He tells a story about the origins of the Dakota (Sioux) guardian spirit and his powers; and how Iktomi differs from the equivalent Cree spirit power (Wisakedjak).
RCAP 148 contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Westbury Hotel, Toronto, Ontario. Subjects discussed include community policing, substance abuse, Metis and Non-Status rights, the arts, the environment. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 23 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Long House, Teslin, Yukon. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations by on a variety of subjects such as land claims and self-government, Inuit health care, and the impact of residential schools. Each submission can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 25 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories [Nunavut]. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations by on a variety of subjects such as land claims and self-government, Inuit education, employment, pollution, and the arts. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
The file contains a closing prayer, closing remarks by Moderator John Stiffarm, and an Honour Song. Moderator Stiffarm thanks the participants, some of the organizers, and states that as young people "I pray that we will be able to take some action and be able to come together, regardless of tribes or whatever, and help each other out -- help ourselves most of all." Following this is an honour song after which the day's sitting is concluded.
The file contains further comments by Moderator for the day John Stiffarm. Stiffarm recounts some of his personal experiences and the struggles he faced as a youth with racism, discrimination, alcohol, and drug abuse. Stiffarm discusses how he found meaning through traditional culture and spirituality, particularly through drumming, and its importance in healing people and communities.
File contains a presentation by Abe Okpik. Okpik discusses the significance of midwifery to the Inuit people, and on Baffin Island in particular. He also discusses traditional knowledge and its importance in contemporary midwifery. Following the presentation are some comments on it by Commissioners Mary Sillet and Rene Dussault.
File contains a presentation by Bryan Pearson. Pearson discusses problems faced by Inuit communities in the fields of health and education. Pearson also discusses the cultural gap between Inuit and Euro-Canadians and the problems that can cause in implementing social policy. Following this presentation the Commission's sitting for the day is officially ended with a closing prayer.
This file contains a presentation by Deanna Grey Eyes, Pat Shirt and Wilson Okeymaw focusing on their organization's goals, including relevant and timely program development and delivery; cultural programming to increase awareness of Aboriginal culture and individual self-esteem; using Aboriginal counsellors as role models; and introducing or strengthening their clients' traditional spirituality. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Duncan Awasis, Mark Amy Centre. Awasis gives the first half of his presentation in Cree (English translation is provided in the text) and the second half in English. Awasis stresses the importance of rediscovering the "Indian way" in terms of culture and spirituality to heal the people. Awasis also mentions some of the problems facing the community of Fort McMurrary that he has encountered during his work at the Mark Amy Centre, an alcohol addiction treatment centre.
File contains a presentation by Eric Morris describing the negative effects on his community of generations-old social issues and states that his community is now mainly alcohol- and drug-free. He states that the traditional Clan system of government and the tribal justice system in place at Teslin has been working effectively with non-Aboriginal government and justice systems and feels this co-operative effort could be duplicated on every First Nation in Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Ethel Blondin, MP, who briefly discusses a multitude of concerns relating to Aboriginal, Metis and Dene peoples. She calls for a national youth conference on issues such as AIDS education, substance abuse and single parent families. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Ineaq Korgak, executive assistant for the Baffin Regional Health Board. Korgak discusses many of the social issues facing the Inuit people of Baffin Island, including high mortality rates, low life expectancy, drug abuse, AIDS, alcoholism, gambling, poor nutrition, and a lack of economic opportunities. He also discusses midwifery and makes some suggestions on how these subjects can be addressed in a productive manner. Following the presentation Korgak discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Dussault.
The file contains a presentation by Joe Karetak, Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. Karetak discusses programs to deal with suicide issues in the Keewatin Region of the Northwest Territories (now Nunavut). Karetak also discusses some of the language difficulties involved with operating the Keewatin Crisis Line, participation of elders, and costs.
File contains a presentation by Johnny Epoo, Avataq Cultural Institute. Epoo discusses his organization which was founded in 1981 and its relation to both archaeology in the area and the preservation of the Inuit language. Epoo complains of the extraction of northern artifacts to the south, and a lack of funding for basic operations of his organization. Epoo also discusses traditional Inuit medicine and his organizations efforts to catalogue these techniques.
File contains a presentation by Mary Jane Litchard, Baleen Artist. Litchard, an Inuit-Comanche woman from Alaska, discusses her experiences in Canada and issues with the international border, her difficulties transporting the Baleen she works on as a medium across boundaries, language issues, midwifery, tuberculosis and other health issues, prejudice, and the value of community counselling and healing services. Following the presentation is a conversation between Litchard and Commissioners Dussault and Sillet on some of the issues raised.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Mina Kingalik
Description
File contains a presentation by Mina Kingalik. Kingalik discusses the loss of traditional Inuit culture in Nunavik and the process by which this has taken place. Kingalik also discusses the introduction of social problems like alcoholism that have come with cross-cultural contact in the North.
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 Karen Acorn, Suicide Prevention Officer, and Nowya Williams. Acorn and Williams address the issue of suicide in the region and express the belief that it is something which can often be prevented when the proper information and counselling is available for people. Williams stresses the importance of involving Elders in community counselling to help address the problem. Following the presentations the assembled Commissioners discuss the issue with the two presenters.
File contains a presentation by Paul Williams, vicar of the Anglican Church in Rankin Inlet. He presents his concerns as an individual on education and suicide in the community. Williams argues that there is not enough funding for culturally relevant education of the kind that is needed. Williams then discusses the problem of the extremely high rate of suicide in the community, and the lack of help in dealing with it. Following his presentation Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney thank Williams and discuss some of the issues raised with him.
