RCAP 80 contains files for a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Nain, Labrador. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to land claims and self-government, health and addiction programs, culture, economic development and education. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
This file contains an individual presentation by Solome Jararuse expressing his frustration with the inadequate and improperly-built house he has lived in for years. He has received no help at the local or provincial government level and calls on the Commission to assist him in getting his house properly repaired. A brief question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
This file contains opening remarks by Georges Erasmus and Mary Sillett, Commissioners, who explain the purpose and goals of the Commission. Angus Andersen is introduced as Commissioner of the Day.
This file contains a presentation by Boas Jararuse focusing on the lack of proper housing in his home community of Makkovik. Jararuse states that substandard housing units is currently being built and as a carpenter, he already sees problems with the construction. He is frustrated with the local council and asks the Commission for help in addressing the housing problem. A short question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
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.
This file contains a presentation by Fran Williams that begins with a brief history of the Native communication organization. Williams states that "Native broadcasting is essential for the preservation of our language and culture." She recommends that Inuktitut and other major Aboriginal languages should receive recognition in the Broadcast Act as official languages. Williams calls on the Commission to ensure funding continues for this important organization that actively works to keep the Inuktitut language from extinction.
This file contains a presentation by Fred Hall that begins with findings of a 1985 Newfoundland provincial commission stating that "paternalistic policies and programs, however well-meaning and however high-spending, are clearly not working." Hall goes on to say that the federal and provincial governments must change their focus so that Aboriginal and Inuit people can provide for themselves, rather than governments providing for them. Hall is not optimistic that this Commission will be any different than the last one.
This file contains a presentation by Gary Baikie focusing on a number of services his organization offers, including Inuktitut interpreter/translator programs, Inuktitut immersion and literacy programs, elders' conferences, arts and crafts funding. Baikie calls on the Commission to help secure increased funding to allow those programs to continue. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
This file contains a presentation by Henoch Obed focusing on his organization's mandate to reduce the percentage of substance abuse among the Inuit population of Labrador. The organization encourages and assists the Labrador Inuit to live independent lifestyles without the misuse and abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs by offering community-based programs in prevention, treatment and aftercare. Obed recommends to the Commission that the federal government continues to give the Labrador Inuit control over monies for service programs.
This file contains a presentation by Iris Allen and Margaret Webb focusing on the problems created by the lack of health care services for Inuit people in Labrador. They discuss health problems created by substance abuse, family violence and inadequate housing. The speakers are particularly concerned with the physical and mental health of the youth of Labrador. They call on the Commission to increase financial and professional assistance to Labrador Inuit communities, and to ensure these communities have input in local health care programs.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Johannes Lampe
Description
This file contains a presentation by Johannes Lampe that begins with a brief history of Nain. Lampe is frustrated with the lack of funding as "communities located north of the 60th parallel are eligible for more federal programs" that Nain is. Lampe also discusses the recent suicide attempts in Nain and the lack of health and social programs for children, youth and adults. He calls on the Commission to secure more funding at the local level to initiate the programs urgently required to help Nain residents. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Judy Rowell
Description
This file contains a presentation by Judy Rowell focusing on the "relationship of the federal and provincial governments to the Labrador Inuit Association. She refers to Labrador Inuit and the role that that relationship plays in the ability of the Association to deal with environmental threats and to deal with environmental protection." A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
This file contains a presentation by Julius Merkuratsuk expressing hope that perhaps one day his Church may have a minister who is from Nain and who is bilingual (English and Inuktitut). He also states that the wisdom and knowledge of elders in his Church and community must be passed on to the Inuit so Inuit culture and language does not become extinct. He introduces Julius Saimat, the next speaker.
This file contains a presentation by Julius Saimat that reiterates the previous speaker's concern with the lack of a minister for their church in Nain. He seeks to secure a minister after being without one since 1983 but states that the parishioners have been competently running the church themselves. Co-Chair Georges Erasmus states that dealing with religion and churches is not part of the Commission's mandate, but will refer the two Moravian church members' concerns to the Labrador Inuit Association.
This file contains a presentation by Naomi Tuglavina and Michelle Kinney that begins with a brief history of the group home dedicated to young offenders between ages 12-18 whose custody orders from Youth Court determine they must go to a correctional facility. Nain's young offenders remain in the community and receive counselling, some schooling and serve their open custody orders. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
This file contains a presentation by Sarah Webb relating to the citizens' advisory committee, called Sapitjigiajet, whose purpose is to maintain open communication between the community and the Nain RCMP detachment. She describes the positive changes in Nain and area during the three years of the group's existence. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
This file contains a presentation by Silpa Edmunds discussing a number of concerns including increasing doctor and dentist visits, lack of housing and employment and social problems in Nain. A short question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
This file contains a presentation by Tom Uvloriak expressing frustration with the inability of his group to secure substantial funding to continue selling crafts made by local artists. Uvloriak seeks assistance with locating the proper government department for arts funding.
This file contains a presentation by William Andersen III focusing primarily on land claims of the Labrador Inuit. Andersen expresses disappointment with the Commissioners being unable to "intervene in difficulties between any individual organization and the governments that it has to deal with." Andersen has been involved with land claims negotiations in the past and is frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations.
This file contains a presentation by Wilson Belbin discussing teacher recruitment and retention of Aboriginal staff. He states that student activities and sports are fundamental to keeping youth in school and suggests a 24 hour youth centre would prevent substance abuse, violence and suicide in his community. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.