This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. These are the opening remarks made by Elder Noel Knockwood and the prayer by Elder William Commanda.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
File contains a presentation by the Aboriginal Youth Group of the Miawpukek Band. The seven members present discuss a variety of youth concerns such as sporting and recreational facilities, alcohol and drug abuse, and education with the assembled Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Austin Sterling. He delivers a short presentation on the positive aspects of having Band Schools. Sterling is himself the principal of such a school. Following his remarks Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault thank him for his participation.
File contains a presentation by Bernice Cree, Chief, Fort McMurrary No. 468, First Nations. Cree gives an overview of her First Nation and its reserve including demography, economy, and some of the social issues it faces. Cree also comments on government policy regarding her First Nation.
File contains a presentation by Chief Bert Mack, Toquaht Nation Economic Development. Chief Mack discusses his ideas on the importance of self-reliance with respect to government funding agencies and self-governance. Mack also highlights a complaint about the conduct of consulting firms towards his people.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Gerald Beaucage
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Beaucage, Nipissing First Nation. Chief Beaucage discusses the de'Medici North Bay Inc. collaborative fur venture, world fur markets, and related issues. Chief Beaucage also discusses other economic activity within the First Nation's industrial park.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Jerry Fontaine
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Jerry Fontaine, Sagkeeng First Nation. Fontaine delivers a critique of the record of Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative government arguing that "the track record of this government on listening to its citizens is one that leaves much to be desired. I think this is what troubles me most about this exercises [the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples]." Fontaine presents a variety of Canadian Constitutional, Treaty relationship, and Department of Indian and Northern Affairs concerns.
The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Neskonlith Indian Band by Chief Joyce Manuel, Lisa Allgaier, and Bob Manuel. Chief Manuel gives a demographic overview of the Band, discusses culture and the importance of health and education to self-determination and land management. Lisa Allgaier, the Band's social worker, discusses social issues and the need for First Nations' jurisdiction over service delivery, as well as funding and band membership concerns.
File contains a presentation by Chief Kowaintco Shackelly, Nooaitch Indian Band. Shackelly discusses the Charlottetown Accord, its package dealing with Aboriginal issues, its defeat by referendum, self-governance, language concerns, women's issues (including Bill C-31), and a variety of health concerns especially the need for more Aboriginal health practitioners and participation in the system. Following her presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand and Chief Don Moses, engage Shackelly in a conversation about some of the issues highlighted.
File contains a presentation by Chief Paul Sam. Chief Sam comments on the preceding presentations of Cathy Rutherford, and the two Roman Catholic Peace and Development Group presenters. Following this Sam invites the Commissioners to come in six months time and take in an Aboriginal fastball tournament. Following the Chief's remarks Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand discuss this with him.
File contains a presentation by Chief Robert Pasco of the Nlaka'pamux Tribal Council. Pasco, Chief of the Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band, discusses the history of his Nlaka'pamux Nation and its efforts to create a strong centralized government in the 1870s, as well as the suppression of this movement by the federal government. Pasco goes on to relate the desire of his people to have a written Constitution based on their traditions and to engage in a government to government relationship with the federal government. Pasco also discusses ongoing land claims and fisheries disputes.
This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes opening remarks from Elder Vincent Stogan and moderator Lou Desmarais. Also included in this portion is a presentation by Chief Russell Kwasistak concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Samuel Sam
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Samuel Sam, Esquimalt Reserve, British Columbia, expressing concern with the Indian Act and the loss of culture from the viewpoint of Chief and Elder in his community.
File contains a presentation by Chief Shirley Prosper, and Gerald Webb of the Corner Brook Band. Prosper discusses some issues facing the band in a brief presentation including government recognition, family problems, women's issues, and the need for the establishment of cultural centres to promote the Micmac culture. Following Prosper's presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson engage her in dialogue after which Webb comments on the economic base of the band.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Stewart Paul
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Stewart Paul of the Tobique First Nation. Paul welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson to Tobique, then proceeds to discuss the history of the First Nation, its part in Pre-Confederation Treaties, the creation of their reserve, its war veterans in numerous global conflicts, notable individuals from Tobique, and some of the economic and social concerns faced by the nation. Paul also elaborates on some of the programming undertaken by the community to deal with these concerns.
