RCAP 163 contains a transcript of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Crystal Palace Convention Centre, Moncton, New Brunswick. Subjects discussed are housing, Aboriginal war veterans, women's rights and self-government.
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 Alma Brooks, a Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) woman. Brooks relates her life journey and involvement with both politics and the community at large in helping to heal her people's problems. She states that self-governance is an impossibility until her people are healed. Following her presentation is a discussion between her and Commissioners Dussault and Sillet on healing and politics respectively.
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.
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 Gary Gould recommending that "all Aboriginal people must determine for themselves how they will govern or be governed and that in order for this to fully occur, Aboriginal people must participate as full and equal partners who have a special right to participate in the legislative institutions of this land." Gould re-introduces Frank Palmater, President, New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, who will speak about healing, a Royal Commission touchstone.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Gordon Labillois
Description
This file contains a presentation by Gordon Labillois focusing on self-government and a vision of the future for the Micmac Nation. The presenter outlines a plan for local government that recognizes the competitiveness of his community and our people, and would reflect the realities of the market-driven economy. Labillois provides a "Native Mission Statement" that provides the vision and focus required for self-government at the national, regional and community levels. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
This file contains a presentation by Graham Tuplin focusing on off-reserve Aboriginals in Canada. Tuplin makes a number of recommendations, including that the Royal Commission add equity of access to the Commission's list of four touchstones, and that the federal government stop its policy of cutting funding to Aboriginal groups that are not bands, not northern and not Department of Indian Affairs supported, as equity of access must begin with a equal chance to be heard. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Harry Sock, Director, Child and Family Services, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock discusses the effect of unemployment, lack of housing and social problems have on Aboriginal families on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion involving Harry Sock, Leon Sock and the Commissioners.
This file contains a presentation by Mary Moore, Margaret Bernard, Barbara Bernard and Laura Bernard relating to the lack of input by Aboriginal women relating to future decisions about Aboriginal self-determination and self-government. The presenters also state that no shelter exists for women and children in crisis in Prince Edward Island, and the group is working towards funding a shelter and training Aboriginal staff to operate it. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
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.
This file contains a presentation by Rhonda Alain discussing her group's research project that identifies concerns and issues that impact on the lives of Aboriginal youth and finding solutions to those concerns. She calls for Canada-wide Aboriginal youth groups; school curricula to include an accurate history of Aboriginal peoples; healing circles that include involvement of elders; and recreation programs that promote positive self-image for Aboriginal youth. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Tara Perley
Phyllis Barnaby
Description
File contains a presentation by Tara Perley of the Tobique First Nation, and Phyllis Barnaby of the Burnt Church Band on issues facing Aboriginal post-secondary students. Perley discusses suicide rates and concerns, while Barnaby focuses on funding concerns. Following their respective presentations is a discussion between the presenters and Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson on post-secondary education issues.
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.