Goals of the conference were to share stories, discuss what is being done and what can be done in Aboriginal communities and discuss plans and priorities for lasting change with each other and government leaders. Conference held March 13-15, 2006.
Describes the current state of crime and violence in Inuit communities and the programs and services that exist to reduce or eliminate violence against women and girls.
The file contains an open forum presentation by Carol Hopkins. Hopkins, an Anishnabeh woman, discusses adoption issues, jurisdiction over children, and related issues.
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 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 Beatrice Watts focusing primarily on education. She provides a brief history of the Inuit in Labrador and relocation efforts in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1977 the first Inuit education conference was held, which laid the groundwork for the teaching of Inuktitut and cultural programs in schools. Watts also briefly discusses the Inuit radio station at Main, Labrador and a 1978 conference sponsored by Inuit women held in Labrador. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Claris Rudkowski, businesswoman from North West River, Labrador. She questions the lack of Aboriginal women in business and attributes that to a lack of education opportunities, a lack of daycare facilities, and a lack of support from family and friends. Rudkowski asks the Commission not to forget about women's issues, lost among the larger issues of land claims and self-government.
File contains an individual presentation by Mrs. Hilda Lyall focusing on the rights of Aboriginal women. She describes her personal experience with attempting to find work after completing a two-year translator course and feels that men are automatically assumed to be better workers. She calls on the Commission to address the inequality of not hiring women who are as qualified as men. Following the discussion is a short question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains two presentations, both read by Rose Gregoire. She begins with Raphael Gregoire's presentation that expresses concern with this Commission being irrelevant and its findings being ignored. Raphael Gregoire asks that issues or problems that need to be addressed immmediately should not be delayed until the final report is finished. Rose Gregoire's presentation addresses the treatment of Innu people under the law and discusses her experiences in the justice system, first as a young offender and now as a court worker.
This file contains a presentation by Caroline Solomon focusing on the establishment of Ecotivik, a proposed home for battered women and their children, to be located in Nain. She calls on the Commission to help secure funding for this much-needed facility. The next speaker, Silpa Edmunds, is introduced.
File contains a presentation by Chief Shirley Prosper, and Gerald Webb of the Corner Brook Band. Prosper discusses some issues facing the band in a brief presentation including government recognition, family problems, women's issues, and the need for the establishment of cultural centres to promote the Micmac culture. Following Prosper's presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson engage her in dialogue after which Webb comments on the economic base of the band.
File contains a presentation by Ruth Flowers. Flowers presents on the concerns of the Makkovik Women's Group which include the establishment of daycare in the region, economic development and the impact of hard times for the fisheries, concern with vandalism in the community, and concerns with the justice system. Following the presentation Flowers discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Dussault and Robinson.