Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples: Presentation by Diane Petersen
Presenter gives an overview of the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement which applies to part of the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Presenter gives an overview of the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement which applies to part of the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Presenter discusses the administrative, economic, and demographic composition of Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Hill discusses its' ethnic composition (1/3 First Nations, 1/3 Inuit, 1/3 other), its' administrative and institutional apparatus, and related issues in response to questioning from Commissioners Rene Dussault, Allan Blakeney, Grace Blake, and Mary Sillett. Land claims and economic development are also discussed.
Presenter discusses: the history of the Gwich'in people including the signing of Treaty 11 in 1921; land claim issues; language rights and recognition; self-governance and intergovernmental relations; and cultural, educational, and quality of life concerns.
Presenter speaks on a range of subjects including land claims, the Indian Act, the "erosion" of Aboriginal culture and language, and the role of elders in education. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.