RCAP 97 contains files for a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Buffalo Narrows, Saskatchewan. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to women's and Métis issues, commercial fishing and wild rice production. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
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 indivdual presentation by Irene Neeposh, a trapper, expressing personal dissatisfaction with government restrictions on Income Security and the use of wood for shelters and campfires. She calls on the Commission to ensure that her way of life on the trapline will not be phased out of existence with more government restrictions.
File contains an individual presentation by Jimmy Ayalik focusing on his life in Cambridge Bay and how the once-plentiful hunting grounds have been damaged by area mining. He was a skilled hunter and can no longer support his extended family. His lack of education means that he must go on welfare and he can't gain employment because of that.
This file contains an individual presentation by Pierre Chartier relating to the production of wild rice in the Buffalo Narrows area. He expresses frustration with the provincial government's regulations governing wild rice growers and production. Chartier also briefly discusses fishing and hunting regulations. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains an individual presentation by Rhoda Karetak of Rankin Inlet. Karetak discusses social and health issues facing the people of her community, including the cost of travelling to facilities in the south, problems with fatigue among elders, sniffing activity, and suicide concerns. Following her presentation Michael Kugak asks a question on childcare which Kartak answers. Following this, Facilitator Paul Kaludjak makes some comments and welcomes the next presenter.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Stan Thomas
Description
File contains a presentation by Acting Chief Stan Thomas that touches on a number of issues - education, hunting and fishing, the environment, housing, economic development and self-government. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation made by Ambrose Maurice on the topic of the lack of knowledge of early Aboriginal lifestyles. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.
File contains a presentation by Andy Von Busse, Alberta Fish and Game Association. Von Busse discusses conservation issues in Alberta, specifically with regards to Aboriginal utilization of wildlife. Following the presentation is a discussion between Von Busse regarding Treaty rights to hunt, and jurisdictional questions with regard to wildlife management and land usage.
File contains a presentation by Acting Chief Elaine Myers, Bartlett's Harbour Indian Band Council. Myers discusses the history of the Band Council, which represents approximately 550 Non-Status people. Myers highlights a variety of concerns including unemployment, education, social problems, policing, family issues, housing issues, a lack of recreation facilities, economic problems, fisheries, literacy concerns, and the need for the Band to be registered. Following this Chief Myers discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson.
This file contains a presentation by Brian MacDonald that reiterates the previous speaker's concerns about the production of wild rice in the Buffalo Narrows area. His major point is having government officials tour the wild rice growing areas before they make policies that hinder the development of that industry. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
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 Elder Catherine Cooper believing the Elder Council and the Youth Council should work together to ensure the youth learn about their culture and history. She briefly discusses health care problems and hunting and fishing rights.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Andrew Thomas
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Andrew Thomas addressing the toxic waste located on the Esquimalt Reserve and asking why it are no toxic waste disposal facilities in all of British Columbia. Thomas is also chairman of the Land Claims Committee for the First Nations of South Island, British Columbia. He reads briefly from a report from that committee documenting the history of the Douglas Treaties and states that the Fisheries Act trumps all fishing rights negotiated during the Douglas Treaties signings.
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 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 Chief James Henderson and Steve Fobister relating to the negative effects of the Rainy Lake dam in Ontario, built between 1905 and 1909. Their First Nations fishing and hunting grounds were destroyed by flooding and they believe that proper compensation has never been given to their First Nations. The presenters also address the complete absence of telephone service on their First Nations, and call on the Commission to assist in negotiations with Bell Canada. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Jerry Attachie
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Jerry Attachie, Doig River First Nation. Attachie discusses his issues with resource companies, specifically forestry and oil companies, causing problems for his peoples trapping and hunting activities. Attachie also discusses concerns with education and housing. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Attachie.
File contains a presentation by Chief Simon Lucas, Hesquiat Tribe Access to Sea Resources. Lucas discusses the relationship of his people with the ocean and the resources therein, as well as how it forms part of their worldview. He critiques contemporary Western views of resource usage, and discusses the importance of sea resources. Following the presentation is a discussion between Lucas and Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah regarding sea issues.
