Explores Inuit culture by piecing together oral histories, archaeological research, and the writings of various 19th-century explorers and visitors to the western Arctic.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Gerald Courchene
Paul Chartrand
Mary Sillett
Description
File contains opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Fort Alexander, Manitoba, on October 30, 1992. Moderator Gerald Courchene convenes the Commission, followed by Commissioner Paul Chartrand who thanks the participants in attendance and emphasizes his own roots at nearby St. Laurent, Manitoba. Commissioner Mary Sillett then introduces the Commission staff and says a few words about the Commissions mandate and goals.
RCAP 99 contains an opening prayer and opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the L.A.C. Community Hall, La Loche, Saskatchewan on Thursday, December 10, 1992. Following an opening prayer by Theresa Montgrand, Mayor Sam Herman delivers opening remarks welcoming the Commission to the community. Following this Commissioners Rene Dussault and Mary Sillet deliver opening remarks welcoming the participants and explaining the mandate, goals, and composition of the Commission.
File contains an individual presentation by Chief Francis Penashue describing the culture and values of the Innu people pre-European contact, and now Innu communities are dealing with substance abuse, family dysfunction and high unemployment and welfare rates. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.
File contains an individual presentation by Cliff Gladue, who, despite involvement in a number of federal and provincial Metis organizations, is representing himself. Gladue's presentation discusses the principles and parameters of Aboriginal self-government. He sees three self-government agreements being negotiated with the federal and provincial governments: the treaty self-government agreeement, the Inuit self-government agreement and the Metis self-government agreement. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Harry Maksagak focusing on the life of the Inuit pre-contact and the negative impact of losing their nomadic way of life. He foresees the future government of Nunavut as being able to negotiate with the federal government for much-needed schools, employment and housing for the Cambridge Bay area. 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
Lucassie Echalook
Description
File contains a presentation by Lucassie Echalook. Echalook discusses the local Church (Anglican?) and how it is run and financed by the Inuit community. Echalook also discusses some of the problems in the community and the consequences of government neglect.
File contains an individual presentation by Roy Moses offering a different perspective on life in the bush in the 1930s and 1940s. He states that the "people who dream about let's go back to our traditional way must have been told a fairy tale somewhere." Moses describes his childhood and believes that progress has been made to better the lives of Aboriginal and Inuit people today. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains an introductory presentation by Henry Wetelainen of the Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association. He introduces five zone presidents of the Association: Sheilagh Chief, Howard Restoule, Ron Swain, Joe Major and Agnes Lidstone. The zones include 63 communities; Metis communities, off-reserve Aboriginal people, those with band membership, those who are treaty, and have chosen to work within the organization. Wetelainen introduces the first speaker, Ron Swain.
File contains an opening prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan, on Tuesday, December 8, 1992. The opening prayer was made by Jim Favel and Commissioner of the Day Martin Durocher called on the moderator, Max Morin, to present a Historical Perspective of Ile a la Crosse. Opening remarks were made by Commissioner Rene Dussault and Commissioner Mary Sillett regarding the composition and mandate of the Commission and commenting on the Historical Perspective.
File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand at the first sitting of the Royal Commission in The Pas, Manitoba. Blakeney reflects on the mandate of the Commission and its composition, while Chartrand reflects on the historical significance of The Pas and his own families association with the community.
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 Abe Okpik. Okpik discusses the significance of midwifery to the Inuit people, and on Baffin Island in particular. He also discusses traditional knowledge and its importance in contemporary midwifery. Following the presentation are some comments on it by Commissioners Mary Sillet and Rene Dussault.
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.
File contains a presentation made by Ambrose Maurice on the topic of the lack of knowledge of early Aboriginal lifestyles. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.
File contains a presentation by Annie Napayok on behalf of the Keewatin Legal Aid Society. She discusses justice issues in the Keewatin region, for which she is the only legal aid representative. Among her concerns are culturally insensitive applications of law, a lack of funding, and youth justice concerns. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney discuss some of these issues with Napayok.
File contains a presentation by Bertram Maksagak, Kim Tologanak, Vicky Palviolok and Michelle Gillis relating to the difficulties of keeping the Cambridge Bay youth away from drug and alcohol abuse. The group proposes a recreational facility as the young children and teenagers "have nothing to do and nowhere to go." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Betsy Brooks, President, Metis Nation Local 1935. Brooks discusses the Metis local in Fort McMurray and some of its challenges including the lack of an administration building and funding concerns. Following the presentation Betsy discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney.
File contains a presentation made by Bill Curry on the topic of health care in Northern Saskatchewan. Also contained are comments and questions of the assembled Commissioners. As well as the mention of the closing prayer.
File contains an individual presentation by Bill Gower. Gower, an active member of the community who's on the hamlet Council, discusses the problems he sees with the Education system. He stresses that unless something is done to create jobs in the area in the near future the effects of its failings will be catastrophic. Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney discuss these concerns and possible solutions with Gower.
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.
