File contains a copy of Diefenbaker's campaign speech in Prince George, BC in which he promises that indigenous people will have the opportunity to redress some of the wrongs done to them. He refers to the appointment of indigenous senator James Gladstone, the indigenous right to vote, and the Indian Claims Commission.
File contains a copy of Diefenbaker's speech during the election campaign of 1965 in which he details his attempts to bring about equality of citizenship for indigenous persons, mentioning the appointment of indigenous senator, James Gladstone, and the establishment of an Indian Claims Commission.
eTextbook is a multi-media resource developed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples from across Canada. Covers both historical and contemporary topics.
Can be downloaded as iBook, ePub, or PDF.
eTextbook is a multi-media resource developed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples from across Canada. Covers both historical and contemporary topics.
Can be downloaded as iBook, ePub, or PDF.
File contains a copy of Diefenbaker's speech at his nominating convention as the candidate for Prince Albert, in which he speaks of his governments initiatives in allowing the voices of Indigenous peoples to be heard. He refers to the appointment of Indigenous senator James Gladstone, of giving Indigenous peoples the right to vote, and of the Indian Claims Commission.
RCAP 23 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Long House, Teslin, Yukon. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations by on a variety of subjects such as land claims and self-government, Inuit health care, and the impact of residential schools. Each submission 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.
File contains closing remarks by Allan Blakeney and Viola Robinson, Commissioners. Blakeney summarizes today's presentations as giving a strong message of concern about treaty and Aboriginal rights and the fact that these are being ignored by the Canadian government.
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 individual presentation by Beatrice Watts focusing primarily on education. She provides a brief history of the Inuit in Labrador and relocation efforts in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1977 the first Inuit education conference was held, which laid the groundwork for the teaching of Inuktitut and cultural programs in schools. Watts also briefly discusses the Inuit radio station at Main, Labrador and a 1978 conference sponsored by Inuit women held in Labrador. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by David Akpalialuk, resident of Pangnirtung, who expresses frustration with the application of Unemployment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan and would like documents in both Inuktitut and English. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by George Smith, via translator, that focuses on Aboriginal self-government from the perspective of elders. Smith states that elders were consulted in all facets of life pre-contact but with the Canadian government's policies over the years, elder input and influence have been irrelevant. He calls for the government to consult with elders during self-government negotiations. Smith also briefly discusses band relocation, natural resources, and the effects of residential schools. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.
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 a presentation by Joanasie Maniapik, representative of "the men's group in Pangnirtung" who states that the laws of the Canadian Government are not the ways of the Inuit. Maniapik calls for a separate Royal Commission on justice in the North. Rene Dussault, Co-Chair, says that previous commissions have dealt with particular justice issues and with the future government of Nunavut
File contains an individual presentation by Marlene Buffalo focusing primarily on self-determination - the right of every First Nations to choose its own form of government, to enjoy its spiritual and material patrimony without restriction, to live freely according to tradition and to be exempt from any form of subjection to any powerful nation or people. Buffalo states that self-government has been "effectively prevented by the due process of acculturation and the erosion of Aboriginal self-identification." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
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 an individual presentation by Mrs. Hilda Lyall focusing on the rights of Aboriginal women. She describes her personal experience with attempting to find work after completing a two-year translator course and feels that men are automatically assumed to be better workers. She calls on the Commission to address the inequality of not hiring women who are as qualified as men. Following the discussion is a short question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Olassie Machmer who has lived overseas in the past. She compares the red tape involved with taking ill in England (none) to taking ill in the Canadian North (substantial). She states that "when you see overseas governments, they seem to run a lot better than here." Machmer concludes by saying the government has to change to meet the needs of the people.
File contains an individual presentation by Patrick Rich, an Innu man, asking for help from the Commission relating to the forced removal and subsequent adoption at birth of several of his children. He asks the Commission for help in locating his children.
File contains an individual presentation by Agnes Gendron describing the impact of Bill C-31 upon her personally. Relatives of the speaker were present at the signing of Treaty Six in 1876 and she questions whether Aboriginal women will ever enjoy the full rights that the treaties should have provided them. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
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 Barry Ravenhill, Mayor of Watson Lake relating to Aboriginal self-government as it affects municipalities and local bands. He also briefly discusses housing construction on First Nations without proper building standards. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.
File contains a presentation by Councillor Beverly Waditaka, Councillor of the Wahpeton Band. Waditaka discusses education on the Wahpeton First Nation at the elementary level, then goes on the discuss Daktoa language and problems with language retention on reserve. Waditaka discusses how the Dakota believe that post-secondary education is an inherent right. She then goes on to discuss women's issues such as Bill C-31.
File contains a presentation by Bob Bromley. Bromley discusses "the dialogue and relationship that can occur between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people." He makes his presentation as an individual and discusses cultural and rights issues of a pan-Canadian nature. Following the presentation Bromley discusses some of the issues raised in his presentation with the assembled Commissioners.
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
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 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.
File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Antoine on behalf of the Deh Cho Regional Council. The presentation was prepared by Rene Lamothe and Betty Hardisty, who consulted with Elders, band members, Metis locals and municipal council of the Deh Cho Region. Visitations in the Deh Cho Region generated feedback regarding the Canadian Constitution and a discussion of the existing constitutional revisions in Canada. Briefly listed are statements of positions by members of the various local councils.