File contains a presentation by Chief Walter Barry, Beniot's Cove Indian Band. Barry discusses his concerns regarding fisheries, employment, education, and cross cultural understanding. Following the presentation Berry discusses these issues with Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Tony White.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Louis Morin
Description
File contains a presentation by Commissioner of the Day Louis Morin. Morin discusses his own life experiences including the relocation of his people from Clear Lake to Turnor Lake by the government, fishing, hunting, and trapping issues. Following Morin's presentation Commissioner Dussault and discusses some of the issues raised with Morin.
File contains a presentation by Deputy Minister Joe Hanly on behalf of Titus Alooloo, Minister of Renewable Resources for the Government of the Northwest Territories. Hanly discusses "Aboriginal people's need to use natural resources to sustain themselves," and the "involvement of Aboriginal people in resource management." Hanly discusses co-management agreements and how government can form relationships with Aboriginal peoples to effectively manage natural resources. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Hanly.
File contains a presentation by Dorothy Wynne describing the frustration with continuing the operation of the Friendship Centre in Kapuskasing without federal government funding. She also expresses concern with Kapuskasing being a bilingual town and most job opportunism require that English and French are a requirement for employment. Wynne describes the early stages of a tanning program and the construction of a tannery that would establish an economic base for the Friendship Centre. She calls on the Commission to address the Centre's inability to secure federal funding.
File contains a presentation by Ed Bianchi from Friends of the Lubicon. Bianchi discusses the situation facing the Lubicon Cree in Alberta, and their struggle for land and resource rights. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson, Sillet, and Blakeney discuss the issues raised with Bianchi.
File contains a presentation by Gary Mitchell. Mitchell, a resident of Makkovik, former mayor and past president of community councils of Labrador, and Inuit field worker, speaks on the topic of economic development and fisheries.
Returning Men to Honour: A Guidebook for Developing Intervention and Education Programs for Men Who Batter in Native Communities
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
George Behn
Description
File contains a presentation by Grand Chief George Behn, Fort Nelson First Nation. Behn relays the history of his people from the time they signed Treaty 8 until the present. Behn discusses problems with the government and resource companies, and the settlement which his First Nation made for oil royalty revenue. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses resource use and pollution issues with Behn.
File contains a presentation by George Saddleman. Saddleman welcomes the Commission on behalf of the Nicola Valley Tribal Council, then proceeds to give an organizational breakdown of the organization and discuss its institutional history. Saddleman discusses issues facing the Tribal Council's members such as water rights, fishing and hunting rights, and land claims. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Saddleman for his presentation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Gertrude Partridge
Description
File contains a presentation by Gertrude Partridge. Partridge suggests that two important sites (a beach on Panmeer Island where the Micmac people harvested shellfish traditionally, and an area at Gaspereau of significance to the Sark family) be purchased by the provincial government and given to the Prince Edward Island Native Council. Following her comments Commissioner Georges Erasmus makes some closing remarks, and a closing prayer by John Joe Sark concludes the days' sitting of the Royal Commission.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Gerald Desjarlais
Pat Desjarlais
Theresa Montgrand
Description
File contains a presentation on behalf of the Hamlet of St. George's Hill by Mayor Gerald Desjarlais, Councillor Pat Desjarlais, and Councillor Theresa Montgrand. Mayor Desjarlais discusses how 70 percent of the hamlet's population are Bill C-31 people with the band from Dillon who Montgrand claims "don't support the Bill C-31s at all." Pat Desjarlais discusses the air bombing range in the area, and its effects on trapping and logging activities. Following the presentation the two Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the two Desjarlais, and Montgrand.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Real Vollant
Description
File contains a presentation by Real Vollant, Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Maniutenam. Vollant discusses how the Montagnais see the future in terms of three areas: land claims, constitutional offers, and self-government. He states that "Development, education, justice, health and social services--all of these depend on self-government." Following Vollants presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses education and language matters in the community with him. They then discuss industrial development, policing, trapping, hunting, fishing, wages, and other concerns.
