Native Studies Review, vol. 11, no. 1, Native People in British Columbia: Recent Research, 1996, p. 49–64
Description
Discusses the issue of Aboriginal fishing & trading practices and how it relates to the present-day controversy on whether Native people should have commercial rights to fishing resources.
RCAP 14 contains the proceedings of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples meeting at Port Alberni, British Columbia on Wednesday, May 20, 1992. The presentations therein discuss a variety of topics ranging from education, housing, self-government, and other First Nations issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
RCAP 15 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Esquimalt Reserve Longhouse, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations related to various issues such as residential schools, the Indian Act, self-government, youth athletics, education and economic development. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
RCAP 45 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Stoney Creek, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to employment, land claims, self-governemnt, alcohol and drug abuse issues, and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
RCAP 60 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the West Ballroom, Inn of the South, Cranbrook, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations including a variety of First Nations politicians, a veterans organization, the United Church, and individuals. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Stan Thomas
Description
File contains a presentation by Acting Chief Stan Thomas that touches on a number of issues - education, hunting and fishing, the environment, housing, economic development and self-government. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by on behalf of the All Nations Trust Company by General Manager Larry Peeters, and Delphine Terbasket. Peeters introduces Terbasket, who delivers a presentation on the negative effects Canadian taxation policy has had on their financial institution, All Nations Trust. He states that the high tax burden placed on All Nations Trust has made operations extremely difficult. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Terbasket for the presentation and make some comments on the issue.
File contains a presentation by Bob Neale, President of the Nicola Stock Breeders' Association. Neale discusses his concerns with the land claims process underway in the Nicola Valley area of British Columbia and makes a variety of requests including that grazing rules for Crown Land be the same for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal stock owners, and that an impartial third party be included in the land claims resolution process. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Neale for his contributions.
File contains a presentation by Brian Williams focusing on social issues in education. He states that each Aboriginal community must have an economic base that provides adequate training that results in jobs and financial security for its residents. He also believes that each community's land base must be acknowledged by the Canadian and British Columbia governments and calls on the Commission to ensure continuing funding to ensure the preservation of the Gitksan culture and language, and all Aboriginal languages.
File contains a presentation by Buddy Napoleon. Napoleon presents a history of Aboriginal peoples from a legal perspective from early colonization up until the present day in the Treaty Eight area. Napoleon then makes a series of policy recommendations to the Commission to rectify his concerns with government actions in the area. Following Napoleon's presentation, Napoleon and previous presenter Chief Berni Metecheah field questions from Commissioner Georges Erasmus related to issues facing the Halfway River First Nation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Andrew Thomas
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Andrew Thomas addressing the toxic waste located on the Esquimalt Reserve and asking why it are no toxic waste disposal facilities in all of British Columbia. Thomas is also chairman of the Land Claims Committee for the First Nations of South Island, British Columbia. He reads briefly from a report from that committee documenting the history of the Douglas Treaties and states that the Fisheries Act trumps all fishing rights negotiated during the Douglas Treaties signings.
File contains a presentation by Chief Berni Metecheah, Halfway First Nation. Chief Metecheah outlines some of his concerns over resource development (specifically logging activities) disrupting trap lines, and associated pollution. Metecheah also highlights his concerns with sport hunters wasting moose carcasses and over-hunting in the area, as well as the detrimental impact of herbicides on his community.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
David Walkem
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief David Walkem, Cooks' Ferry Indian Band, Nlaka'pamux Nation. Walkem presents on natural resource concerns on behalf of the Nlaka'pamux Nation. He makes a series of recommendations including the signing of a Treaty and a direct relationship between the overall Nlaka'pamux Nation (see previous presentation by Chief Robert Pasco) and the federal government. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Walkem and Pasco.
File contains a presentation by Chief Don Moses, Lower Nicola Indian Band. Moses discusses the economic history of the Nicola Valley, and the history of his people. Moses gives some concrete recommendations to develop a land use and economic development framework for his people, for which Commissioners Dussault and Chatrand thank him.