File contains a presentation by Chief Victor Muse of the St. George's Indian Band Council. Muse discusses the band's history, then goes on to list a variety of concerns. These include: unemployment, illiteracy, the need for education, better social services, revitalization of the Micmac language and culture, infrastructure, self-determination, self-government, and the goal of living in harmony "with Canada and its many people." Following the presentation is a discussion between Muse and Commissioner Erasmus on some of the issues raised.
File contains a presentation by Jack Smith. Smith is a sessional lecturer with the department of Native Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Smith discusses off reserve and urban status Indian's concerns, primarily with regard to Treaty Land Entitlement and participation in Band politics. Smith also discusses Aboriginal input into the University of Saskatchewan's policies.
This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Regina Friendship Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes a presentation made by Ken Thomas of the Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture Program, concerning treaty rights in agriculture, investment in Indian Farm Units and distribution of treaty land entitlement. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included.
File contains a presentation by Judy Coocoo Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Whiteduck delivers a summary of her views on economic development including business competetiveness, development, and the idea that developing an adequate economic base should precede self-government. Whiteduck discusses federal programs as they pertain to small business development, and some of the economic developments already in place under Kitigan Zibi. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of hte issues raised with Whiteduck.
This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes presentation by Livina Lightbrown concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Al Day
Description
File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Al Day. Day, Chief of Onayataka, an Oneida First Nation, discusses the need to dismantle Indian Affairs, self-governance and nation to nation affairs, land claims, jurisdictional issues, education, justice concerns, and self-determination. Following the presentation Chief Day discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.
File contains a presentation by Louie Frank. Frank relates a message from a Nuu-Chah-Nulth elder to the Commission discussing his hopes and his people's hopes for it. Following this Commissioner Erasmus thanks Frank and sums up his ideas on the day's proceedings. Chief Nelson Keitlah then closes the days proceedings with a prayer in the Nuh-Chah-Nulth language.
File contains a presentation by Crisis Intervention Officer Marie Francis of the Micmac Native Friendship Centre (Halifax, NS). Francis discusses the financial difficulties faced by the Status Indian population in Canada who lives off reserve, and states that Bands often do not live up to their fiduciary obligations to off-reserve people.
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 a presentation by Miranda Prosper, a grade 6 student from the Wahpeton Reserve School. Prosper discusses changes she would like to see on the Wahpeton Reserve. These include more policing, an alochol ban, more funding for roads, a Dakota language immersion program for young children, a better firehall, and a safer bus stop.
File contains a presentation by Richard Long that examines concerns of the off-reserve Aboriginal person. Long states that off-reserve Aboriginal persons feel they have no political or financial power and he questions who will govern urban Aboriginals in the larger centres. He introduces Nora Houle, representative of the Native Council of Canada Board of Directors.
File contains a presentation by Rita Campbell and Chief Greg Lucus of the Stephenville Crossing Indian Band. Campbell presents on the composition of the band, the need for federal recognition, employment problems, a lack of family services, housing concerns, hunting and fishing rights, linguistic and cultural concerns, health concerns, and self-governance. Following this Chief Greg Lucas discusses health and service issues with Commissioner Erasmus, then with Commissioner Robinson and Tony John, including post-secondary education concerns.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Stephane Bacon
Zacharie Mollen
Paul A Fournier
Description
File contains a presentation by the Corporation de developement economique montagnaise and by the Conseil regional de concertation et d'intervention en milieu amerindien. Presenters include co-coordinator Stephane Bacon of the CRCI, President Zacharie Mollen of the CRCI, and General Manager Paul A Fournier of the CDEM. Stephane Bacon covers a variety of economic concerns including Band management of businesses, Constitutional, Treaty, and Indian Act issues, the need for sharing based on equality and respect, and the need for self-governance to direct economic development.
