CMAJ, vol. 189, no. 46, November 20, 2017, pp. e1408-e1409
Description
Highlights Saskatoon Health Region's external review into allegations of Indigenous women being coerced into having tubal ligations, and the interim report on the death of Brian Sinclair, who was ignored for 34 hours in a Winnipeg hospital's emergency department.
Group formed to examine the role of racism in Sinclair's death and the subsequent inquest. The 45-year-old Aboriginal man died while awaiting treatment in the Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department. He had been in the department for 34 hours.
File contains closing remarks by Justice Sinclair and each of the Commissioners present in relation to the days proceedings and myriad opening presentations on April 21, 1992 in Winnipeg. The Commissioners discuss highlights of the presentations from their own perspectives, and extend thanks to the participants, then the Commission meeting is adjourned and scheduled to resume the following day.
File contains a brief prayer in Inuit by Co-Chair Rene Dussault, followed by an introduction of Elder Angus Merrick by Phil Fontaine. Angus Merrick, who is ninety years of age, delivers a prayer in his native language, then makes a few comments on youth regarding cultural awareness and linguistic retention.
File contains opening remarks by President Art Miki of the National Association of Japanese Canadians. Miki discusses what he sees as problems in the telling of Canadian history, as well as his hopes for the Commission and that the lives of Aboriginal people across the country will be improved by it.
File contains a presentation by Brian Cook. Cook discusses the need to incorporate Aboriginal history into school curriculums, the importance of having a land base, the Indian Act, the lack of an economic base for the reserve system, and problems with the justice system. Much of Cook's presentation deals with systemic racism. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cook and the Commissioners on the issues he has raised.
File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus during the first public meeting of said Commission. Erasmus spoke about how Chief Thunderchild viewed the need to hold on to Aboriginal land rights, and how this was still important in the nineteen-nineties.
File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Rene Dussault during the first public meeting of said Commission. Dussault discusses the importance of discussion, and listening in the Commission process. “We know that many Aboriginal people are tired of being studied by others. They want to speak directly to us, and we want to hear from them. We want to hear their views of history and of what the future could or should hold for them. Similarly, we want to hear from the non-Aboriginal Canadians, who have not only a right, but an obligation to participate in this debate.
File contains a presentation by Dave Mowat, a University of Manitoba student, regarding education funding, band governance, self-government, and issues he's encountered as a Bill C-31 person.
File contains a presentation by Diane Schribe-MacPherson, relating the apathy of Aboriginal students towards improving campus life and the lack of co-operation between the Students Union and the BU Native Organization. She also deals with several issues personally affecting her life as a post-secondary student. A discussion with the Commissioners follows the three Brandon University presentations.
File contains a presentation by Doris Young of the Indigenous Women's Collective regarding Aboriginal women's issues/views in the realm of the justice system, schools, the Indian Act, training and employment, political systems, and self-governance. Young also stresses the need for Aboriginal women's participation in the establishment of a Charter of Rights for Aboriginal People should such legislation be enacted.
File contains a presentation by Dorothy Betz, President of the Ke Ki Nan Centre. Presenting alongside Dorothy is Claire Ross, Property manager of the Ke Ki Nan Centre. The Centre was the first urban Aboriginal senior's home of its kind in Canada, and the presenters talk about its establishment and goals. Some comments are also made by the Commissioners regarding the Centre.
File contains a presentation by by Earl Campbell, Joe Baptiste, and Amanda Gail Daniels, Anishnaabe Owayishi. Campbell discusses their organization Anishnaabe Oway-Ishi Inc. (based in Winnipeg, MB) which he describes as "a pre-training program for employment and training opportunities program for Aboriginal youth." Amanda Gail Daniels speaks about racism, employment equity, and the welfare system. Joe Baptiste discusses the government and economics as they pertain to Aboriginal people in Canada.
File contains a presentation by Eric Robinson, President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. Robinson discusses his organizations purpose, and mainly focuses on the problems facing the urban Status and Treaty people in Winnipeg, and across Canada. He stresses the need for the Federal government to take action on behalf of Treaty people who live off reserve to alleviate poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to services. Following the presentation, Robinson introduces Mary Guilbeault's (also fo the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg) presentation.
File contains a presentation by Evelyn Webster, Vice-President, Indigenous Women's Collective to the Commission. Webster provides a brief historical overview of her organization, and its mandate to address the social, economic, and political issues confronting Aboriginal women in Manitoba. Webster then goes on to discuss the traditional role of women in Aboriginal societies, and traditional Aboriginal values.
