Focuses on situation on Belcher Island, Northwest territories and in particular on Inuit concerns that current educational program is not fulfilling the goal of reducing dependency on the Canadian government.
Subcommittee produced extensive report which examined the history of residential, tribal and public education and made numerous recommendations to improve the system.
The picture shows some Aboriginal men sitting at school desks in the foreground, with a crowded group of mainly Aboriginal people at the back of the room. The political dignitaries are not visible.
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Description
This speech discusses the Aboriginal reaction to the Federal government's 'White Paper', released in June 1969. Chretien stresses that Canadian society "must break down the barriers of misunderstanding and discrimination" for Aboriginal people to be accepted in Canadian society.
File contains 2 negatives of a Grade Eight class from an unidentified school, presumably the All Saints Residential/Prince Albert Student Residence in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, June 9, 1969.
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Description
In a statement, Jean Chretien rejects criticism from Aboriginal leaders relating to the publishing of the "White Paper,", and emphasizes that the Federal Government's proposals were "made in good faith" and that negotiations with Aboriginal leaders were essential in establishing a new policy for Aboriginals.
Expresses the organization's disappointment with the Federal Government's new "Indian Policy", claiming that despite consultation with Aboriginal leaders, the policy was "evading the responsibility" of the government under the British North America Act.
File contains a negative from a ceremony held in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan by the Urban Indian Association to honour graduates on May 2, 1970. Image shows men receiving diplomas on stage.