File contains an opening prayer by Roy Meneen and opening remarks by Co-Chair Rene Dussault during the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples on Thursday, October 29, 1992, at High Level, Alberta. Dussault states the Commission's mandate and goals as well as welcoming the participants.
File contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Windigo First Nations Band Office, Sioux Lookout, Ontario, on Tuesday, December 2, 1992. Commissioner Bertha Wilson explains the mandate, composition, and goals of the Royal Commission. Wilson welcomes the participants and discusses the purpose of the day's sitting which is an opportunity for Aboriginal youth in the community to voice their concerns and issues.
File contains an individual presentation by Mary Ann Michel expressing frustration with the lifestyle her Innu people are living. Michel wants her people to be healthy, educated and productive members of Innu society but "the Canadian government's policies have destroyed the Innu way of life."
File contains an individual presentation by Sidney Demore that debates the status vs. non-status Indian issue and how it affects his family, as he is a non-status Indian and his wife is status. He also discusses the abuse of alcohol and the effect on Aboriginal families.
File contains a presentation by Abbie Crook, Representative, Northwest Territories Friendship Centres. Crook provides a history of the eight Friendship Centres in the Northwest Territories and emphasizes its role as "a major link between Aboriginal people and the majority community, bridging the cultural gap between the two worlds and creating an environment of understanding and appreciation." He calls for increased funding as cutbacks in the 1980s have caused hardship to the people the Friendship Centres seek to help.
File contains a presentation by Aboriginal Students from Algonquin College. The students voice a variety of concerns related to education, race relations, grass roots politics, cultural revival, the justice system, history curricula, drug and alcohol abuse, health service facilities, and assimilation. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the students concerns with them.
File contains remarks by Allison Ballantyne, Kiknahk Friendship Centre. Ballantyne discusses the Centre's programming and some of the issues it faces, notably a lack of adequate resources for its programming.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Anna Samisack
Description
File contains a presentation by Anna Samisack, Atiraq Women's Group. Samisack presents on women's issues in the community including daycare, funding for her group, and the loss of traditional culture. Following the presentation is a discussion between Samisack, Mayor Jobie Epoo, and Commissioner Dussault on daycare facilities in the community.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Arnold Blackstar
Description
File contains a presentation by Arnold Blackstar, Battlefords Indian and Metis Friendship Centre. Blackstar presents a letter on behalf of the President of the Friendship Centre who was unable to be in attendance which welcomes the Commission and outlines what the Friendship Centre does in the Battlefords. Following that, Blackstar, who is the Centre's youth co-ordinator, presents on some of the issues youth programming faces, particularly a lack of stable and adequate funding. Blackstar also discusses some of the challenges faced by Aboriginal youth in post-secondary education.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Ben Weenie
Description
File contains a presentation by Ben Weenie of Battlefords, Indian Health. Weenie presents on his concerns for Aboriginal children and youth. Specifically he addresses the condition of youth offenders, who he views as being often caught in a destructive cycle. Weenie also discusses concerns with the Saskatchewan Education curriculum and its attempts to incorporate Native Studies courses which he feels are inappropriately taught (especially with regards to spiritual views). Following the presentation is a discussion between Weenie and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus on these issues.
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Bob Gill
William George
Margaret George
Sandra Tigi
Description
File contains a presentation by four members of the Talka Lake Band addressing a wide range of issues affecting their community, including the Indian Act, land claims and self-government, free trade, Aboriginal war veterans and Aboriginal youth.
File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor, Kelly Dennis, Ohiaht Child Protection. Kelly discusses the traditional cultural approach of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people to childcare, the breakdown of the traditional process during colonization, the impact of the residential school system, the need for self-governance, social programs in place and who administers them, and what can be improved in Mr. Dennis' view.
File contains a presentation by Christine Gibson, Co-ordinator fo the Mi'kmaq Child Development Project. Gibson discusses the general child care situation in Canada, in Nova Scotia, and amongst Aboriginal Canadians. Gibson then discusses the specific operation of her project and makes a variety of recommendations for its enhancement. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss the project and related child care issues with Gibson.
File contains a presentation by the Nicola Valley Native Community Law Office, Merritt Legal Services, by Cliff Thorstenson. He discusses his observations on Aboriginal people and the Canadian justice system, particularly with regards to the local situation. Thorstenson offers a critique of justice institutions, and recommends a more culturally appropriate approach to community justice issues. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault on justice concerns.
File contains a presentation by the Coldwater Band School. School. The presentation is made up of comments by multiple students at both the elementary and secondary level highlighting collective concerns such as the physical, mental, and environmental well-being of their community. 15 students and staff speak in total. Following the presentations are comments by Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thanking the presenters for their contributions.
File contains a presentation by Debbie Foxcraft, Manager, USMA Nuu-chah-nulth Housing and Related Infrastructure. Commissioner Georges Erasmus asks Foxcraft a variety of questions related to her organization and its activities in the sphere of child and family services to which Foxcraft replies. Following this are some comments by Commissioner for the day Nelson Keitlah on children's issues.
