RCAP 43 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Sheshatshiu, Labrador. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to employment, land claims, self-governemnt, alcohol and drug abuse issues, and Metis, Inuit, Innu and women's issues. Each submission can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains an individual presentation by Ben Andrew focusing on Innu land claims and self-government. Andrew states the Canadian government has "deprogrammed Innu people so they deny their own people, their own nationhood, and their own uniqueness." Andrew is skeptical of the Commission's purpose and goals but hopes the Commission can influence the federal government in future negotiations relating to Innu land claims and self-government. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.
File contains an individual presentation by Chief Francis Penashue describing the culture and values of the Innu people pre-European contact, and now Innu communities are dealing with substance abuse, family dysfunction and high unemployment and welfare rates. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.
File contains an individual presentation by Gregory Andrew and Mary Andrew questioning "[H]ow did Canada gain our territory when there was no treaties ever signed by Innu people." He shows a map where the Innu people have lived in northern Canada for 9000 years and Andrew's mother, through an interpreter, shows the places she once lived that are now mine sites and lands are flooded by dams. Following the presentation are brief remarks by the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Kathleen Nuna focusing on aspects of Innu culture she feels have been lost; fishing, hunting, trapping, folklore and spirituality. She calls on the Commission to provide Innu communities with funding to teach younger generations traditional and survival skills to keep Innu culture alive. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.
File contains an individual presentation by Lyla Andrew, a non-Aboriginal woman raised in Toronto and a resident of Sheshatsiu for 15 years. She acknowledged in her an unconscious discrimination toward Innu people and the Innu would be better served if they "would aspire to be more like me." Andrew shares stories of her experience living among the Innu and calls on the Commission to have the Canadian government "recognize the value in their growth and development as a separate and distinct culture." Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.
File contains a presentation by Gregory Penashue expressing frustration with his years of "futile activism" on behalf of the Innu people of Labrador. He protests yearly funding cuts for a multitude of programs in Sheshatshiu and other neghboring communities that would keep Innu culture and language from extinction. He calls on the Commission to consider Innu culture and language important enough to preserve through proper funding. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Judith Hill expressing concern about the potential loss of Innu culture and the Inuit language if not continuing to be taught in Peenamin School. She states that the lack of staff and funding to make the materials required for the classroom is limiting learning for the students. Following the presentation are brief remarks by each Commissioner.