File contains a presentation by Chief Gordon Antoine, Coldwater Indian Band. Chief Antoine makes a series of 13 recommendations for the Royal Commission on the relationship of his people with the Canadian government.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Jerry Attachie
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Jerry Attachie, Doig River First Nation. Attachie discusses his issues with resource companies, specifically forestry and oil companies, causing problems for his peoples trapping and hunting activities. Attachie also discusses concerns with education and housing. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Attachie.
File contains a presentation by Chief Joe Nicholas of the Columbia Lake Indian Band. Nicholas highlights some of his concerns notably in the land management and economic sphere, and argues that First Nations governments must be given direct control over their particular spheres in order for economic and social progress to take place.
File contains a presentation by Chief Leonard Thomas that briefly touches on a number of issues, such as economic development, the environment, education, health care, preserving historical artifacts and Bill C-31. He introduces the next speaker, Fred Sam.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Peter Quaw
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Peter Quaw focusing on economic development, employment, and self-government that has been taking place on that First Nations since the 1980s. He calls on the Commission to ensure that funding continues so that conditions on his First Nations will improve.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Ray Harris
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Ray Harris expressing concern with the distinct society status that Quebec enjoys and questions why Aboriginal peoples do not have the same recognition. Harris believes that "our Indian constitution needs to be entrenched" but says that a basic form of self-government with informal constitutions has worked in many small First Nations in British Columbia for years. He calls upon the Canadian government to also limit provincial jurisdiction relating to wildlife, conservation and forestry, among other areas.
File contains a presentation by Chief Robert Pasco of the Nlaka'pamux Tribal Council. Pasco, Chief of the Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band, discusses the history of his Nlaka'pamux Nation and its efforts to create a strong centralized government in the 1870s, as well as the suppression of this movement by the federal government. Pasco goes on to relate the desire of his people to have a written Constitution based on their traditions and to engage in a government to government relationship with the federal government. Pasco also discusses ongoing land claims and fisheries disputes.
File contains a presentation by Chief Sidney Sam Senior of the Ahousaht Education Authority. Sidney Sam discusses his views on the on-reserve education system and makes a series of reccomendations (including funding and cultural concerns) regarding what he thinks should be done to enhance it. Following the presentation is a discussion between Sam and Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah regarding the issues raised in the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Chief Simon Lucas, Hesquiat Tribe Access to Sea Resources. Lucas discusses the relationship of his people with the ocean and the resources therein, as well as how it forms part of their worldview. He critiques contemporary Western views of resource usage, and discusses the importance of sea resources. Following the presentation is a discussion between Lucas and Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah regarding sea issues.
File contains a presentation on behalf of the Merritt City Council by Councillor Rick Typusiak. He welcomes the Commission to Merritt. Following this, he delivers a presentation discussing the relations between First Nations and municipal governments, and the City's views and concerns regarding Aboriginal self-government. Typusiak discusses economic issues, and expresses the desire of the Council that the Department of Indian Affairs and the Indian Act both be abolished. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Erasmus thank Typusiak and make some comments on his presentation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Clarence Apsassin
Description
File contains a presentation by Clarence Apsassin, Blueberry River Reserve. He relates a brief history of Aboriginal people in North America from before 1492 down to the present day. Following this he discusses some of the history of Treaty 8 people, and his own work with various Aboriginal organizations. Apsassin makes a series of recommendations that Aboriginal governments be given more jurisdiction over their own affairs, and control over their own land and resources.
File contains a presentation by Elder Moses Smith of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people. Smith discusses his people historical and traditional society from a standpoint of governance and the family. Commissioner Erasmus asks Smith if there are any special concerns he has and Smith replies by discussing the importance of having an economic land base to his people.
Returning Men to Honour: A Guidebook for Developing Intervention and Education Programs for Men Who Batter in Native Communities
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
George Behn
Description
File contains a presentation by Grand Chief George Behn, Fort Nelson First Nation. Behn relays the history of his people from the time they signed Treaty 8 until the present. Behn discusses problems with the government and resource companies, and the settlement which his First Nation made for oil royalty revenue. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses resource use and pollution issues with Behn.