File contains a presentation by Debra Hanley. Hanley gives a summary and follow-up of eight commission and inquiry reports on Aboriginal justice issues. These include federally: "Creating Choices, the Task Force on Federally Sentenced Women"; "A Law Refrom Commission Report on Aboriginal People and Criminal Justice"; and, "The Indian Policing Task Force" provincially: "The Marshall Inquiry"; "The Manitoba Justice Inquiry"; "The Saskatchewan Indian and Metis Justice Review Committees"; and "The Alberta Causy (PH) Commission".
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Marie Battiste
Description
File contains a presentation by Dr. Marie Battiste, Micmac Cultural Curriculum Coordinator for the Eskasoni School Board. Battiste dicusses Micmac culture, the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation, and the history of educational policy in Canada as it pertains to her people. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Georges Erasmus, Paul Chartrand, and Viola Robinson.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Emma Robert. Robert
Description
File contains a presentation by Emma Robert. Robert discusses concerns affecting working women, particularly those with children, in the community. She sees the biggest problems as being a lack of daycare and babysitter facilities. Another concern she raises is rents being too high for working people. She highlights her biggest concern for people in the community in general as being proper job training which isn't available at the moment. Following the presentation, Commissioner Rene Dussault offers a comment and question on daycare and housing which Roberts answers.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Ernest Beck
Description
File contains a presentation by Ernest Beck. Beck discusses social and child services arrangements in James and Hudson Bay communities. Specifically he discusses his organization Paykotayno, which was designated a Children's Aid Society in April, 1987. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses the composition of Beck's organization with him.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Fabian Morrisseau
Harold Fontaine
Description
File contains a presentation by Fabian Morrisseau and Harold Fontaine. Morrisseau presents on the impact of drug and alcohol abuse on First Nations communities. Fontaine, as an Aboriginal social worker, offers some observations on what he deems unequal citizenship in Canada with regard to drug and alcohol treatment care. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Fontaine and Commissioners Chartrand and Sillet on treatment issues.
File contains a presentation by Glen Ross discussing the Health Transfer Agreement of 1992 and the difficulties associated with transferring control of health services to First Nations. Other topics discussed include AIDS prevention and dentistry services. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Harriet Arcand
Description
File contains a presentation by Harriet Arcand, Elder, Aboriginal Women's Council of Saskatchewan. Arcand raises concerns about Aboriginal youth in correctional centres, the issues they face due to neglect, and the dysfunctionality of the system. Arcand also comments on funding for her women's organization. Following her statement she discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Georges Erasmus.
File contains a presentation by Heather Clements. Clements discusses her experiences as a Scots-English Canadian nurse living on a reserve, and her perceptions of a lack of knowledge in Non-Aboriginal culture of Aboriginal Canadians and why this should be corrected. Clements also discusses health care and educational issues, arguing that Aboriginal peoples should be given control over their own health and educational services and making some suggestions to that effect. Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney, Wilson, and Sillet discuss some of these issues with her.
File contains a presentation by Peter Penashue, President of the Innu Nation. Penashue discusses a variety of matters including substance abuse problems in the community, relocation funding and issues, social services and foster care, alcoholism, and other general community issues. Following the presentation Penashue discusses some of the issues raised with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Irene Willard, a 21 year old who was a foster child. Willard discusses some of the problems with Social Services and Foster Care that she encountered in her life, including being placed in a prejudiced household, and not even knowing she was a Status person until age 19. Following the presentation the Commissioners thank her, and then Chief Agnes McCoy makes closing remarks to end the Commissions sitting for the day.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Peter Ross
Description
File contains a presentation by James Cardinal on behalf of Chief Peter Ross of the Arctic Red River community of the Gwich'in people (in the Mackenzie River Delta). Cardinal's presentation disucsses alcohol problems, land claims, band issues, education, and a host of other issues. Following the presentation is a conversation between the presenter and the Commissioners (mainly Allan Blakeney) regarding some of the issues raised, notably the effectiveness of alcohol prohibition in Gwich'in territory.
File contains a presentation by John Dudley. Dudley discusses post-secondary education financing issues with Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand, and the relation of education to self-governance.
File contains a presentation by John Stewart. Stewart, a member of the Youth Justice Committee, discusses youth justice concerns particularly with regard to young Metis children. Stewart asks that funding be provided to treat these children in the community rather than sending them away to jails. Following Stewart's presentation is a discussion between Stewart, Chief Tony Mercredi, and Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney on youth justice issues.
File contains a presentation by Kim Gallant. Gallant presents her view on sexual discrimination in the Indian Act, and how it can be reformed to be more egalitarian. Following the presentation is a discussion between Gallant and the Commissioners regarding the issues raised.
File contains a presentation by Mary Ann Felle, Cross Cultural Information Committee. Felle advances a proposal for an Aboriginal child care structure which she "believe[s] would work to maintain a child's sense of identity and encourage the development of self-worth and self-esteem." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding issues raised.