File contains a presentation by Charlie Evalik that first describes the life of the Inuit in the Cambridge Bay area beginning in the 1950s, where the Inuit were forced to adapt to a more permanent home life in settlements, rather than continue with their nomadic way of life. He discusses some issues that are affecting Cambridge Bay residents, such as lack of post-secondary opportunities, employment, lack of proper housing, and a high rate of residents on welfare. A lengthy 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
Charlotte Ross
Description
File contains a presentation by Charlotte Ross, La Ronge Native Women's Council. Ross discusses her personal experience with family violence, and discusse the La Ronge Native Women's Council of which she is a part. Ross discusses her view that abusers as well as the abused need treatment for behaviour they have internalized.
File contains a presentation by Charlotte Wolfrey, Rigolet Housing and Toby Andersen, Chairman of the Torngat Regional Housing Association. Wolfrey gives an overview of the housing situation in Labrador, and Andersen discusses the rural native housing program for Inuit and rural residents in the province. Commissioners Dussault and Robinson contribute some questions on housing in the area.
File contains a presentation by Chief Berna Landry of Fort Providence Band, also representing the Deh Cho Divisional Educational Board. Landry discusses Dene life pre-contact and how the lives of elders and youth have been affected. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Chief Harry Cook, La Ronge Indian Band. Cook welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand to La Ronge, and expresses his solidarity with other Aboriginal peoples such as the Metis. Cook also discusses the importance of Treaties to his people.
File contains a presentation by Clint Buehler, Executive Director, Metis Nation of Alberta. Buehler outlines the steps the MNA has taken towards self-governance both in terms of consultation within its membership and negotiations with the provincial and federal governments.
File contains a presentation by Dave Barron of the Pacific Metis Federation. Barron discusses the story of his people, their neglect by government, his views on Bill C-31 and how the government has divided Aboriginal peoples starting at the family level. Barron concludes by recommending that "some form of legislation be enacted within the near future to release our people from the bonds of Bill C-31, if they should desire." Following the presentation is a discussion between Barron and Commissioner Erasmus on the ideas raised in the presentation.
File contains remarks by Diane Delaronde of the Pas Region, Manitoba Metis Federation. Delaronde welcomes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba on behalf of her organization.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Doug Anguish
Description
File contains a presentation by Doug Anguish, Member of the Legislature. Anguish discusses his experiences as a life-long resident of what he terms northwestern Saskatchewan (Meadow Lake-Battlefords area), and MLA for the Battlefords Consituency. Specifically he discusses the Indian Act and the need to replace it, the situation of Indian and Metis youth in the area, and economic concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Anguish and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus on these issues.
File contains a presentation by Dr. Anne Anderson. Anderson's presentation entitled "The history of the Metis nation." The presentation gives a general overview of Metis history from Anderson's own personal perspective and what she thinks is its relevance.
File contains a presentation by Garth Wallbridge. Wallbridge, a Métis man, presenting as an individual, raises a wide variety of concerns. These include Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal relations, government policy, the Commission itself, educational issues, self-governance, languages, Métis issues, and others. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Wallbridge.
File contains a presentation by Gary Mitchell. Mitchell, a resident of Makkovik, former mayor and past president of community councils of Labrador, and Inuit field worker, speaks on the topic of economic development and fisheries.
File contains a presentation by Gerald Thom stating that Metis organizations are finally, in the 1990s, becoming involved in government policymaking. Thom believes that "in order to attain our goals we must support decentralization of powers from the federal and provincial government, and we must have a say on what policies and issues arise through decentralization. He discusses briefly education, language, and employment concerns relating to the Metis. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Herb Manak. Manak discusses two concerns: health care in Labrador, and services for the disabled. Manak relates his own experiences with health care in Labrador, and suggests more accessibility for disabled people.
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 Jack McDonald, Port Alberni Native Council. McDonald discusses what it means to be a Metis in British Columbia, and the challenges that confront his people as well as what he characterizes as an ignorant government and populace when it comes to Metis issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some issues of Metis identity in British Columbia with McDonald.
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.
File contains a presentation by Jim Andersen. Andersen discusses his life in Makkovik and the struggles he has gone through, as well as his great interest in the struggles of Aboriginal people to attain their rightful place in Confederation.
File contains a presentation made by Jim Favel on economic development and self-government in Aboriginal communities. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Joe Blyan
Description
File contains a presentation by Joe Blyan stating that the Commission that all different status groups must meet and determine their courses of action. Blyan says a common vision is necessary when dealing with Aboriginal and Metis groups. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.
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 Ken Noskiye focusing on Métis self-government for the eight Métis settlements in Alberta. He states that self-government can only be achieved with proper resources at the local level. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Larry Ussak. He discusses his concerns with the way the government handles the polar bear population, specifically some of the techniques they use which he believes is contributing to the populations decline. Ussak also talks about job training, welfare, drop-out rates, suicide, the financial difficulties of life in the north, and related concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Robinson discusses employment and training issues with Ussak and Paul Kaludjak.
File contains a presentation by Lee Ann Hilsen. Hilsen, a Metis student, gives her views on the Education system and why she thinks it is substandard and ineffective for Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a discussion between Hilsen and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.