American Indian Quarterly, vol. 16, no. 3, Summer, 1992, pp. 337-360
Description
Article details the formation of the Western Shoshone National Council and their role in resisting the ruling of the Indian Claims Commission that the Indian title on their traditional territories was extinguished in the late 19th century.
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
RCAP 60 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the West Ballroom, Inn of the South, Cranbrook, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations including a variety of First Nations politicians, a veterans organization, the United Church, and individuals. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Wendake, Quebec City, Quebec, on Wednesday, November 18, 1992. Includes presentations by the Huron-Wendat Nation, other Aboriginal organizations and several academics. For detailed presentation titles see file. File is an English translation of the original French transcript.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Mani-Utenam, Sept-Iles, Quebec, . File includes a variety of presentations from bands, Aboriginal organizations, a member of Parliament, community groups, individuals, and Church officials. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Wednesday, November 25, 1992. File contains presentations by academics, individuals, and the Honourable Kim Campbell. 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 closing remarks by Justice Sinclair and each of the Commissioners present in relation to the days proceedings and myriad opening presentations on April 21, 1992 in Winnipeg. The Commissioners discuss highlights of the presentations from their own perspectives, and extend thanks to the participants, then the Commission meeting is adjourned and scheduled to resume the following day.
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 Danny Kasi focusing on self-government and and the ways that First Nations may achieve it - through First Ministers conferences, the Supreme Court of Canada and "the world court." Kasi also briefly discusses education and the lack of housing in his community. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
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 Alexa McDonough discussing the establishment of a bilateral forum with government and Micmac representatives to develop an understanding of Micmac Aboriginal rights and treaties. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Eric Joubert, spokesperson of the Alliance autochtone du Quebec. Joubert describes the background of his organization which exists to assist Metis, Non-status, and status off reserve populations in Quebec and its involvement in various programs. Joubert then discusses rights concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Joubert for his suggestion.
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 Ben Andrews. Andrews discusses issues associated with colonization in Canada, making reference to Dene communities and the Oka Crisis.
File contains a presentation by Bernard Cleary. Cleary, a Montagnais man, Aboriginal negotiator, advisor to several Aboriginal nations, and journalist, discusses his experiences and belief that the government will not act on Aboriginal issues until the political will develops to do so. Following his presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks him for his submission.
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 Bob Neale, President of the Nicola Stock Breeders' Association. Neale discusses his concerns with the land claims process underway in the Nicola Valley area of British Columbia and makes a variety of requests including that grazing rules for Crown Land be the same for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal stock owners, and that an impartial third party be included in the land claims resolution process. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Neale for his contributions.
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 Calvin Francis, Gander Bay Indian Band. Francis discusses a variety of issues including hunting and fishing rights, relations with the federal and provincial governments, and the history of the Band which was formally incorporated in 1970. Following Francis' presentation is a discussion between him and Commissioners Robinson, Erasmus and Jeddore on some of the issues facing the Band.
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.
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 Chief Paul Sam, Shuswap Indian Band. Sam discusses the struggle for Aboriginal self-governance in Canada and his thoughts on the recently defeated Charlottetown Accord, as well as the problems he sees as being inherent in the system.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Clarence Apsassin
Description
File contains a presentation by Clarence Apsassin, Blueberry River Reserve. He relates a brief history of Aboriginal people in North America from before 1492 down to the present day. Following this he discusses some of the history of Treaty 8 people, and his own work with various Aboriginal organizations. Apsassin makes a series of recommendations that Aboriginal governments be given more jurisdiction over their own affairs, and control over their own land and resources.
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 Donald D. Cameron focusing on the forestry and mining industry. He urges the Commission to "endorse the concept of multi-use of Canada's natural resources, not just by tourist outfitters, trappers, fishermen and mining and forestry companies, but by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Doris Young of the Indigenous Women's Collective regarding Aboriginal women's issues/views in the realm of the justice system, schools, the Indian Act, training and employment, political systems, and self-governance. Young also stresses the need for Aboriginal women's participation in the establishment of a Charter of Rights for Aboriginal People should such legislation be enacted.
File contains a presentation by Dr. Douglas A. West, professor, and Wilfred King, student, both from Lakehead University. West states that "all academic disciplines have become attuned to the situation of Canadian Aboriginal people, and they have all become advocates for the improvement of the Aboriginal situation." He states that "we must take the time to learn each other's languages, customs and political and social agendas." King, also the interim President of United Aboriginal Nation, is concerned with the representation of off-reserve status Aboriginals.