File contains a presentation by George Saddleman. Saddleman welcomes the Commission on behalf of the Nicola Valley Tribal Council, then proceeds to give an organizational breakdown of the organization and discuss its institutional history. Saddleman discusses issues facing the Tribal Council's members such as water rights, fishing and hunting rights, and land claims. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Saddleman for his presentation.
File contains a presentation by Gerri Collins, Second Vice-Chairman, British Columbia Association of Friendship Centres. She introduces Wilfred Price and Wally Samuel, members of the executive of the British Columbia Association of Friendship Centres. Collins gives a brief history of the Canadian Friendship Centre movement. She questions the validity of holding discussions around urban Aboriginal self-government without the involvement of the BC Association of Friendship Centres, the only urban Aboriginal organization which has a mechanism in place already.
File contains a presentation by Gordon Swan of the Nicola Valley Community Futures Association. Swan discusses his organization, a Non-Profit whose focus is on promoting employment opportunities within the community by both encouraging business growth and helping workers match up with jobs. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Joe thank Swan.
File contains a presentation by Irene Ness focusing on Aboriginal economic programs and Bill C-31 funding. She calls on the Commission to make housing funds available to Bill C-31 persons for use either on or off reserves as per personal situations. She also requests a review of Aboriginal economic programs to ensure the needs of Aboriginal people are met. She speaks personally of being denied program funds for her business despite meeting the required standards for funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Joan Ryan focusing on education for the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people, including programs offering fishery, carpentry, forestry and court worker training. She calls on the Commission to ensure continued funding for programs that educate Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en persons and return them back to their communities to help others. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by John Zahradnik. Zahradnik discusses Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal worldviews, ranching in the Nicola Valley, and the need to create a cultural synthesis when it comes to land management and use patterns. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Zahradnik for his thoughts.
File contains a presentation by Lexine Phillips, Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council, Land and Resources Department. Phillips discusses Constitutional issues, particularly with reference to self-governance and the "no" vote in the nationwide Charlottetown Accord referendum. Phillips then makes a series of recommendations to the Commission with respect to land rights, assistance, education, and associated economic concerns.
File contains a presentation by Sophie Pierre, Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council. Pierre discusses a variety of issues in a general fashion on behalf of the Tribal Council including: justice concerns, housing and capital programs, the Council's wellness program, economic development, and fiscal arrangements in existence between the Tribal Councils and the federal government.
File contains a presentation by Mayor Pat McMahon. McMahon discusses a variety of concerns including urban Aboriginal issues generally, municipal governance issues, education, economic development, justice issues, family violence, self-governance, and the Constitution. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with McMahon.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Mike Metcalf
Description
File contains a presentation by Mike Metcalf that describes the 1968 relocation of the original settlement of Fort Graham, British Columbia, due to hydro development, and the continuing problems for the Tsay Keh Dene people.
File contains presentations by Lorraine Moses, and Chief Gordon Antoine (Coldwater Indian Band), both of the Nicola Valley Indian Development Corporation. Moses presents on a variety of economic issues her organization is concerned with including the tourism industry, financing, education, and related matters. One key point she highlights is the relationship of Aboriginal people with Canada's banks.
File contains a presentation by President Jim Evoy, Northwest Territories Federation of Labour. Evoy discusses Aboriginal employment and labour unions as a vehicle for social change. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Evoy.
File contains a presentation by Rick Krehbiel, Regional Director of the Ministry of Environment in Fort St. John. Krehbiel discusses a variety of issues from his perspective as an official of the British Columbia government, who previously worked for the Saskatchewan government in the north of that province.
File contains a presentation by Steven Jakesta that discusses the Cassiar mine closure scheduled for late 1992. There is no other economic base for the area and Jakesta foresees the deterioration of existing infrastructure in Good Hope Lake once the mine closes. He calls for funding to assist the town in maintaining services and programs. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney and Blakeney's closing remarks.