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 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 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 presentations by Kathy Mallet, Co-ordinator, Sandy Funk, and May Louise Campbell of the Original Women's Network. The presenters discuss their organizations role, their personal backgrounds, resource royalties, history, Treaties, pay equity, the Indian Act, and a variety of other issues their organization has engaged with.
File contains opening remarks by Silpa Edmunds(via a translator, in addition to a few in English) regarding the economic and cultural problems faced by her people in Labrador and her hopes that the Commission will address these issues. She reiterates some of Boas Jararace's concerns, and also adds the problems of alcoholism, family breakdown, and a loss of cultural identity amongst Inuit, First Nations and Metis people in Labrador. Edmunds is an Inuit woman from Hopedale, Labrador.