RCAP 16 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in St. John's, Newfoundland. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations related to various issues such as education, health services, self-government, employment and business opportunities, land claims and Inuit matters. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 17 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Victoria, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations related to various issues such as children's, women's and elder rights, education, the Canadian Constitution and self-government. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Makkouk, Labrador on June 15, 1992. After a welcome and opening prayer by Neil Andersen, Commissioner Rene Dussault explains the mandate of the Commission and its goals. Commissioners Viola Robinson, Mary Sillet, and Ruth Flowers also make brief opening remarks.
RCAP 40 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, the Canadian Constitution, land claims, the Moravian Church, and Metis, Inuit and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 42 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Sheshatshiu, Labrador. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, land claims, self-governemnt, alcohol and drug abuse issues, and Metis, Inuit and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
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 Ben Michel detailing the negative effects of government assimilation on the people of Sheshatshiu, Davis Inlet and other Innu communities. He states that "Canada once again is masking itself in the form of a Royal Commission to legitimize its denial of a people's right of self-determination and arightful place in the global human community." Michel calls on the Commission to take his complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Commission and to the United Nations Human Rights Commission. A question-and-answer session follows the presentation.
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 Hank Shouse, businessman and former mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He states that Labrador is not served well politically by having only 4 of 52 members of the Provincial House of Assembly, the rest being Newfoundlanders. The control of Labrador is held in St. John's, Newfoundland, and Shouse believes that the Inuit, Innu, Metis, non-Aboriginals and other groups should form their own territorial House of Assembly. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Simeo Rich expressing sadness that elders were not consulted when the Churchill Falls Hydro Project was being planned in the 1960s. The destruction of hunting lands has been devastating to the Innu and Rich hopes that future self-government will eliminate the federal government's control over the Innu.
File contains a presentation by Bernard Heard, speaking as an individual member of the Labrador Metis Association. It focuses on recognition and acceptance of the Labrador Metis people. He states that the Canadian Constitution recognizes Aboriginal people in Canada as the Indians, the Inuit and the Metis, but the federal and provincial governments operate as if the Metis in Labrador do not exist. He calls on the Commission to assist with more recognition with the federal government. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Bernice Sheehan expressing concern with status classifications of Aboriginal people: on reserve, off reserve, status, non-status and Metis. Metis as a group are not recognized by the Newfoundland provincial government, and as a result are denied services that recognized Metis receive in other provinces. Sheehan hopes the Commission will recommend provincial recognition to Newfoundland Metis to bring them in line with other groups. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.
File contains a presentation by Chief Victor Muse of the St. George's Indian Band Council. Muse discusses the band's history, then goes on to list a variety of concerns. These include: unemployment, illiteracy, the need for education, better social services, revitalization of the Micmac language and culture, infrastructure, self-determination, self-government, and the goal of living in harmony "with Canada and its many people." Following the presentation is a discussion between Muse and Commissioner Erasmus on some of the issues raised.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Adrian Tanner
Description
File contains a presentation by Dr. Adrian Tanner, Native Peoples' Support Group of Newfoundland and Labrador. This group is primarily made up of non-Aboriginal people who believe a partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people could work towards solutions for the problems facing Aboriginal people. The group's main focus is self-government and Tanner draws parallels between Newfoundland entering Confederation in 1949 and the push for Aboriginal self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.
File contains a presentation by Garfield Warren suggesting that "justice demands the recognition and preservation of the integrity of the Aboriginal nations." Warren seeks middle ground between the Canadian government and Aboriginal leaders relating to land claims and self-government and hopes the Commission can influence this issue. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.
File contains a presentation by Harry Baikie focusing on economic development in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay region. He discusses the Trans-Labrador Highway, the industry of pilot training, the resolution of land claims in Labrador, and development of a forestry industry and hydro power. Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Jack Harris, Member, House of Assembly, St. John's, Newfoundland. He introduces Clee Newhook, Leader, Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party, who makes a brief statement. Harris is a Member of the House of Assembly for St. John's East district. He states that Aboriginal people in Newfoundland receive different treatment from their provincial government as compared to Aboriginals elsewhere in Canada.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Jerry Wetzel
Description
File contains a presentation by Jerry Wetzel of Conne River, Newfoundland, describing in detail the history of the Mi'kmaq people in Newfoundland and the French in the 1700s. He debunks the "Mi'kmaq Mercenary Myth," a common myth that the Mi'kmaq people were brought to Newfoundland by the French to exterminate the Beothuks. Wetzel states that the Royal Proclamation of 1763 has been used by the Canadian government to "try to oppress the Mi'kmaq people and to destroy, to usurp their lands and destroy their self-government.
File contains a presentation by Kirk Lethbridge discussing his views of Aboriginal self-government and the "inevitability of self-determination." He feels he may not see it in his lifetime, but says his children will. Lethbridge calls on the Commission to ensure that "soon all Aboriginal people in Labrador, and in Canada, will be under the same flag."
File contains a presentation by Rt. Hon. Len Simms, Leader of the Official Opposition in Newfoundland. Simms focuses on Aboriginal self-government. He provides the history of Newfoundland as a province and sees parallels between that and Aboriginal self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Tony John
Description
File contains a presentation by Tony John of the Glenwood Indian Band. John discusses the history of his people in Newfoundland, stating that they are not just Micmac but intermarried with the Beothuk and have been systematically neglected by both the federal and provincial governments who claim there are no Aboriginal people on the island. John discusses some of the issues his people face in central Newfoundland, the key one being the need for recognition.
George Wright Forum, The, vol. 27, no. 2, 2010, p. 222–233
Description
Examines the unique legal and constitutional relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and Parks Canada including the legislative policy and corporate changes that have occurred over the last 30 years.