The file contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Wesley of the Kitsumkalum Band. Chief Wesley welcomes the Commission, expresses his hopes for it, and gives some demographic, cultural, and territorial information on his people. Chief Wesley discusses the political structure of his people, their relationship to other Aboriginal groups, and the federal government.
File contains a presentation by Chief Hammond Dick relating to land claims and self-government for the Kaska Nation. He states that the Kaskas would agree only to an offer that provides exclusive control over lands selected for use by their people. The Kaskas also want to play a significant role in the management of renewable and non-renewable resources on their traditional lands. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Chief Harold Turner discussing seven issues that affect First Nations people: self-government, treaties, natural resources and Aboriginal title to land, economic development, taxation, education and First Nations government financial concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Chief Lindsay Cyr and Felix Musqua addressing the failure of the Charlottetown Accord and the position that their organization will still pursue; "the inherent right to nationhood, self-government, jurisdiction, systems of laws, resource rights, distinct languages, cultures and values." Cyr then states that his organization will table its documentation later in the year. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus during the first public meeting of said Commission. Erasmus spoke about how Chief Thunderchild viewed the need to hold on to Aboriginal land rights, and how this was still important in the nineteen-nineties.
File contains a presentation by Dawna LeBlanc expressing concern for the acceleratred rate at which Aboriginal languages are becoming extinct. The death of community elders plays a large part in the elimination of languages today. She states that "language has a direct bearing on how we see ourselves as a people and our role in self-government, on land claims and our claim to a distinct society." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Dennis Thorne. Thorne, whose Oglala Lakota (Sioux) name is Tungan Cikala, speaks on the topic of "Protection of Traditional Spiritual Beliefs." Included in his presentation are problems with the Canadian border and the guards measures there against Aboriginal holy people (Thorne argues that the Jay Treaty enshrines freedom of movement for Aboriginal people across the Canada-U.S.
File contains a presentation by Earl Magnusson, Director of Urban Development, Federation of Saskatchewan Indians. Magnusson speaks on the issues facing urban Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan. He discusses Treaty rights, self-governance, and municipal service delivery. Following the presentation is a discussion between Magnusson and Commissioners Wilson, Chartrand, and Erasmus on these issues as well as the "portability" of Aboriginal rights.
File contains a presentation by Eric Morris describing the negative effects on his community of generations-old social issues and states that his community is now mainly alcohol- and drug-free. He states that the traditional Clan system of government and the tribal justice system in place at Teslin has been working effectively with non-Aboriginal government and justice systems and feels this co-operative effort could be duplicated on every First Nation in Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Eric Robinson, President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. Robinson discusses his organizations purpose, and mainly focuses on the problems facing the urban Status and Treaty people in Winnipeg, and across Canada. He stresses the need for the Federal government to take action on behalf of Treaty people who live off reserve to alleviate poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to services. Following the presentation, Robinson introduces Mary Guilbeault's (also fo the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg) presentation.
File contains a presentation by Ethel Lamothe, Social Services worker, Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. She believes that dealing with Inuit social issues from a European perspective rather than the traditional way has harmed the Inuit people. Lamothe also discusses the need to record oral histories of the elders and to preserve the history of the Dene people. As a territorial government employee, she believes that control of funding should be undertaken by people familiar with northern life, not by bureaucrats. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Evelyn Webster, Vice-President, Indigenous Women's Collective to the Commission. Webster provides a brief historical overview of her organization, and its mandate to address the social, economic, and political issues confronting Aboriginal women in Manitoba. Webster then goes on to discuss the traditional role of women in Aboriginal societies, and traditional Aboriginal values.
File contains a brief presentation by Frank Saligo, Mayor, Teslin, Yukon. He provides hand-out materials for the Commission and briefly mentions the need for agreements relating to community needs and infrastructure, and for continued talks relating to land claims and self-government. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer swith the Commissioners and Chief David Keenan.
File contains a presentation by Gabe Hardisty, Councillor, Wrigley Dene Band. He speaks of life in the North pre-contact and states that "we had our own government in the past...if we didn't have our own government, we wouldn't be here today." Hardisty hopes that this Commission will listen to Aboriginal people and act on its recommendations. He then introduces his uncle, Mr. Antoch, who was alive at the time of the signing of Treaty 11 in 1921. Mr. Antoch's father, Eli Antonche, was involved in the treaty negotiations. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Grace Menconse, Vice-President of Native Mediation Inc. Menconse, a Bill C-31 person, discusses her groups problems with an undefined self-government, jurisdictional issues, with lack of accountability and transparency in Band politics, and the need to apply the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Status Indians. Menconse also discusses electoral fraud and serious human rights abuses which she accuses Aboriginal leadership of being complicit in.
File contains a presentation by Ineaq Korgak, executive assistant for the Baffin Regional Health Board. Korgak discusses many of the social issues facing the Inuit people of Baffin Island, including high mortality rates, low life expectancy, drug abuse, AIDS, alcoholism, gambling, poor nutrition, and a lack of economic opportunities. He also discusses midwifery and makes some suggestions on how these subjects can be addressed in a productive manner. Following the presentation Korgak discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Dussault.
File contains a presentation by Jaypeetie Akpallaluk, Mayor, Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories, who begins by comparing the "qallunaaq" (European) way of life and the Inuit way of life and how the two do not work together well. He states that Inuit culture is being lost and that the wisdom and knowledge of elders is not being utilized by younger generations. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will provide more funding to allow the creation of much-needed cultural, educational and family programs in Pangnirtung.