remarks on the sitting's format.
The file contains a closing prayer, closing remarks by Moderator John Stiffarm, and an Honour Song. Moderator Stiffarm thanks the participants, some of the organizers, and states that as young people "I pray that we will be able to take some action and be able to come together, regardless of tribes or whatever, and help each other out -- help ourselves most of all." Following this is an honour song after which the day's sitting is concluded.
The file contains a presentation by Martin Heavy Head. Heavy Head discusses his work with the Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing Authority in Lethbridge, Alberta. Head recommends that the Urban Native Housing Program be continued in the future and highlights some of its success as well as the great need for such programs not only in Lethbridge, but also in Calgary. Following the presentation Martin Heavy Head says a closing prayer which convenes the Commission's sitting for the day.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Babette Bastien
Description
The file contains further comments by Babette Bastien. Bastien discusses his youth on reserve and the struggles he had, leaving the reserve to attain an education, his views on the current drive towards self-government, the federal government capping education funding for First Nations, under-representation in the professions, and related policy issues.
The file contains further comments by Kathy First Rider. First Rider discusses her experiences growing up on reserve, how perceptions have changed amongst the Blackfoot youth since her childhood, her job educating the children in history and the Blackfoot language, encounters with racism in southern Alberta, and her views on these matters.
The file contains further comments by Moderator for the day John Stiffarm. Stiffarm recounts some of his personal experiences and the struggles he faced as a youth with racism, discrimination, alcohol, and drug abuse. Stiffarm discusses how he found meaning through traditional culture and spirituality, particularly through drumming, and its importance in healing people and communities.
The file contains further comments by Keith Weasel Head. Weasel Head, who works at the Laverne Elementary School on the Blood Reserve, and is also a post-secondary student, discusses the problems youth face with drugs and alcohol. Weasel Head offers his personal perspective on how people can cope with and overcome these problems.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Kristen Bastien
Description
The file contains further comments by Kristen Bastien. Bastien, a first year student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses the capping of post-secondary funding for Aboriginal students by the federal government and its implications for community development.
The file contains further comments by Narcisse Blood. Blood thanks some of the day's participants and states that "Our sun dance was outlawed, but we kept it going. Just the fact that we are still here is testimony to our resilience and it offers a lot of hope that the things that were planned for us did not come to be."
The file contains further comments by Patti Saulis. Saulis, one of the organizers of the Royal Commission's Youth Circles across the country, discusses their purpose and thanks some of the people who helped her organize this particular sitting, as well as the participants.
The file contains further comments by Sheldon Wells. Wells, a part-time student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses his view that there should be support groups for Aboriginal children, including youth treatment centres for drug and alcohol abuse, suicide prevention, and increased cultural programming.
The file contains further comments by Tobias Provost. Provost discusses his view of the federal government, land issues, and their fundamental importance.
File contains a general discussion between Commissioners George Erasmus and Viola Robinson, Moderator Reggie Crowshoe, and presenters Ronnie Leah, Keith Chiefmoon, and Sheena Jackson from this day's sitting. Comments from the floor are made by Celeste Strikes-With-A-Gun, Denna Jansen, Jim Penton, Myrna Roy, Mary Ann Crow, Jordan Chiefmoon, Devalon SmallLegs, Sandra Vielle and Roderick North Peigan. The discussion covers the topic of the presentations which is racism in Alberta, and the wider Canadian, society.
The file contains a presentation by Amber Flett. Flett is a Cree-Ojibway student at Catholic Central School in Lethbridge, Alberta. Flett discusses her experiences with loss of culture and racism in a mixed-culture school setting. Flett discusses how she found a support network in school when she moved to Alberta, and stresses that schools need more Native involvement programs.
