File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Northern United Place Hall, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. File contains a variety of presentations by individuals, Aboriginal organizations, government agencies and community groups. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains an individual presentation by Cindy Gilday of Fort Franklin, NWT. She tells the Commission about the 398 unmarked graves in the Deh Cho (formerly a residential school) Hall yard and says that unmarked graves are "a very significant symbol of opporession, the ultimate symbol as far as the Dene are concerned." She states that her father was present at the Treaty signings in 1911 and 1921 and feels the Canadian government has not fulfilled any of the treaties' terms.
File contains a presentation by Chief Bill Erasmus of the Dene Nation. Erasmus welcomes the Commission to Denedeh, the Dene homeland, and discusses "the policy that the government has adopted over the years regarding discussions with our peoples in Canada concerining the spelling out of our rights and the requirement for extinguishment," as well as the traditional Dene economy of hunting and trapping. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Erasmus.
File contains a presentation by Chris O'Brien. He discusses his views on ecological knowledge and the need for European Canadians to learn from Aboriginal people. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners voice their agreement and thank O'Brien for his presentation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Eileen Koe
Description
File contains a presentation by Eileen Koe. Koe is a civil servant and proclaims herself to be both a Gwich'in, and a proud Canadian. Koe discusses her views on social issues and housing in the community. She discusses residential schools and the loss of the Gwich'in language, and the detrimental effect this has had on her people. Koe discusses alcoholism, housing programs, trapping, and the need for better job training programs.
File contains a presentation by Helena Laroque. She discusses her personal perspective on Aboriginal issues as someone who has worked in the international sphere. She makes mention of Ecuador and rights struggles, as well as addictions and environmental issues. Following Laroque's presentation the assembled Commissioners comment on it.
File contains a presentation by Lorne Schollar, Northwest Territories Wildlife Federation. Schollar discusses wildlife management concerns with relation to Aboriginal subsistence harvesting, and access to resource concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Schollar.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Neil Colin
Description
File contains a presentation by Neil Colin. Colin complains about the ignorance of the north he has encountered in southern Canada, including from Conservative federal government officials who did not even know where Yellowknife was. He also discusses his concerns about pollution and its effects on the North which he has witnessed himself. Following the presentation Rene Dussault thanks him for it, and closes the days preceedings.