File contains an individual presentation by Madeleine Moonias, a Native language teacher and parent that focuses on Aboriginal culture, language and education. She states that when Aboriginal languages die out, so does Aboriginal culture. Moonias calls on the Commission to help ensure that school boards in northwestern Ontario encourage Native language maintenance and to foster positive attitudes to strengthen cultural identity for Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
File contains an individual presentation by Mary Lou Iahtail, teacher at Moosonee Public School in Moosonee, Ontario. She describes her experiences at the Fort Albany Residential School in Ontario where she learned to read and write in Cree. Iahtail states that a Cree immersion program is needed at her school and calls for the Commission to fund Cree immersion programs so the Cree language does not disappear.
File contains a presentation by Alex McKay and George Fulford. McKay discusses Ojibwa spiritual beliefs and the importance of Aboriginal languages. Fulford expands on this by presenting on Aboriginal languages in a Canadian Constitutional and political policy context. Fulford reccomends that the Royal Commission "appoint a task force to look into the matter of aboriginal language and education in Canada." Following the presentations is a discussion between the presenters and the assembled Commissioners on language issues.
File contains a presentation by Dawna LeBlanc expressing concern for the acceleratred rate at which Aboriginal languages are becoming extinct. The death of community elders plays a large part in the elimination of languages today. She states that "language has a direct bearing on how we see ourselves as a people and our role in self-government, on land claims and our claim to a distinct society." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by J. Spencer Rowe. Rowe makes an individual presentation on cultural issues. Rowe discusses the importance of Aboriginal language education, and how he views spirituality as the path forward for Aboriginal peoples but that this root is difficult as they have become seperated from their lands.
File contains a presentation by Wilbert Wesley. Wesley discusses the Cree language and his views on its incorporation into the education system. Wesley states that he thinks Cree should be made compulsory, and that it should also be publicized via media. Commissioner Viola Robinson then responds to his remarks.