Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
RCAP 15 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Esquimalt Reserve Longhouse, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations related to various issues such as residential schools, the Indian Act, self-government, youth athletics, education and economic development. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 17 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Victoria, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations related to various issues such as children's, women's and elder rights, education, the Canadian Constitution and self-government. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
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.
RCAP 26 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Watson Lake, Yukon. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations by on a variety of subjects such as land claims and self-government, Inuit education, employment and housing. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 31 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Jubilee Hall, Lac La Biche, Alberta. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations on a variety of subjects such as education, child and family services, health care, unemployment, off-reserve issues, land claims and self-government. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 33 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Samson Bingo Hall, Hobbema, Alberta. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations on a variety of subjects such as post-secondary education, health care, child and family welfare, and substance abuse. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 36 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Edmonton Inn, Edmonton, Alberta. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations on a variety of subjects such as post-secondary education, Aboriginal war veterans, child and family welfare, AIDS in the Aboriginal population and the justice system. Each submission can be viewed individually on this site.
RCAP 37 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to Friendship Centres, education, children and women's issues, Bill C-31 and Metis issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
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 a general discussion on youth education issues between Della McKay, Commissioner Wilson, Matthew Quequish, Karyn Cromarty, and John Dudley.
File contains an individual presentation by Alice Frost relating to the necessity of elders teaching the Vuntut Gwitch'in language to youth and to social problems in Old Crow. Frost states that her community's social problems must be solved before "land claims is settled because we need educated people to run our self-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
Norm Wesley
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Norm Wesley stating that Aboriginal peoples are bound together by a sense of togetherness, family, equality and sharing, which was given to Aboriginals by the Creator. Elders must work with youth to give them a sense of the past and parents must instill in their children respect for others and themselves.
File contains an individual presentation by Eli Chilton relating to social issues from a youth perspective. He states that these problems have originated since colonization, but Aboriginal people must now take responsibility for their own lives.
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 Mavis Gillie focusing on "the idea of a moral and spiritual dimension to the right of Aboriginal peoples to be distinct peoples, to have an adequate land base and to be self-governing." Gillie works within the Anglican Church of Canada and describes her frustration with politicians who are unfamiliar with Aboriginal issues.
File contains a spirited individual presentation by Rene Lamothe with questions and comments by Commissioner Allan Blakeney throughout the presentation. It focuses on the need for Aboriginal self-government and for a formula for transfer payments so that Aboriginal governments have the resources with which to govern.
File contains a presentation by Alex Nelson, Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association of British Columbia. Nelson describes himself as a sports addict and has been involved with coaching sports his entire adult life. He sees the North American Indigenous Games as the pinnacle of Aboriginal sporting achievement, and he hopes that sports funding at the local levels is increased so that Aboriginal youth continue to have the opportunity to play sports. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
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.
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.
File contains a presentation by Chief Baptiste Cazon, who is concerned about poverty levels among Inuit, the lack of opportunities for young people and financial discrimination against pensioners. Cazon was on the Royal Commission when John Diefenbaker was Prime Minister and feels this Commission may be a wasted opportunity as well.
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
Cheryl Sibbeston
Description
File contains a presentation by Cheryl Sibbeston discussing four areas of concern: having educational facilities closer to home, alcohol and the negative effects on families, more health care facilities in settlements, and land claims and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Chief Charlie Cootes, Uchucklesaht Residential Schools. Cootes relates the often painful history of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth's experience with residential schools, and its legacy on their communities.
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 Chief David Keenan, Teslin Tlingit Nation, Yukon. He provides a brief history of the Teslin Tlingit people, discussing the Clan system of government and the negative effects of European contact. Keenan notes that Teslin Tlingit Nation is one of the few Canadian First Nations that have a constitution based not on the Indian Act, but on Teslin Tlingit traditional values. 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
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Edmund Metatawabin focusing on Aboriginal self-government. He states that local First Nations government must be empowered first to oversee health and family services, education, public works and security, police protection, housing, and other issues relating to First Nations on a local level. Once that structure is in place can Aboriginal leaders call for self-government on a national level. Cecilia Scott, youth representative, speaks briefly about the importance of education for Aboriginal youth.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Stanley Sanquez
Kerry Hardisty
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Stanley Sanquez of Jean Marie River Band and Kerry Hardisty, Grade 9 student, Linowejen School, Jean Marie River Band. Sanquez focuses on land claims and self-government, while Hardisty questions exactly what the rights are of youth relating to self-government.
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 Diane Dokkie. Dokkie discusses Aboriginal education concerns in Fort St. John. She emphasizes the need for curriculum changes, greater understanding and awareness on the part of non-Aboriginal educators, and related concerns. Dokkie also discusses band schools. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners engage Dokkie in a discussion on some of these issues.
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.
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 Gilbert Cheechoo focusing on the loss of Aboriginal culture. He is frustrated that his years of service with numerous Aboriginal organizations have done little to help. Cheechoo feels the Canadian Government needs to abandon the broken system it has in place and settle the land claims and self-government issues. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
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.
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.
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 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 Elliot, Saanich Tribal School. He reiterates what a previous speaker, Earl Claxton, said about the disappearance of the Saanich language. He hopes that the Commission recommends continuing funding of a two-year program that teaches the Saanich language and culture. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
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 Patsy Johnson that begins by Johnson reading a November 1991 letter sent to Pierce MacDonald, Minister of Education for Yukon Territory, relating to lack of daycare facilities, lack of proper housing, and lack of employment opportunities for students at Teslin Campus. After receiving no help from the Yukon government, Johnson calls on the Commission to allow more funding so that students can complete Grade 12 without the burden of minimal funding and poor housing for their families.
File contains a presentation by Robert Beaudin focusing on special education, as defined as a refinement of existing programs offered to children. He believes that the funding methodology used by the Department of Indian Affairs Canada should be re-evaluated to accommodate First Nations in meeting and satisfying the terms and conditions of the Department's funding arrangements. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Rosa Wright discussing the healing of individual persons, families and communities, and the future of children "coming from dysfunctional homes and living in a dysfunctional society." She briefly discusses other negative issues facing youth and elderly persons, discrimination associated with Bill C-31 and self-government. 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
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Eli Weetaluktuk
Simeonie Nalukturak
Description
File contains a presentation by the Region of Nunavik Chairman Eli Weetaluktuk and Member Simeonie Nalukturak. Weetaluktuk discusses Inuit self-government, the Canadian Constitution, the history of the Quebec Inuit's movement towards self-government, justice issues, employment and job training, and economic development.
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.