File contains a presentation by Mary Ford. Ford discusses traditional customary adoption amongst Labradorians, then goes on to discuss how this has changed for the worse since the Department of Social Services came in. Following the presentation Ford and Commissioner Dussault discuss 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.
File contains a presentation by Miranda Prosper, a grade 6 student from the Wahpeton Reserve School. Prosper discusses changes she would like to see on the Wahpeton Reserve. These include more policing, an alochol ban, more funding for roads, a Dakota language immersion program for young children, a better firehall, and a safer bus stop.
The file contains spresentation by Patricia Lowe, Society of Friends Against Family Violence. Lowe discusses the society's work promoting the establishment of a shelter for battered women and children and women in Inuvik over the past four years, and why such a facility is needed.
File contains a presentation by Paul Turmel, General Manager of the Native Para-Judicial Services of Quebec. Turmel discusses the history and mandate of his organization, and its goal of getting more Aboriginal people involved with the justice system, establishing justice institutions based on the cultural values of Aboriginal nations, and helping Aboriginal accused. Following Turmel's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the organization's activities and justice issues generally with him.
File contains a presentation by Peter Decontie, Inuit Elder. Decontie's remarks are in Inuit but translated into English in the text. He discusses problems in his home community including child abandonment (by southern fathers), alcohol and drug abuse, policing, and a lack of policies to help his people. The presentation is followed with remarks by Commissioner George Erasmus.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
File contains a presentation by Senator Bear of the Metis Senate of Manitoba. Bears brief remarks include a welcome to the Commission to the Metis Homeland, and a welcome to the youth in attendance.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Simon Anichinapeo
Noe Mitchell
Annie Cheezo
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Simon Anichinapeo, Councillor/Information Officer Noe Mitchell, and Annie Cheezo of the Lac Simon Band Council. Mitchell discusses some of the issues facing the band including social problems, suicide, and a lack of resource access. Mitchell discusses the need for self-determination for her people, and government-to-government negotiation. Next Anichinapeo gives a demographic breakdown of the reserve, and band in response to questioning by Commissioner Dussault. Anichinapeo, Cheezo and Dussault also discuss justice concerns.
File contains a presentation by the Regional Council on Education and Culture by Therese Niquay, and Genevieve Neashit. Niquay presents on education, culture, and linguistic concerns amongst the Attikamek. Genevieve Neashit presents on the steps the Attikamek have taken with regards to educational control. Neashit also requests additional assistance from federal, provincial and Aboriginal governments. Charles Coucou also gives some observations on education, residential schools, and the importance of spirituality.
File contains a presentation by Vern Douglas and Ken Richard of Native Child and Family Services. Douglas discusses the history of the organization in Toronto, and how it came about as a grassroots organization amongst Aboriginal people who had been victims of the Child Welfare system. He discusses the mandate of the organization and the composition of its board which is balanced between several Aboriginal groups. Ken Richards discusses the services the organization provides for Aboriginal children and families, and some of the data involved.
File contains a presentation by Waldo Berg, Instructor of Northlands College. Berg discusses problems with the adult education system from his perspective as an instructor. Berg higlights four areas: language issues, childcare issues, alcohol issues, and cultural disparity issues. Berg suggests that a vareity of steps be taken to educate southern educators heading to job placements in the north about language and cultural concerns. Berg then discusses the Mennonite people's relation to Aboriginal Canadians and the issues they face.
File contains a presentation by Warren Williams of the Nicola Valley Tribal Council Family and Children's Services Advisory Board. Williams discusses the Tribal Councils efforts to develop a First Nations Child and Family Services agency and model. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Williams, and Commissioner Chartrand converses with Williams about some of the topics raised in the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Winnifred Felker, Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. Felker discusses the activities and programming of the Friendship Centre, and protests that the National Association of Friendship Centres was only granted 17% of a funding request, when these Centres do work dealing with 15 of the Commission's 16 points of mandate. Following Felker's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.
The file contains spresentation by Cheryl Pascal, Gwich'in Youth and Eugene Pascal, Chief, Aklavik Indian Band. Cheryl Pascal discusses Gwich'in language; cultural; post-secondary education; and general youth concerns.
File contains presentations by Kathy Mallet, Co-ordinator, Sandy Funk, and May Louise Campbell of the Original Women's Network. The presenters discuss their organizations role, their personal backgrounds, resource royalties, history, Treaties, pay equity, the Indian Act, and a variety of other issues their organization has engaged with.
File contains presentations by the staff and students of Athabasca Delta Community School. Included are remarks by Principal George Vander Loose, students Skylar Nelson, Rebecca Flett, Nicole Martin, Nicole Fraser, and teacher Ms Armstrong. Principal Vander Loose welcomes the Commission and acts as Master of Ceremonies for the other presenters.
File contains opening remarks by Samaria Reynolds of The Pas, Manitoba. She touches on a variety of issues including education accessibility, medical care for northerners, her own disability and the issues that has raised for her, issues arising with her reinstatement under Bill C31 (which gave many Aboriginal women back their Status under the Indian Act), her children and grandchildren and the experiences they've faced, the problem of youth suicide, and the importance of learning from Elders.