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 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 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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Augustine Abraham
Description
File contains a presentation by Augustine Abraham, President of l'Union nationale metisse St-Joseph du Manitoba, in French. Abraham relates the history of her organization, which was founded to represent the francophone and Roman Catholic Metis community of Manitoba in 1887. She discusses how the idea of a seperate Metis government is contrary to Louis Riel's vision, and how her organization would like to see the Metis as partners in Canada. Abraham also discusses land issues, and the then recent Constitutional talks chaired by Joe Clark (the so-called "Canada Round" of negotiations).
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 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 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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Clifford Trapper
Description
File contains an individual presentation by Clifford Trapper. Trapper is a Metis man presenting on behalf of his grandfather, a Metis elder of the James Bay area. Trapper's presentation discusses uniqueness of Aboriginal culture and the need for government help with the decline of the traditional economy. It also touches on issues like pollution and self-governance.
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Denise Thomas
Description
File contains a presentation by Denise Thomas, Southeast Region of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Thomas discusses the need for Métis economic development in her region of Manitoba, and highlights some ways she thinks this can be done through financial and educational infrastructure measures. Following the presentation Thomas engages in a brief discussion with Commissioner Sillet on women's business issues, followed by a comment on the presentation by Commissioner Chartrand.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples: Presentation by John Crisp on behalf of the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement
Alternate Title
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
hintherWed, 06/03/2009 - 23:49
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
John Crisp
Description
File contains a presentation by John Crisp. Crisp discusses the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement, its establishment, history, and socioeconomic condition. Crisp relates problems with the Federal government whose census refuses to acknowledge Paddle Prairie's existence as a Metis Settlement, and a variety of health care, social services, and education concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Crisp and Commissioners Barb Beaulieu and Rene Dussault on these topics.
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 Leon McAuley, Director, Provincial Metis Housing Authority. McAuley describes the problems facing Metis communities in the North, and advocates a new level of government (a Metis local government) to facilitate self-governance, as well as discusing economic development and a land base. Following the presentation a brief discussion on the definition of the Metis people takes place between Commissioner Chartrand and McAuley.
File contains a presentation by Leonard Morin, Regional Representative, Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Morin gives a demographic overview of northern Saskatchewan, relates some of the issues faced by northerners, then gives a beif overview of Metis history. Morin stresses the importance of gaining a Metis land base, and discusses possibilities for Metis self-governance. Morin then speaks on an issue of importance to his home community of Cumberland House, the construction of a traffic bridge connecting the community with the mainland across the river.
File contains a presentation made by Brian Favel for the Metis Society, Local 21 on the topics of the justice system, the education opportunities for northern communities, 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.
File contains a presentation by Armand Murray of the La Loche Local of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Murray discusses the need for recognition of Aboriginal rights on the part of government, land issues, a lack of capital in the community for utilizing resources, a conflict with the provincial government over Clearwater River park, fisheries issues, forestry issues, tourism and guiding, and related issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Murray.
File contains a presentation by Michelle Harding, Metis Women of Saskatchewan. Harding welcomes the Commission to La Ronge on behalf of that communities Metis Women's Chapter. Harding lists many of the concerns facing Metis women including child care, education, problems facing Metis youth, family violence, and others. She stresses the need for fully subisidized, accessible daycare. She discusses how the current social system has created a destructive welfare cycle amongst her people, and the need to strengthen families through the creation of a crisis shelter.
File contains a presentation by Mike Mercredi, Director of Athabasca Native Development Corporation. Mercredi describes the mandate and goals of his organization which represents Metis and First Nations people throughout Northern Alberta, and works to provide economic opportunity for them. Mercredi discusses some of the challenges his organization has faced, and some of the structural problems confronting northern economic development. Following the presentation are some remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand.
File contains remarks by Morgan McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. McLeod discusses his concerns with drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, child abuse and neglect in his community. He relates how the Metis youth have started a youth centre at Stanley Mission to deal with these problems, but need support on the provincial level to help provide information and recreational facilities.
File contains a presentation by Nelson Sanderson regarding the need to connect Metis youth and the general public with the history and culture of the Metis people. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding these issues.
File contains a presentation made by Donald Favel, member of the Métis Addiction Council, for the Northwest Drug and Alcohol Abuse Centre on the topic of social development. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.
File contains a presentation by Robert Mercredi of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Mercredi discusses his organization, and the problems facing his people. He describes the Metis as Canada's forgotten people, and while offering support for the "Canada clause" of the Constitution stresses the need for the Metis to be recognized on an equitable level with their Indian and Inuit brothers and sisters. He bemoans the lack of a land base for the Metis people of Saskatchewan, and the lack of resources neccessary for basic governmental functioning.