File contains a presentation by James Kavana and Moses Koihok that first provides a brief history of Cambridge Bay. The presenters state that "we would have been better off out in our own hunting grounds away from the settlement" of Cambridge Bay but with the forced 1950s relocation of Inuit into the settlement created a culture and lifestyle crisis for those Inuit who were relocated. John Maksagak, Commissioner for the Day, adds some remarks about the history of Cambridge Bay and his experiences growing up in an alcohol-free environment.
File contains a presentation by Joan Ryan focusing on education for the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people, including programs offering fishery, carpentry, forestry and court worker training. She calls on the Commission to ensure continued funding for programs that educate Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en persons and return them back to their communities to help others. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by John Edsu of Fort McPherson. Edsu discusses his views on the trapping industry in the area and his view of its great importance to people of the north. Edsu protests southerners coming in as transient labour and taking jobs that he feels northerners are qualified to do. He also discusses rival claims over land by trappers and large multinational resource companies. He requests recognition from the federal Government of the importance of the trapping industry to his people, and criticizes the anti-fur movement as destructive and naive.
File contains a presentation by John Turner. Turner presents on behalf of the Mushkegowuk Traditional Harvesters. Turner outlines three reasons why it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a living off the land: the activities of animal rights groups who oppose trapping, the activities of sport hunting groups who oppose subsistence rights to hunt, and the development of hydroelectric projects which negatively impact habitat. Turner then goes on to discuss how Aboriginal people have increasingly adopted European values and look with disdain upon trapping as a career choice.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Kevin McCormick
Description
File contains a presentation by Kevin McCormick, representative, Inuik Fisheries, and a resident of Pangnirtung. He feels that the Canadian government should be dealing with important economic and social issues in the Baffin region and that negotiations relating to the formation of Nunavut should not take precedent over these issues. He calls for the Canadian government to subsidize airfares and hotel costs in the Eastern Arctic to create growth in the tourist industry.
File contains a presentation by Lillian Sanderson. Sanderson presents her views on the condition of Aboriginal people in the north. Throughout her presentation she critiques the actions of multinational companies and governments in their dealings with Aboriginal people. Specific points of grievance include resource exploitation with little benefit to the people of the area, unfair treatment from the justice system, trappers being abused by the forestry industry, and a lack of investment in community development and social spending.
File contains a presentation by Lorne Schollar, Northwest Territories Wildlife Federation. Schollar discusses wildlife management concerns with relation to Aboriginal subsistence harvesting, and access to resource concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Schollar.
File contains a presentation by Luke Novoligak whose organization was established in 1959 and serves Cambridge Bay and area. The store is essential for supplies and in addition, the Co-op also runs a hotel and a commercial fishing venture. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Marjorie Andersen, Mayor of Makkovik. After welcoming the Commission to her community, Andersen discusses some of their concerns such as a lack of adequate community funding, water and sewer system problems, poor roads, fishery issues, policing, housing, and the need for land development.
File contains a presentation by Meeka Kilabuk, Executive Director, Baffin Regional Council. She provides background information on the purpose of the Council and the large land base that the Council covers. Kilabuk states that the high cost of airfare is a deterrent when members of the Council, located great distances apart, attempt to meet. Kilabuk also relates a successful effort by the Baffin Regional Council to raise the quota on hunting Beluga whales from 5 to 35 and wonders why this number is always under review by the Canadian government, as the whales are essential for survival.
File contains a presentation by Mike Gallant, Native Council of PEI. Gallant discusses the Aboriginal right to hunt and fish as it applies to off-reserve people. Gallant states that the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and Micmac Treaty of 1752 do not distinguish between on and off-reserve Indians and that therefore such distinctions are irrelevant to inherent Aboriginal rights. Following the presentation Gallant discusses some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.