The file contains a presentation by Wes Whetung and Sanford Cottrelle of Newberry House (a halfway house). Whetung and Cottrelle discuss the prison system and Aboriginal offenders offering a comparative view of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal halfway houses, compensation for former residential school residents, accessible moneys to implement both cultural and non-cultural programs for children and youth, and stereotypes of Aboriginal people in text-books. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.
File contains a presentation by Mayor Paul Kaludjak on behalf of the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet. He discusses education, health care, justice, self-governance, and alcohol and drug problems in the North. Following his presentation Commissioner Robinson thanks Kaludjak, and Commissioner Blakeney discusses the different municipal categories and funding frameworks in operation in the Northwest Territories.
File contains a presentation by Elizabeth Palfrey of the Keewatin Regional Health Board. Palfrey introduces herself as a Southern Aboriginal woman who has relocated to the North.
File contains opening remarks by Johnny Epoo(via a translator) who represents Inuit from northern Quebec in land claims negotiations. He speaks about the Elders from his part of Canada and their concerns regarding the education system in its current state and how it could be improved. Epoo also discusses social problems like suicide, chronic welfare, problems with the RCMP, general poverty, and the need to look towards the future rather than dwelling excessively on the past.
The file contains a Workshop Report for the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada by Debbie Klengenberg. Klengenberg gives a short summary of the results of his discussion group dealing with suicide and suicide related issues. Klengenberg discusses education, lack of funding, the importance of health and wellness isues generally, and ideas that have worked in various communities.
A photograph of Chief Sam Swimmer making Dr. P. W. Head an honourary Chief (Chief Medicine Knife) at the North Battleford Indian Hospital in December, 1953.
A photograph in a scrap book (A-792-2) that appears alongside the same photograph as it appeared in a North Battleford newspaper on 7 January 1954. Part of the caption reads: "Indian youngsters from several nearby reserves joining in an impromtu pow wow with Santa Claus. Edwin Awasis, second from left, is "sounding off" on his tom tom." Also in the picture are Douglas Awasis, Raymond Pete, Edgar Pete, Gordon Angus and Charlie Beattie plays Santa.
A variety of texts created by the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College. Includes: "Kataayuk: Saskatchewan Indian Elders," "Remembering Will Have to Do," Two Forms of Art," and "Learning About the Indian Reserve."
This pamphlet describes the religious beliefs of Aboriginals in Saskatchewan, incorporating rituals, shamans and sun dances in the days before contact with modern beliefs that include Christianity.
Discussion of the problem of alcohol abuse among native peoples. Raising children: comparison with earlier days. Establishment of the Shesheep, Sakimay and MuscowpetungReserves. Many lectures about their histories and their hopes for the future of their people.
Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming Played Role in Changing Creighton Jimmy's Life
Articles » General
Eagle Feather News, vol. 12, no. 2, February 2009, p. 13
Description
Focuses on a youth who has turned his life around through involvement in an art program which consists of community art projects, skill enhancement workshops and life skills training.
Article located by scrolling to page 13.
A set of 11 photographs of Calvin McKenzie setting a snare. Snaring animals, fish, and birds has been a way of securing food for thousands of years in northern Saskatchewan. Even today many people use snares to catch food when living in the bush.
International Journal of Indigenous Health, vol. 11, no. 1, Wellness-Based Indigenous Health Research and Promising Practices, 2016, pp. 159-176
Description
Introduces a peer-led pilot intervention that takes a strengths-based approach to promoting Indigenous youth sexual health in a culturally safe context.
Consists of an interview with George First Rider where he tells the story of a medicine man named Bear Hat (later renamed Curlew). He tells how Bear Hat was revived after serious injury and how Bear Hat healed a young man wounded in a battle.
Inuit Art Quarterly, vol. 11, no. 1, 10th Anniversary Issue, Spring, 1996, pp. 48-49
Description
Exhibition review from the Carleton University Art Gallery, 1995 curated by Rose Ann Hoffenberg.
Entire issue on one pdf. To access article, scroll to page 48.
Consists of an interview with George First Rider where he tells the story of a boy given supernatural powers by the bears and of his subsequent success as a healer of his own wounds and those of other people or animals.
Aboriginal Culture as Intervention: Sharing How Aboriginal Culture is Part of the Healing Journey from Addictions
[Honoring Our Strengths: Aboriginal Culture as Intervention in Addictions Treatment]
[Honouring Our Strengths: Aboriginal Culture as Intervention in Addictions Treatment]
[Sheena's Story of Healing]
Media » Film and Video
Author/Creator
Sheena LaPlante
Description
Woman discusses the role culture has played in her recovery from alcohol addiction.
Duration: 6:15.
Part of project headed by Dr. Colleen Dell, University of Saskatchewan Research Chair in Substance Abuse..
Aboriginal Culture as Intervention: Sharing How Aboriginal Culture is Part of the Healing Journey from Addictions
[Honoring Our Strengths: Aboriginal Culture as Intervention in Addictions Treatment]
[Honouring Our Strengths: Aboriginal Culture as Intervention in Addictions Treatment]
Media » Film and Video
Author/Creator
Sheena LaPlante
Description
Woman discusses the role culture has played in her recovery from addiction.
Duration: 6:15.
Part of project headed by Dr. Colleen Dell, University of Saskatchewan Research Chair in Substance Abuse.
Teacher's guide to accompany the short film dealing with traditional healing and spirituality. The film is written, produced and based on a comic book by Steven Keewatin Sanderson. Includes comprehension questions, writing activities, and research activities.