eTextbook is a multi-media resource developed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples from across Canada. Covers both historical and contemporary topics.
Can be downloaded as iBook, ePub, or PDF.
eTextbook is a multi-media resource developed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples from across Canada. Covers both historical and contemporary topics.
Can be downloaded as iBook, ePub, or PDF.
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 152 contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes presentations of individuals and groups dealing with various topics concerning health care systems and services; fishing rights; fire fighting in the Aboriginal Community; cultural advancement through writing and issues surrounding special needs citizens in the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow each presentation which can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 178 contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. The format is an informal round table discussion on the topic of "Education as a Tool for Self-sufficiency." Preceding the discussion are two presentations focusing on a Discussion Paper of the topic and a presentation of a Model of an Aboriginal Education Initiative for the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College.
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.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Ile-a-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, on Tuesday, December 8, 1992. File contains presentations by First Nations and community groups. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains a portion of the transcript the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. This part of the volume contains the Luncheon Address given by Dr. Harriet Kuhnlein on Day 1.
This file contains an individual presentation given by Alvin Manitopyes relating to the protection of Aboriginal sacred sites and the protection of Aboriginal rights to spiritual freedom. Some sites are located off-reserve, and in provincial and federal crown lands. Manitopyes calls for federal legislation to protect sacred sites and for laws similar to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in the United States.
File contains an individual presentation by Andrew Rickard that covers a number of topics, including extinction of Aboriginal languages, self-government, natural resources rights and the lack of Aboriginals in mainstream jobs. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains an individual presentation by Sam Sinclair focusing on environmental issues, lack of employment for local Aboriginal people with logging and oil companies working in the Slave Lake area, and land claims. 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
Author/Creator
Stan Wesley
Eli Chilton
Stan Wesley
Description
File contains an individual presentation by Stan Wesley, a 19-year-old man from Moose Factory, focusing on the loss of Aboriginal culture as detrimental to Aboriginal youth in Canada. He feels that youth who leave reserves for the city have no resources to succeed, and reserve youth are lost in the shuffle of bureaucracy as well. Wesley says his generation are the next leaders and they must have complete understanding of their culture. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners and Eli Chilton and Stan Wesley, previous speakers.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Andre Duchesne
Description
This file contains a presentation by Andre Duchesne relating to the forestry industry in Quebec. He states that his organization attempts to consult with Aboriginal communities or groups regarding clearing, environmental concerns, land use and employment in round table forums. He also mentions that few Aboriginal persons appear interested in a career in forest management, but his organization would assist those persons financially. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Andy Von Busse
Description
This file contains a presentation by Andy Von Busse relating to the management of fish and wildlife resources, particularly concerning the unlimited and unregulated hunting and fishing ability of Status and Non-Status Aboriginals. The presenter recommends that individual First Nations should be given a clear authority to make bylaws concerning the management and use of fish and wildlife resources within their boundaries. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Clifford Lincoln, Special Representative of the Barriere Lake Algonquins. Lincoln discusses the Trilateral Agreement signed by the Barrier Lake Algonquins with the governments of Quebec and Canada on August 22, 1991.
This file contains a presentation by Bob Moore relating to forestry in the Six Nations Confederacy. Moore states that the federal government is not doing enough to protect the forests in the Six Nations area, and states that "successful management of reserve forests would yield social and economic benefits both to the bands and to the federal government.
File contains a presentation by Buddy Napoleon. Napoleon presents a history of Aboriginal peoples from a legal perspective from early colonization up until the present day in the Treaty Eight area. Napoleon then makes a series of policy recommendations to the Commission to rectify his concerns with government actions in the area. Following Napoleon's presentation, Napoleon and previous presenter Chief Berni Metecheah field questions from Commissioner Georges Erasmus related to issues facing the Halfway River First Nation.
File contains a presentation by Chief Archie Waguan of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. Waguan discusses the relationship his people have had with the government of Canada since they signed Treaty Eight in 1899, and the negative impact that the Canadian government and industry have had on their community and the environment which sustains it. Waguan questions the intentions of the Commission and its mandate. Commissioner Blakeney responds to the concerns raised by Waguan, and Commissioner Chartrand also contributes some comments.
