RCAP 49 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in the Oak Room, Ramada Inn, Thunder Bay, Ontario. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to land claims, self-government, alcohol and drug abuse issues, education and tourism. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 58 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Park Plaza Hotel, in Toronto, Ontario. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to a variety of issues including midwifery, housing, justice, and child and family services. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 65 contains files for a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Senator Hotel, Timmins, Ontario. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to land claims and self-government, health and addiction programs, economic development, education and friendship centres. Each submission can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Wendake, Quebec City, Quebec, on Wednesday, November 18, 1992. Includes presentations by the Huron-Wendat Nation, other Aboriginal organizations and several academics. For detailed presentation titles see file. File is an English translation of the original French transcript.
File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, Terry Legge, Wilbert Wesley, Christina Delaney, Elie Chilton, and Phoebe Sutherland at the Northern Lights School in Moosonee, Ontario. The wide ranging conversation addresses a variety of topics including educational policy, cultural retention and rejuvenation, and social problems.
File contains an individual presentation by Eli Chilton relating to social issues from a youth perspective. He states that these problems have originated since colonization, but Aboriginal people must now take responsibility for their own lives.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Emile Nakogee
Description
File contains an individual presentation by Emile Nakogee stating that Aboriginal peoples should "conserve our lifestyles, our culture, our languages and follow what our Creator created for us within the lands." He is concerned for the problems facing Aboriginal youth and states that parents need to involve elders and the community in raising children.
File contains an individual presentation by Evelyn Schrieber expressing concern for Aboriginal homeless people. She describes the hopelessness within her family as she, as well as her two children, were homeless at various points in their lives. Schrieber states that Aboriginals are denied the right to proper psychiatric treatment, particularly those who are homeless. She calls on the Commission to provide funding for programs for mentally ill people, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with 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.
Representative of the centre calls on the Commission to ensure further funding for the organization, which serves both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women. Includes question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Alfreda Trudeau that reiterates many of the concerns expressed by Harvey Thunderchild, the previous speaker. She describes specific programs aimed at treating various problems, with the Native Interpersonal Skills Program being the most successful. Trudeau calls for more Aboriginal people to be working in the correctional system and particularly sees the role of elders is very important. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Anne Rochon Ford, Vicki Ann Wagner, Interim Regulatory Council on Midwifery. The two presenters discuss their organization (funded by the province of Ontario), their work with Aboriginal peoples, jurisdictional issues, the loss of the traditional Aboriginal midwife in Aboriginal society, the desire to incorporate new practices with old, and related issues. They also discuss community birthing centres so that midwifes could be both trained and utilized in a culturally appropriate setting.
File contains a presentation made by the Big Trout Lake First Nations presented by Steven Chapman, Tonena McKay, Bruce Sakakeep, Mary-Ann Anderson, Alice Beardy and Jemima Morris; on the various topics of the relationship of the Canadian Justice System pertaining to Aboriginals, Education, Self-Government, language and medical care. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners. Comments of the Commissioner-of-the-Day are translated to English from his own language.
File contains a presentation made by the Big Trout Lake Women's Group. Anna McKay, Sadie McKay and Alice Beardy all spoke to the topic of social plights from medical care to crime and their associated problems. Also contained are questions and comments from the assembled Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Cathy Adcock focusing on troubled Aboriginal youth who move to Thunder Bay from reserves without a support system. These youth may have experienced hardship in their family life and are on their own once they arrive in the city, looking for employment, continuing with their education or leaving a troubled family situation. Adcock calls on the Commission to help secure more funding for programs and services to assist youth in the transition from reserve life to city life. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Charles Morris of Tikinagan Child and Family Services. Morris discusses the operations, mandate, and goals of his Aboriginal service organization. Morris also discusses some of the pressing social problems the organization encounters such as jurisdictional problems, substance abuse (sniffing), suicide, chronic depression and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Morris.
File contains a presentation by Chief Dan Koosees of Kashechewan First Nations in Ontario. He describes living conditions on his First Nations as "below sub-standard" and gives the Commissioners a written proposal relating to a five-year housing and infrastructure construction program on Kashechewan First Nation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Darrell Boissonea
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Darrell Boissoneau that focuses on treaty violations and particularly on the Indian Act. He calls on the Commission to help begin the healing and to ensure funding for the essential programs that are necessary to help Aboriginal people reclaim their culture. Following the presentation is a 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 Darlene Grexton relating to the Infant Development Program, a part of a continuum of preventive service provided by the Ministry of Community and Social Services for the at-risk population, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike. The program works with infants from to 30 months. She calls for the training more Aboriginal social workers and for more public awareness of the Infant Development Program. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Doreen Pichette and Bernice Archibald. The presenters are Aboriginal court workers affiliated with the Friendship Centre.
File contains a presentation made by Dorothy McKay on the topic of single-parenting in Aboriginal families. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Ernest Beck
Description
File contains a presentation by Ernest Beck. Beck discusses social and child services arrangements in James and Hudson Bay communities. Specifically he discusses his organization Paykotayno, which was designated a Children's Aid Society in April, 1987. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses the composition of Beck's organization with him.
File contains a presentation by Harvey Thunderchild relating to high rates of illiteracy among Aboriginal inmates, and the high proportion of incarcerated Aboriginal people for crimes committed involving drugs and alcohol. He states that Aboriginal inmates are prevented from entering treatment programs due to a shortage of programs. He also expressed concern with Aboriginal young offenders lacking appropriate programs as well. He introduces Alfreda Trudeau.
File contains a presentation by Heather Clements. Clements discusses her experiences as a Scots-English Canadian nurse living on a reserve, and her perceptions of a lack of knowledge in Non-Aboriginal culture of Aboriginal Canadians and why this should be corrected. Clements also discusses health care and educational issues, arguing that Aboriginal peoples should be given control over their own health and educational services and making some suggestions to that effect. Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney, Wilson, and Sillet discuss some of these issues with her.