File contains a presentation by Fred Shore, President, Aboriginal Staff, Student Network, University of Manitoba. Shore discusses suggestions to enhance and improve Aboriginal experiences and participation in post-secondary institutions. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Irene Personius. Personius discusses issues related to education, and how the school system has impacted her own family. Following the presentation are some brief comments from Commissioner Blakeney, followed by Mr. Nathan McGillivary initiating closing prayers by a community elder, and the adjournment of the day's proceedings.
File contains a presentation by James Murray that recommends that post-secondary institutions strike a task force on curricula to critically examine criteria of all courses, as there is no guarantee there would be any Aboriginal content taught at Brandon University. Murray states that lack of education "fosters ignorance of non-Aboriginal people toward Aboriginal people...which re-enforces racism."
File contains an individual presentation by John Constant detailing the loss of Aboriginal culture and how "the white man took advantage of our God fearing nature of welcming people into our fold." He relates a number of stories of how Aboriginal people are lacking the "spirituality, respect, honesty, and leadership" that was common pre-contact. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Lisa Raven
Description
File contains a presentation by Lisa Raven, Hollow Water Band, Wanipigow School. Raven discusses her theory that the government has deliberately underfunded Status Indian education which she equates with an act of genocide. She also discusses the need for significant investments in education and economic development on reserves.
File contains a presentation by the Aboriginal Advisory Council. Chairperson Louise Chippeway, Dan Highway, Elsie Moar, Bernice Hilts, Brian Ranville, and Clayton Sandy all contribute. The presenters are all civil servants with the provincial and federal governments and discuss affirmative action programs, overcoming racism, and Aboriginal participation in the labour force. Chairperson Chippeway and Ranville deliver most of the presentation. Following it the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.
File contains a presentation by Lucassie Arragutainaq, Vice-President, Arctic Co-operatives Limited. Arragutainaq discusses the Co-operative movement in the North, its principles, function, and history across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. He discusses its importance to Inuit and Dene people, and the need for government policies that are helpful to this kind of community development, particularly in the finanical sector (Credit Unions).
File contains a presentation by Marilyn Fontaine, Spokesperson, Aboriginal Women's Unity Coalition. Fontaine discusses her organizations history, and the issues it deals with including sexism, violence, abuse, lack of political representation, self-government talks, and the environment.
File contains a presentation Mary Guilbeault, Vice-Chairperson, Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. The presentation contains some personal background on Guilbeault and her experiences as an Aboriginal woman and community/political leader in Winnipeg. She raises a number of issues, most importantly the neccessity to recognize Treaty Rights and provide services regardless of geographic location. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with the Commissioners regarding both this presentation and Eric Robinson's similarly themed one on urban Aboriginal issues in Winnipeg.
File contains a presentation by Maxwell Yalden, Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, regarding his organizations past advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal peoples (including its support for the creation of the Commission), a universalist approach to Charter of Rights and Freedoms rights, his view that the Charter is complimentary to collective Aboriginal rights, the need to redress and relieve discrimination and abuses against Aboriginal Canadians, the importance of acting now with regards to Aboriginal issues rather than later.
File contains a presentation by Phil Fontaine (at the time the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) regarding a wide range of topics including the Commission's mandate, Treaty issues, residential schools, justice reform, self-government, and resources. Following the presentation is a wide ranging discussion between Chief Fontaine and the Commission members on topics raised in the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Rod Martin of the Indian Council of First Nations. Martin discusses the impact of his experiences working for the government, his perspective on the Indian Act and the problems it has caused for First Nations.
File contains a presentation by Sandra Delaronde, Vice President of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. Delaronde discusses the status of Aboriginal women in their relationship within Aboriginal organizations, and Aboriginal communities, as well as offering a few suggestions to the Commission. Following the presentation is a discussion between Delaronde and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of the issues raised.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Fortunate Guiboche
Description
File contains a presentation by Senator Fortunate Guiboche, Metis Senate of Manitoba. Fortunate Guiboche welcomes the Commission to the Metis Homeland, and stresses the importance of this homeland to the Metis people, as well as explaning the significance of the Metis Senate to his people. He then introduces a presentation by Senator Bear.
File contains a presentation by Sharon Pelletier at the University of Manitoba regarding her personal experiences as a mature student, single parent, and Bill C31 person. Following this is a discussion with the Commissioners also involving the preceding presenter, Dave Mowat, also a student at the University of Manitoba, regarding the issues raised in their two presentations.
File contains a presentation by William Lathlin. Lathlin, a Councillor of The Pas First Nation, discusses his views on the workplace, worker's compensation, and discrimination in the workplace. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioner Blakeney and Mr. Lathlin on some of the workplace issues he raised.