File contains a presentation made by Ron Caisse on the topic of youth in the Metis community. 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
Ron Trapper
Description
File contains an individual presentation by Ron Spencer. Spencer discusses the history of his people and how he thinks Aboriginal people can effectively deal with the government by staying united in the face of outside incursions on traditional lands like Ontario hydro development. Spencer discusses the need to rewrite the Constitution to include Aboriginal peoples and stresses the importance of education.
File contains remarks by Roy Myke, Jim Brady Metis Local Representative. Myke claims that self-governance has to be established from the bottom-up, at the community level. He states that "if the government ever gets serious about self-government, it has got to start at the bottom and not at the top." Following this Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand have a brief discussion with Myke regarding self-governance.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples: Presentation by Sami Qumaraq Inuit Women's Group
Documents & Presentations
Description
File contains a presentation by Sami Qumaraq, Inuit Women's Group. Qumaraq discusses women's issues on Baffin Island, and especially the challenges faced by youth in their communities. Qumaraq highlights the need for more counsellors and support services for people, particularly in smaller communities than Iqualuit. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks her.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Fortunate Guiboche
Description
File contains a presentation by Senator Head of the Metis Senate of Manitoba, followed by remarks by Senator Fortunate Guiboche of the same body. Head discusses the need for a level playing field for Metis people, and Guiboche goes on to make a series of remarks and observations on the importance and role of the Royal Commission, as well as his expectations of it. Following this is a wide-ranging discussion between the Metis Senators and the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Sonny Flett, President of the Fort Chipewyan Metis Local. Flett presents on the concerns of the Metis people of the area, mainly with regard to the impact of industry on the Metis way of life. Flett discusses the negative impact of the Bennett Dam on the Athabasca Delta, polluted water, and a lack of access to education and assistance. Flett also discusses the state of local fisheries and relations with the rest of the Metis Nation of Alberta and the provincial government.
File contains a presentation by Stan Sinclair and Brian Sinclair of the Moose Lake Metis Federation. The Sinclairs discuss how they feel that the Metis' aboriginal rights have been suppressed, that government assistance provided is completely inadequate, and that the Metis have lost many of their cultural traditions. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney and the two presenters on some of the issues raised in the presentation.
File contains remarks by Stanley McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. Stanley remarks that earlier presenter Winston McKay "covered all the issues that I was going to talk about, so I cut out most of the things." McLeod goes on to highlight that the Metis of the north have very limited resources to operate programs with, and asks for more help with recreation facilities and substance abuse.
File contains a presentation by spokesperson Mario Paradis, and Rene Boudreault, of the Association des Metis et Indiens hors reserves du Quebec Inc. Paradis and Boudreault discuss the status of non-Status, Métis and off-reserve Status Indians in Quebec. They also address the issue of urbanization, and present a history of their organization and its goals. The assembled Commissioners discuss some of the points raised with them, particularly with regard to eastern Métis identity.
File contains a presentation by the Metis Society of Saskatchewan, Clem Chartier (Consultant). Chartier discusses the historical background to the Metis view of their rights in the area beginning with the visit of the Scrip Commissioner to Ile a La Crosse in 1906. Chartier does so to show the Commission "a cursory overview to hopefully sensitize you to some of the reasons...why we are saying the Commission has to look at Metis issues specifically." In addition to the scrip issue Chartier discusses poverty, resources, and game laws.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Tony Belcourt
Description
File contains a presentation by Tony Belcourt, Constitutional Advisor, Metis National Council. Belcourt adds some remarks to the previous presentation by Marc Leclair, spokesperson for the Metis National Council. Belcourt asks the Commission to act on behalf of Metis peoples to let their history be known to Canadians, and to have them included as equals under the designation of Aboriginal peoples. Belcourt points out that often Metis people have been disregarded and Aboriginal used as a blanket term for First Nations and Inuit people in general parlance.
File contains a presentation by Irene Tiktaalaaq and Joan Scottie of the Concerned Citizens of Baker Lake. Tiktaalaq discusses unemployment and poverty among the people of Baker Lake, and her efforts with others to establish a community food bank without any government assistance to alleviate these problems. She concludes by recommending that the government raise welfare and pension levels to the amount that northerners do not run out of food money before the end of the month.
File contains a presentation on behalf of the Metis Association of the Northwest Territories by Gordon Lennie, Vice-President. Lennie, presenting on behalf of President Gary Bohnet, raises concerns with underrepresentation of Metis peoples in the first round of Royal Commission sittings, as well as Commission composition and funding issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Lennie.