Native Studies Review, vol. 17, no. 2, 2008, pp. 115-141
Description
Gives context of the dispute and occupation of Anicinabe Park, in Kenora, Ontario which brought about a new era of bad relations and distrust between the Canadian Government and Native groups.
RCAP 52 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to land claims and self-government, education, economic development, friendship centres, Aboriginal war veterans and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains an individual presentation by Brian Tuesday stating that repealing the Indian Act "will not solve anything simply by reason of indoctrination; psychological conditioning." He believes self-determination "can't be legislated, it can't be negotiated, and it can't be enshrined in the Constitution, because it comes from within."
File contains an individual presentation by Charles Wagamese stating that the federal government has not fulfilled their treaty obligations and must fulfil them as representatives of the Queen. He calls for an end to patriarchy and for more input from elders relating to political leadership. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Don Imbeau, a non-Aboriginal man that describes his introduction and appreciation for the power of the medicine wheel and for "the four symbolic races; white, red, yellow and black, who are all are brothers and sisters living on the same Mother Earth." He offers his interpretation of Aboriginal self-government and his vision of "First Nations together developing a unique charter which would apply exclusively to the Indian, Métis and Inuit peoples within a Canadian co-federation." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Co
File contains an individual presentation by Moses Tom that touches on a number of issues, including elder care and inadequate child and family services programs. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Peter Kelly that touches on a number of subjects that include the influence of elders, the drum and its meaning, legends and oral history, the Charlottetown Accord and the Indian Act. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Richard Greene that touches on a number of topics, including Aboriginal urban housing, dismantling the Indian Act, and Aboriginal over-representation in the correctional system. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Richard Kelly that touches on a number of subjects, including the Indian Act, land claims and self-government, and the meaning of drum ceremonies and tobacco. Following the presentation are brief remarks by the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Tommy Keesick relating to the loss of two young people on his First Nations due to inhalants. He also touches on self-government, the influence of elders, alcohol and drug abuse and the Indian Act. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Chief James Henderson and Steve Fobister relating to the negative effects of the Rainy Lake dam in Ontario, built between 1905 and 1909. Their First Nations fishing and hunting grounds were destroyed by flooding and they believe that proper compensation has never been given to their First Nations. The presenters also address the complete absence of telephone service on their First Nations, and call on the Commission to assist in negotiations with Bell Canada. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Colin Wasacase and Josephine Sandy relating to the work of their organization in providing culturally sensitive support for Anishinabe families in need. A list of recommendations includes the recognition of the federal government of rights and responsibility to provide support to families in accordance with Anishinabe custom, and recognition of the government's trust responsibility to provide adequate financial resources for the presenters' organization to undertake this work. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Frank Bruyere relating to education and the history of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. He offers numerous recommendations, including a review done by Aboriginal educators of all educational materials in publicly funded schools used to teach Aboriginal history and eliminating all materials deemed to be inaccurate or offensive to Aboriginal people; and making funds available for Aboriginal friendship centres to develop materials for use in working with local industries, business and institutions in the areas of race relations and employment equity.
File contains a presentation by Joe Seymour and Reuben Wasacase relating to the Native Veterans Housing Project in Kenora, Ontario. The presenters originally surveyed Aboriginal veterans in the Kenora area and discovered a number of other issues affecting them, such as land entitlement, pensions and allowances, medical benefits, and unfair treatment relating to lack of recognition and neglect of veterans. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains opening remarks by Ruth Skead of Raw Portage, Ontario. Skead relates how the way of life for her First Nation has changed over her life time, and the importance of learning about her culture as a way to survive.