File contains a presentation by the Gaming Commission by Councillor Ed Hayden in charge of Economic Development and Gaming, Carl Roberts, and General Manager Ernie James of the Gaming Commission. The three presenters discuss relations with the province, gaming developments on the First Nation, Treaty rights, self government, self determination, economic and jurisdictional concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Helene Michel
James Papati
Description
File contains a presentation by the Grand Lac Victoria Band Council Helene Michel and James Papati. Helene discusses education and building a healthy cultural self-image, as well as inspiring the youth of the First Nation. James discusses political questions facing the band, including some of the unique circumstances it faces as a Band without a reserve which inhabits La Verendrye Park, economic matters, and land ownership issues. The assembled Commissioners comment on and discuss some of these issues with Michel and Papati.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Raymond Hamilton
Raymond Mainville
Merilda St-Onge
Description
File contains a presentation by the Regroupement des Montagnais hors reserve de Sept-Iles/Maliotenam. Presenter Raymond Hamilton accompanied by Raymond Mainville, and Merilda St-Onge, presents a short history of the movement which seeks to represent off-reserve Indians who were registered with the Department of Indian Affairs since 1985. Hamilton discusses the lack of assistance for his people, education, health, housing, and other concerns.
File contains a presentation by Warner Goodvoice, Social Development Administrator, Wahpeton Band. Goodvoice discusses self governance, funding and bureaucratic issues particualarly with regard to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Goodvoice argues that it is neccessary to get more grassroots engagement and funding into these structures. Following the presentation Comissioner Wilson questions Goodvoice on what he thinks self-governance would mean in pratice and he answers here.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Wayne Goodwill
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Wayne Goodwill of the Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation. Goodwill relates the history of his particular band, and claims that "prior to 1850 our ancestor used to roam right up to the Saskatchewan Rivers and they migrated with the buffalo. In the 1860s when the wars began in the southern area along the Black Hills [South Dakota], most of the people did not migrate anymore." Goodwill protests of being unable to attain adequate funding to complete his people's study of its history in Canada.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Richard Wallace
Description
File contains a presentation by the St. Basil First Nation, Floyd Bernard on behalf of Chief Richard Wallace. Bernard discusses many of the problems of his small community, mainly a lack of adequate infrastructure and service (such as Police and Fire services) provisions. File also contains a conversation between Erasmus and Bernard on these issues, as well as the purpose of the Royal Commission.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
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Author/Creator
Bruce Mack
Verna Billy
Nathan Matthew
Description
The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Education and Training. Bruce Mack, Verna Billy, and Chief Nathan Matthew discuss band schools, tuition agreements, and public education. The presenters also discuss related income, day care, counselling, and social services issues.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Rod Bushie
Jerry Fontaine
Elmer Courchene
Warren Bird
Description
File contains multiple presentations on the topic of Anisinaabe self-governance. The first presentation is by Chief Rod Bushie, Hollow Water Indian Band (pgs 71-75). Bushie discusses his views on Anicinabe self-governance: the need for it to be community based, and the need for a healthy community in order for it to be effective.
American Indian Culture and Research Journal, vol. 27, no. 4, 2003, pp. 79-103
Description
Looks at the provincial Leggatt Inquiry, the legal and political context surrounding it, and the intrusion into First Nations territory and ways of life and peoples effected.
Includes Saskatoon City Council minutes from a meeting on Monday, February 4, 1980 related to a request by the Saskatoon Indian Metis Friendship Centre to establish a Day Care facility in the city.
Delves into the ancient history as well as the colonial era of the Scowlitz Band using existing records and original interviews with community members.
Looks at how rural and remote First Nations have formed organizations which mediate relationships with federal and provincial agencies while using the e-Community ICT model. The model operates under five broad themes: capacity building, infrastructure and connectivity, human resources, information management and service delivery. Discusses the First Nations Education Council in Quebec as a case study.