File contains a presentation by Yvon Allard, Member of the Manitoba Metis Federation regarding Employment Equity for Aboriginal Peoples and Post-Secondary Institutions. In particular Allard discusses discrimination in employment, and the promotion and protection of Aboriginal cultural identity in educational institutions.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Dennis Peters
Sandy Bunn
Russell Beaulieu
Verna McDougall
Sam Gott
Trena Raven
Marcelline Mason
Lorne Bunn
Description
This file contains presentations by eight students from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School in Brandon, Manitoba. The students are: Dennis Peters, Sandy Bunn, Russell Beaulieu, Verna McDougall, Sam Gott, Trena Raven, Marcelline Mason and Lorne Bunn. The presentations focus on issues such as Aboriginal-controlled schools on reserves, loss of Aboriginal culture and language, learning from elders as part of their daily curriculum, prejudice and racism in urban schools, and hopelessness and substance abuse among Aboriginal youth.
File contains a presentation by Jean Allard (in English). Allard discusses colonization and the suppression of Aboriginal peoples, segregation, his problems with the concept of self-government, and the need for fiscal self-sufficiency and economic developments for Aboriginal (specifically Metis) peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding his views on these issues.
File contains opening remarks by Alex Skead in the Ojibway language (translation in English given as text). Alex discusses his personal spiritual beliefs, the importance of the sweat, and fasting, and the importance of a healthy culture in producing healthy individuals in the wider society.
File contains opening remarks by Alfred Genaille of Chelan, Saskatchewan. Genaille discusses his two hopes for the Commission which are the return of Metis hunting rights, and a land base for the Metis people.
File contains opening remarks by Senator Dave Barron regarding his impoverished childhood, his father's service in World War 1, and his own service in World War 2. Barron discusses the contributions of Metis veterans to Canada, and stresses the need for Metis to celebrate their unique history, a history he sees as rooted in the Red River area. Barron also expresses his hope that the Commission will benefit his people.
File contains opening remarks by Senator Fred L'Hirondelle. Included are observations on his service in the Armed Forces and the need for the Commission to address veteran's issues.
File contains opening remarks by Johnny Epoo(via a translator) who represents Inuit from northern Quebec in land claims negotiations. He speaks about the Elders from his part of Canada and their concerns regarding the education system in its current state and how it could be improved. Epoo also discusses social problems like suicide, chronic welfare, problems with the RCMP, general poverty, and the need to look towards the future rather than dwelling excessively on the past.
File contains concluding and opening remarks by Justice Sinclair. The closing remarks direct participants from the morning session to lunch. The opening remarks introduce the afternoon session which is an informal opportunity for the Elders of the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal community present at the Winnipeg sitting to introduce themselves and say whatever they would like to say to the Commissioners about any issue they choose to address.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Menno Wiebe
Description
File contains opening remarks by Menno Wiebe of the Mennonite Central Committee. Wiebe discusses how Mennonite aid workers overseas always get asked what they are doing for the First peoples of their own country, and how this often sparks their interest in the struggles of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Wiebe also relates what he sees as signs of hope for Aboriginal peoples, and how they have successfully organized against hostile state and economic forces in the recent past at places like James Bay.
File contains opening remarks by Michael Thrasher of Victoria, B.C. Thrasher relates his experiences of learning from Elders, engaging people across the country in addressing addictions and culture reclamation issues, the importance of solidarity amongst Status Indian, Metis, Non-status Indian, and Inuit peoples, the reality of racism and discrimination in Canadian society, and the need for people to be committed to addressing these issues rather than just involved with them.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Peter Katuk
Description
File contains opening remarks by Peter Katuk(via a translator) regarding the situation for Inuit people in the Northwest Territories: the struggle for survival, his own birth in an igloo in 1921, how life is a learning experience, how the Inuit people have been left out of Canada, how the Cree and the Hudson Bay Company were condescending and bossy to the Inuit, an incident between his father and the RCMP who made his father relocate his home from Repulse Bay, the need to amend what Katuk describes as the defeat of Aboriginal people in Canada, how his people assisted southerners who came to th
File contains opening remarks by Ruth Skead of Raw Portage, Ontario. Skead relates how the way of life for her First Nation has changed over her life time, and the importance of learning about her culture as a way to survive.
File contains opening remarks by Samaria Reynolds of The Pas, Manitoba. She touches on a variety of issues including education accessibility, medical care for northerners, her own disability and the issues that has raised for her, issues arising with her reinstatement under Bill C31 (which gave many Aboriginal women back their Status under the Indian Act), her children and grandchildren and the experiences they've faced, the problem of youth suicide, and the importance of learning from Elders.