The file contains a presentation by Cam Shade. Shade, a post-secondary student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses the need for education "based on some of the native cultural aspects rather than the white society" and his reasoning for thinking this way. Shade also mentions the need for better instruction in culture and history in non-Aboriginal Canadian society.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Wayne Etches
Joe Scout
Tom Dixon
Description
File contains a presentation by Wayne Etches, Joe Scout, and Tom Dixon, Creditors of Kainai Industries. The presenters discuss unemployment in the Kainai (Blood) Nation, Kainai Industries organizational history as a constructor of modular housing, its' failure as a business, and the need for its' resurrection. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with the presenters, after which is a closing prayer to adjourn the day's sitting of the Commission.
The file contains a presentation by Jason Goodstriker. Goodstriker, President of the Native American Students' Association at the University of Lethbridge, discusses that organization's activities specifically what they have been doing for the past year. Goodstriker discusses Aboriginal enrollment rates, financial assistance, the importance of peer support, employment opportunities as they pertain to post-secondary education, and his organizations work with the Canadian Federation of Students.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Jim Penton
Description
The file contains a presentation by Jim Penton, Metis Senator. Penton discusses racism in southern Alberta, his solidarity with the Peigan people in their struggles with respect to the Oldman River dam, issues of Metis identity, decolonization, Constitutional rights, urban concerns, education concerns, justice concerns, and general Metis issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus and Jim Penton discuss the definition of Metis people.
The file contains a presentation by Joylene Shade. Shade, a fourth year Sociology student from the University of Lethbridge, discusses sexuality and teenagers. Specifically Shade highlights a lack of knowledge amongst Aboriginal youth regarding the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, and human sexuality in general. Shade makes recommendations to the Commission to help ameliorate this situation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Keith Chiefmoon
Description
File contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon. Chiefmoon discusses racism "as it pertains here today" with a focus on off-reserve life. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the city of Lethbridge in the employment, post-secondary, and provincial government services. Chiefmoon also discusses what he deems discriminatory law enforcement practices, and Aboriginal over-representation in prisons. Chiefmoon also makes recommendations about languages, land claims, political representation in the federal parliament, and the need for an "off-reserve Indian government."
The file contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon on social housing. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the Lethbridge rental market, homelessness, and Aboriginal student's housing needs. Chiefmoon also discusses the exclusion of the disabled from on-reserve housing programs at the Blood Reserve. Chiefmoon makes recommendations regarding emergency housing, the establishment of an urban Indian housing program, the establishment of a student housing program, and the need for Aboriginal representation on the city's Landlord-Tenant Board.
The file contains a presentation by Kelly Healy. Healy presents a video clip from a trip her class took to Calgary to watch a debate between Progressive Conservative leadership candidates Jean Charest and Kim Campbell. During the trip the group experienced an incidence of overt racism which is referred to, and Healy states that she shares it to "show how much racism affects us. I just want something to be done about it."
The file contains a presentation by Kristen Many Bears. Many Bears, a grade 10 student at Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge, Alberta, discusses stereotypes and discrimination. Many Bears also discusses some ways in which racism and discrimination can be addressed.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Lorne Smith
Description
The file contains a presentation by Lorne Smith. Smith discusses his work as a youth worker for the Peigan Nation, and some of the issues they face with youth such as low self-esteem, and the need for cultural and historical education.
The file contains a presentation by Mary Ann Crow Healy. Crow Healy, a Native liaison worker with the Lethbridge Public School Districts No. 9 and 51, introduces the next series of presenters and discusses the format which will follow.
The file contains a presentation by Mary Ann Crow Healy. Crow Healy discusses the Indian Act, and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, arguing that both should be abolished. Crow Healy's second recommendation is that the federal government invite Aboriginal people's into Confederation, and claims that this kind of partnership is a necessity to move forward. Presenters Kurtis Eagle Speaker, Amber Flett, Kelly Healy, Kristen Many Bears, and Michelle Spear Chief also contribute comments on this second recommendation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Robin Weasel Bear
Description
The file contains a presentation by Robin Weasel Bear. Weasel Bear discusses his support for the youth programs going on at the Peigan Reserve, and his participation in these programs. Weasel Bear tells the Commission that a lot more of these programs should be "set up on every reserve, and even in cities."