File contains a presentation by Chief Berni Metecheah, Halfway First Nation. Chief Metecheah outlines some of his concerns over resource development (specifically logging activities) disrupting trap lines, and associated pollution. Metecheah also highlights his concerns with sport hunters wasting moose carcasses and over-hunting in the area, as well as the detrimental impact of herbicides on his community.
File contains a presentation by Chief Fred Holmes. Holmes discusses his views on the situation in Upper Nicola and the "environment vs the environmentalist." Holmes discusses the importance of self-education and recognition of key issues including education, land claims, political organizations, and immigration. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Holmes for his thoughts.
File contains an individual presentation by Chief Ignace Gull. Gull discusses the living conditions faced by Aboriginal people in the area which he describes as third or fourth world. Specifically he discusses water and sewer issues, fire protection, energy, social development, drug and alcohol abuse, and a lack of economic oppotunities and education. Gull also discusses trapping concerns, concerns with the justice system, problems with RCMP and Conservation Officers regarding game law enforcement, proposed hydro developments, and protection of burial sites.
File contains a presentation by Dean Jacobs of the Walpole Island Heritage Centre. Jacobs delivers a slide presentation with commentary on the history of Walpole Island and the Ojibwa community there. Issues raised include environmental destruction, the fur industry and the detrimental impact of the anti-fur activists on the Aboriginal economy in the area, fisheries and hunting concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand and Erasmus make brief comments.
The file contains a presentation Chief Bernadette Unka of the Deninu Kue First Nation. Chief Unka discusses the history of her people who reside at Fort Resolution, NWT. Chief Unka discusses how Treaty, Metis, and Euro-Canadian people were at one time united in one government at the community, but how her people re-established band governance in 1990 due to their Treaty rights being slowly eroded.
The file contains a presentation by Dennis Riehl, Manitoba Hydro. Riehl makes a presentation on behalf of Manitoba Hydro discussing its composition and operations, its' relations with Aboriginal communities, project impacts, environmental issues, employment issues, and a series of plans being pursued to deal with past issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Riehl and his colleague, Fred Wonnick.
File contains a presentation by Dorothy McDonald, Chief, Fort McKay Indian Band. McDonald discusses tar sand development and how it has negatively effected her people and destroyed their traditional way of life.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
This file contains a presentation by Eric Johnston, Lenore Keeshig-Tobias and David McLaren relating to overcoming roadblocks such as racism in the fight for Aboriginal self-government. The presentation focuses on hunting and fishing rights, with the Saugeen Ojibway recently being recognized as having the right to fish for trade and commerce. 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 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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
James Mercredi
Description
File contains a presentation by James Mercredi representing the Fort Simpson Dene Council. He expresses concern about proposed uranium mining and how it will affect the Deh Cho River system. Mercredi cites Treaties 8 and 11 and various governmental papers and believes aspects of these documents are unconstitutional. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Jane Tennyson, Community Studies Researcher, Corporate Relations Planning and Research Department, Ontario Hydro. Tennyson's group is responsible for addressing the cultural environment of a proposed project site and to take an active interest with Aboriginal issues and concerns in the environmental impact assessment process. Her group seeks to promote employment for Aboriginals for future projects and to be aware of opposition to projects that may alter the landscape negatively and affect Aboriginal life negatively.
File contains a presentation by John Jamieson of the PEI Fisherman's Association. Jamieson discusses the fishery in PEI and the Micmac's involvement. He focuses on the need for co-operation to conserve fish stocks, a plan to incorporate Micmac fishermen into the commerical fishery, and relations with the federal government. Following the presentation is a discussion between Jamieson and the Commissioners regarding fisheries in PEI.
File contains a presentation by Joy Thorkelson, United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union. Thorkelson, the Union's Northern Representative, delivers a presentation "from a Northern perspective of a fishing community that has a great deal of Native participation and certainly within our Union we have many First Nations people...Seventy-five to eighty per cent of our members." Thorkelson discusses a range of environmental, trade, and economic issues effecting the West Coast fishery, and its various communities.
