File includes a memo from the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration regarding the provision of lunches or mid-day refreshment for all Indian pupils; and a memorandum concerning Chief Guy Williams' concerns about the Indian Claims Commission terms of reference.
The Last Word: After the Residential School Apology: Why All Canadians Should Care about a Racial Equality Case Before the Canadian Human Rights Commission
Articles » Scholarly, peer reviewed
Author/Creator
Cindy Blackstock
First Peoples Child & Family Review, vol. 4, no. 1, 2009, p. 89
Description
Looks at the insufficient government funding for statutory child welfare services.
First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada et al. v. Attorney General of Canada (for the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada)
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Sophie Marchildon
Edward Lustig
Description
Proceedings look into governmental discrimination against First Nations children living on reserves for providing less support for child welfare than for those living off reserve.
File No: T1340/7008.
Complaint alleged that inequitable funding for child welfare services on reserves amounted to discrimination on the basis of race and national ethnic origin. Ruling gave government until end of August to produce documents it had been withholding.
Discusses the importance of First Nations control over the adoption process and the need for government funding to support culturally based adoption services and programs.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal, vol. 27, no. 5, September/October 2003, pp. 10-14
Description
Presents thoughts from Chairperson of Australian Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities.
Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Circumstances Surrounding the Death of Phoenix Sinclair, a five-year-old First Nations child who was beaten to death by her mother and her boyfriend. Specifically investigated whether the child welfare system had been negligent.
Access to Volume 2
Access to Volume 3
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal, vol. 21, no. 3, May/June 1997, p. 2
Description
Letter informs the readers that the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has made arrangements to assist people who contributed to the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their families.
Presentation to Phase Three of the Commission of Inquiry into the Circumstances Surrounding the Death of Phoenix Sinclair. Inquiry looked into how the Manitoba child welfare system had failed to protect the five-year-old girl.
Presents an updated draft regarding factors effecting high rates of violence against First Nations women and girls, and discusses strategies to address the cause and effect.
Indigenous Affairs, vol. 2008, no. 4, Social Suffering, 2007, pp. 38-43
Description
Discusses the protective measures introduced in 73 remote Aboriginal communities as the results of report.
To access this article, scroll down to page 38.
Tribute to an adolescent who committed suicide after moving in and out of 28 foster homes. This film deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Duration: 29:10.
File contains a discussion paper by Gay Caswell, a former MLA and consultant with Caswell Consultants of Saskatoon. Caswell is "here to argue that a very appropriate place for Aboriginal self-government is in the area of social services, in particular child welfare protection." Following Caswell's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with her.
File contains a discussion paper by Bob Lacoursiere. Lacoursiere discusses his views on Aboriginal economic development as a small business owner and former Saskatoon mayoral candidate. Lacoursiere discusses self-government, self-determination, and self-sufficiency as it pertains to Aboriginal people and discusses the importance of role models in mentoring youth. Following Lacoursiere's presentation Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with him.
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 163a contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This part includes presentations, questions and a discussion by the assembled youth, who attend both high school and university, and the Commissioners at a Youth Circle.
RCAP 18 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Iqaluit, Northwest Territories. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations such as children's and women's rights, education and Inuit issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains an individual presentation by Barbara Wood addressing the lack of educational opportunities for Metis people in Labrador. She is a single mother putting two sons through University and describes the financial hardship involved. She calls on the Commission to assist Labradorian youth who seek education and "a future free of debt." Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Lionel Rich relating to youth and the RCMP in Sheshatshiu. Rich alleges the RCMP did not treat several young people properly and calls upon the Commission to look into the conduct of the officers involved. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.
File contains a brief individual presentation by Looie Nowdla, young citizen of Pangnirtung, expressing concern for the youth in her community who use alcohol and drugs. Despite the ban on both, usage of alcohol and drugs is responsible for youth crime and high dropout rates from school. Nowdla calls for more recreational facilities for the youth of Pangmirtung.
Representative of the centre calls on the Commission to ensure further funding for the organization, which serves both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women. Includes question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Alethea Baril, Adam Kilukishak and Tara Lindsay, Grade 7-8 students, Nanook School, Apex, Northwest Territories [Nunavut]. The students call for amending the Education Act to accept elders as qualified teachers, consultation from students and parents when building schools and planning classes, and free daycare for those students babysitting siblings during class time. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Alfred Beaver that focuses on financial accountability of First Nations governments. He sees young children sleeping in train cars at night on his First Nations and wonders how band councils can ignore this problem. He calls upon the Commission to make First Nations accountable for their finances.
This file contains a presentation by Andrea Curley focusing on the Six Nations Red Feather Teen Group, formed after a number of Curley's friends were killed in an alcohol-related car accident. The group holds dances, car washes, movie nights, camping trips, bingos, and raises funds to attend Toronto Blue Jays games. The group's goal is to acquire a space for rent as a meeting place, as the group's membership is growing dramatically. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
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.
File contains a presentation by Chief Katie Rich detailing the effects of relocation, substance abuse and hopelessness that the Innu of Davis Inlet suffer from. She describes the early history and relocation of Davis Inlet and feels that the only hope for residents is to relocate again, due to the lack of proper housing, sewer and water in their present location. The mortality rate of children is very high, and Rich calls on the Commission to assist Innu people with resources to regain control of their lives through culture, traditions, values and spirituality.
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 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 Daniel Daniels and Delilah Young speaking about the need for concerned adults becoming involved in the lives of Aboriginal youth. Without positive adult role models, Aboriginal youth may fall prey to alcohol, drug and solvent abuse and youth centres would allow Aboriginal youth to spend free time constructively. A discussion with the Commissioners follow the three The Pas Youth Project Committee speakers.
File contains a presentation by Darlene Grexton relating to the Infant Development Program, a part of a continuum of preventive service provided by the Ministry of Community and Social Services for the at-risk population, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike. The program works with infants from to 30 months. She calls for the training more Aboriginal social workers and for more public awareness of the Infant Development Program. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
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".
File contains a presentation by Diane Ludwig and Elaine Boucher relating to educational issues concerning Aboriginal students in Lac La Biche and area. Both women address a number of concerns with students, such as assisting those in unstable family situations or those who are abusing drugs and alcohol. Ludwig feels that if a co-ordinator was hired, then the small groups and committees within the Native Education Program would be streamlined and thus serve the students better. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
This file contains a presentation by Doris Fisher and Jackie Esquimox-Hamelin who are employees of the Gazhaadaawgamik Native School, a daycare for Aboriginal children. The purpose of the daycare is to have urban Aboriginal children retain their native languages and cultural identity in a full immersion setting. The presenters state that Aboriginal political leaders need to lobby for permanent responsibility for Aboriginal child care centres across Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.