File contains a presentation by Ronnie Leah, Sociology Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Leah discusses research she performed in the community which highlights the experience of Aboriginal women in the Lethbridge area in terms of systemic racism they face in their daily lives. Leah discusses her methodology, findings, and some ways in which she thinks the problems of racism in the community can be addressed.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Samantha Bastien
Description
The file contains a presentation by Samantha Bastien, a student at Piegan School on the Piegan Reserve, Alberta. Bastien states that she "basically agree[s]" with everything previous presenter Robin Weasel Bear had to say in his presentation. Robin Weasel Bear's presentation can be viewed on this site.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Sheena Jackson
Description
File contains a presentation by Sheena Jackson. Jackson discusses racism, particularly in the field of education. Jackson critiques racist portrayals of Aboriginal people in Social Studies curricula, media representations, and related issues.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Shelly Yellow Horn
Description
The file contains a presentation by Shelly Yellow Horn. Yellow Horn discusses the Youth Group Program on the Peigan Reserve which she is involved with. Yellow Horn explains its' mandate which involves alcohol and drug abuse prevention, education, cultural identity, and the development of youth leaders.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Tobias Provost
Description
The file contains a presentation by Tobias Provost. Provost discusses his ideas on Peigan youth, and what can be done to empower them and stop negative behaviours. Provost proposes returning to traditional Peigan culture and language to build self-esteem, as well as discussing the positive results of the Nation's Youth Program.
The file contains a presentation by Tony Hall, Professor of Native American Studies Education, University of Lethbridge. Hall discusses his interpretation of the Commission's role and powers, Treaty right issues (particularly as they pertain to Treaty 7), International law, Federal-Provincial-Aboriginal governmental relations, the Oldman River dispute between the Peigan and the Canadian and Alberta governments, and a host of related issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Hall.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Trisha Janvier
Description
The file contains a presentation by Trisha Janvier. Janvier, a student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses "education, and how it applies to the reserve system." Janvier recommends curricula changes to on-reserve schools, Aboriginal language education, and general educational issues.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Tyson Yellow Horn
Description
The file contains a presentation by Tyson Yellow Horn. Yellow Horn discusses the condition of youth on the Peigan Reserve from his perspective as a youth worker there.
The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Blood Tribe Tribal Government External Affairs Committee by Les Healy. Healy outlines the history of the Blood (Kainai) people in their traditional territories, the concepts informing their understanding of the Treaty 7 relationship, their rejection of the Charlottetown Accord Canadian Constitutional proposal, and makes a series of recommendations to the Commission to enhance the Treaty relationship. Following the presentation is a comment by Commissioner Georges Erasmus.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Leonard Bastien
Rod North Peigan
Edwin Yellow Horn
Description
The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Peigan Indian Band by Chief Leonard Bastien, Rod North Peigan, and Edwin Yellow Horn. Chief Basiten discusses some of the issues which face the Piegan people including water rights (including with reference to the Oldman River dispute), and reserve land expropriation. Chief Bastien also relates some of the history of his people, their creation story, the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877, the implications and aftermath of the Treaty process, and grievances against the government.
The file contains a presentation on behalf of Red Crow Community College by Marie Marule. Marule discusses post-secondary issues with respect to Treaty rights, First Nations relations with the provincial and federal governments, and self-governance. Marule discusses these issues in both a general and specific sense with relation to her own institution in Southern Alberta. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Marule.
The file contains a presentation on behalf of Sik-ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society by Mike Bruised Head and Stan Knowlton. The presentation deals with general economic development issues.
The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Treaty 7 Tribal Council by Gregg Smith, Dorothy First Rider, and Chief Roy Whitney. Smith discusses the organizations activities representing Treaty 7 First Nations, and its relations with the federal government. Smith also gives a video presentation (not included in the transcript). Smith makes a variety of recommendations to the Committee with respect to self-governance, Treaty rights and responsibilities.