File contains a presentation by Howard Restoule of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association that responds to a questionnaire sent by the Commission prior to the hearings. The questions involve topics such as acquiring a land base, self-government, the implementation of treaties, the constitutional and legal position of Metis people and off-reserve Aboriginals, the Indian Act and social issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the previous five presenters and the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Jack Yard and John Farrington, members and fund-raisers for the Porcupine United Way. They make a video presentation to the Commission and discuss the 11 member agencies of the Porcupine United Way. They express hope that the Aboriginal community in Timmins and area will actively use the United Way's services, so there is help "for all those who need our help." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Joe Major of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association focusing on health and justice issues and sport and recreation. He introduces the next speaker, Agnes Lidstone.
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 a presentation by Karen Pine-Cheechoo. Pine-Cheechoo,an Ojibway woman in a Cree community, discusses her life experiences. In particular she discusses struggles with alcoholism and gender relations in her community.
File contains a presentation by Jeremiah McKay and Abe Kakepitum of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak/Northern Chiefs Council. McKay introduces Kakepitum who delivers an address on environmental concerns, traditional resource use, self-governance concerns, Treaty agreements, problems with federal and provincial policies, the Charlottetown referendum, health care concerns, and language issues. McKay then concludes the presentation by discussing the organization's written submission, and thanking the Commission.
File contains a presentation by Marlene Antoniow discussing the prevalence of addiction issues among Aboriginal people and the shortage of Aboriginal social workers to treat them. She is also concerned about poor health care that elders receive relating to waiting lists and lack of transportation. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Mary Desmoulin providing a brief history of the Sault Ste. Marie Friendship Centre. She describes the Friendship Centre's goal as "improving the quality of life for Aboriginal people in an urban environment by supporting self-determined activities which encourage both equal access to partnership in Canadian society and in Aboriginal culture. Desmoulin also expresses concern for children, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, with recent government cutbacks on child care.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
File contains a presentation made by the Muskrat Dam First Nation. Chief Frank Beardy, Juliette Duncan, Sarah Beardy, Victoria Beardy, Shirley Morris, Lucy Beardy and Mary-Ann Morris all spoke to various topics of welfare, medical services, education, general health. Also contained are questions and comments from the assembled Commissioners.
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.
File contains a presentation by Nellie Beardy and Janet Gordon of the [Sioux Lookout] Aboriginal Health Authority. Beardy discusses the health situation in the area particularly with regard to infrastructure, service delivery, disease and injury problems. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Beardy.
File contains a presentation by Donna Roundhead of Nodin Counselling Services. Roundhead discusses the high suicide rate in Nishnawbe-Aski communities, calls for a federal inquiry into the high suicide rate, discusses the need for Aboriginal mental health consultants, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Roundhead.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Paul Nadjiwan
Description
File contains a presentation by Paul Nadjiwan expressing concern with the failure rate of Aboriginals entering a 12-step recovery program based on English-language, non-Aboriginal values. He also expresses concern with the Fort William treatment centre not being able to use government funding where it is most needed, and not where the government instructs the funding to be spent. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Richard Mills and Evelyn Buffalo focusing on the approach Aboriginals have toward health care: the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects. The two presenters state that an Aboriginal health centre is required as non-Aboriginal health care workers do not understand the Aboriginal approach to health care. They anticipate the new health centre to be open in 1993.
File contains a presentation by Rosemarie Moffit. Moffit discusses identity issues of a personal and collective nature, and then describes some Ojibway spiritual beliefs and how she feels they are relevant to dealing with the problem of drug and alcohol abuse. Following the presentation are comments by the assembled Commissioners and a discussion between Moffit and Commissioner Chartrand on issues of mixed-background, Metis, and Non-Status identity designations as they apply in Ontario.
File contains a presentation by Shibogama First Nations Council, Sarah McKay. McKay discusses the social and health conditions of the local First Nations, and attributes many of their problems to colonialism and policies such as the residential schools. McKay recommends that any move towards self-governance first start by addressing the mental, spiritual, and physical health concerns of area First Nations. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with McKay.
File contains a presentation by Laura Wynn, Executive Director of the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre. Wynn discusses the Friendship Centre itself in terms of funding and service arrangements, and delivers their position on issues of land claims, self-governance, urban issues, and health issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Wynn.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Frank McKay
Gerry Wesley
Jowin Quequish
Description
File contains a presentation by Frank McKay, Gerry Wesley, and Elder Jowin Quequish of Windigo First Nations. McKay discusses how the Windigo First Nations Council represents the First Nations of Sachigo Lake, Bearskin Lake, North Caribou Lake, Cat Lake, New Slate Falls, and New Saugeen in Northwestern Ontario.
File contains remarks by Verlin James. James expresses his agreement with the views already expressed, and then a discussion begins between Commissioner Wilson, Matthew Quequish, Karyn Cromarty, and James on justice issues.
File contains a round table discussion on urban Aboriginal concerns with Bruce Yacatto, Isabel Bassett, Michael Bliss, Janet Maher, Susan Eng, Colleen Wassegijig, and Commissioners Blakeney, Harper, Sillet, and Wilson. The discussion incorporates a wide variety of issue relating to urban Aboriginal peoples including education, social services, community policing, and governance issues.
Canadian Journal of Criminology, vol. 34, no. 3-4, July-October 1992, pp. [403]-416
Description
Argues that an integrated approach, incorporating both deprivation (influences external to the individual) and importation (internal to the individual) theory, is necessary when analyzing risk factors for suicide in the inmates.