This file contains an individual presentation by Lloyd Augustine discussing Aboriginal land claims and self-government. Augustine states that "(I)f a new relationship with Canada is to exist, then there must be some way that will obligate Canada to honour and respect our people and our original institutions, our agreements and our treaties, our rights as nations and to honour that status fully." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Anthony Francis, Former Chief, Big Cove, New Brunswick, discussing the effects of the British North America Act, the Indian Act, the Diamond Jenness Policy and the White Paper have had on Canadian Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Clifton (Francis) Simon, resident of Big Cove, New Brunswick. Simon touches on a number of areas of concern for him: self-government, economic development, discrimination against Aboriginal women, justice and education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
This file contains a presentation by David Peter-Paul that first provides a brief history of government funding and Aboriginal education in Canada. Peter-Paul states that "(T)he federal government, by virtue of its relevant sections outlined in the treaties, the Constitution Act and the Indian Act, has a fiduciary responsibility to provide adequate resources for all levels of education for First Nations people.
File contains a wide-ranging presentation by Dennis Gedeon, New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples' Council, with brief remarks by Carol Wortman of the same organization. Gedeon discusses the history of his organization, its aims, his views on the Constitution, intergovernmental relations, non-status Indians, self-governance, economic development, the Indian Act, Bill C31, Justice and Education issues.
This file contains a presentation by Dwight Dorey and Roger Hunka relating to the "continued marginalization of off-reserve Aboriginals in Nova Scotia that continues to block their participation and full contribution to the broader society." Hunka cites the Navajo Nation in the United States and their success with the George H.W.
This file contains a presentation by Neil Perley focusing on restrictions placed upon Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneuers because of federal government policy. Perley states that First Nations governments and organizations must be given the authority to make decision and disperse funds which will benefit their communities and people. He also says that economic development should be viewed as the cure to the social problems which occur on every First Nations. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a wide ranging presentation by Richard Francis and Darrell Paul of the Kingsclear Maliseet First Nation. The presentation is given on behalf of Chief Stephen Sacobie who was unable to attend due to other commitments. Francis outlines a wide variety of concerns to his people centering around the right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as offering a critique of what he sees as a governmental system driven by greed.
This file contains a presentation by Ron George and Bob Groves focusing on self-determination for Aboriginal peoples in Canada's larger urban centres. The presenters state that nearly half of Canada's Aboriginal peoples live in large urban centres and feel that the Indian Act has left out people who do not live on reserves. Their group was involved in the Royal Commission's National Round Table on urban issues last year and the presenters state their presentation reinforces their concerns from last year's Round Table.
This file contains the second part of a presentation by Frank Palmater relating to the Royal Commission's touchstones of healing. Palmater's group agrees with the Commission's position on healing and the group also "advances the notion that the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of Aboriginal communities and nations must occur simultaneously with advancements in the well-being of the individual.