File contains an individual presentation by Cindy Gilday of Fort Franklin, NWT. She tells the Commission about the 398 unmarked graves in the Deh Cho (formerly a residential school) Hall yard and says that unmarked graves are "a very significant symbol of opporession, the ultimate symbol as far as the Dene are concerned." She states that her father was present at the Treaty signings in 1911 and 1921 and feels the Canadian government has not fulfilled any of the treaties' terms.
File contains an individual presentation by Kathleen Nuna focusing on aspects of Innu culture she feels have been lost; fishing, hunting, trapping, folklore and spirituality. She calls on the Commission to provide Innu communities with funding to teach younger generations traditional and survival skills to keep Innu culture alive. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.
File contains a brief prayer in Inuit by Co-Chair Rene Dussault, followed by an introduction of Elder Angus Merrick by Phil Fontaine. Angus Merrick, who is ninety years of age, delivers a prayer in his native language, then makes a few comments on youth regarding cultural awareness and linguistic retention.
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 Patrick Polchies. Polchies is a member of the Kingsclear First Nation, and voices his views on a variety of topics including the inherent right to self-governance, the importance of Aboriginal inclusion in the Constitutional process, questions about accountability in Aboriginal governance, fishing rights, the Cultural Properties Act, and religious artifacts. Following the presentation is a brief discussion between Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillet, and the presenter followed by the end of the Commission's session for the day.
American Indian Law Review, vol. 17, no. 2, 1992, pp. 589-637
Description
Discusses how declarations as a sovereign nation and using established rules of customary international law, will with help the tribe in the return of its cultural property