File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Daniel Miskokomon. Miskokomon, Chief of Walpole Island, London District, discusses his views on the empowerment, enablement, and equality of First Nations.
File contains a presentation by Marilyn Fontaine, Spokesperson, Aboriginal Women's Unity Coalition. Fontaine discusses her organizations history, and the issues it deals with including sexism, violence, abuse, lack of political representation, self-government talks, and the environment.
File contains a presentation by Maureen Sager, Environmental Coalition. Sager states that she did not realize she would be on the agenda at the hearing, then goes on to outline the views of her group on First Nations issues in a brief presentation. She discusses their interpretation of Canadian history, the need for new negotiations between Canada and First Nations on a nation-to-nation basis, environmental issues regarding the local pulp mill, and why her organization feels the ongoing Constitutional talks (at the time of the presentation) were inadequate.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Michelle Swenarchuk
Description
This file contains a presentation by Michelle Swenarchuk that describes her organization as both an environmental group and a legal aid clinic under the Ontario Legal Aid Plan. She states there is a history of misuse of Aboriginal lands for dumping waste, which may pose serious health issues for those Aboriginals living near these dumping sites. The speaker discusses the potential negative impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Aboriginal lands and Aboriginal government. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Monte Hummel
Description
This file consists of a presentation by Monte Hummel relating to conservation objectives in Canada. The World Wildlife Fund of Canada (WWF) believes that government policies regarding parks and protected areas must recognize the moral legitimacy and the legal reality of Aboriginal title, self-government, treaty rights and outstanding land claims. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Curtis Nelson
Description
This file contains a presentation by Mr. Patton and Curtis Nelson that addresses the symbolism of the Two-Row Wampum, increasing environmental pollution, and the Oka Crisis of 1990. Nelson states that the "Crown must find ways to provide resources for our original government so that fairness can be achieved, so that we may reverse centuries of colonialism and we can one day become self-sufficient without compromising our integrity as a nation." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation made by Rick Laliberte and Harold Schultz for the Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) and the Northern Professional Access College (NORPAC) on the topics of the the Royal Commission's mandate, the education opportunities for northern communities, economic development and self-government in Aboriginal communities. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.
The file contains a presentation by Paul Scotchman on behalf of the Western Indian Agricultural Producers Association. Scotchman discusses Aboriginal agriculture as it relates to the Commission's four areas of focus: relationship, self-determination, self-sufficiency and healing.
This file contains a presentation by Phyllis Fisher relating to the use of violence towards Canada's First Peoples, historical and present day. The Canadian Friends Service Committee, a Quakers committee, have previously assisted the Innu in Labrador, the Lubicon in Alberta and were present at the Oka Crisis. The presenters make numerous recommendations, including the establishment of an environmental process that will adequately protect the land, environment and wildlife; and that public policy and funding must give preference to renewable resource development over non-renewable resources.
File contains a presentation made by Frank Morin for the Protectors of Mother Earth on environmental issues pertaining to Northern Saskatchewan communities and the lack of proper government representation. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.
This file contains a presentation by Rev. Dr. Raymond Hodgson and Rev. Peter Hemel. Their organization is a national ecumenical coalition, one of 12 national coalitions of the major Christian churches in Canada. The Taskforce assists the members in implementing policies adopted by the churches in the areas of corporate, social and environmental responsibility. For example, the Taskforce worked with the Nisga'a relating to a mine built in Alice Arm, British Columbia.
File contains a presentation by Rick Krehbiel, Regional Director of the Ministry of Environment in Fort St. John. Krehbiel discusses a variety of issues from his perspective as an official of the British Columbia government, who previously worked for the Saskatchewan government in the north of that province.
The file contains a presentation by Rita Corbiere. Corbiere, an Ojibwa Elder from the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve, discusses the past of the Anishnabe people, economic and taxation issues, the state of the British Empire and Monarchy, the Chartered Lands Act, fisheries, environmental issues, Ojibwa service in the War of 1812, the 1836 Treaty on Manitoulin Island, and the Chartered Lands Act.