RCAP 32 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Waswanipi, Quebec. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations on a variety of subjects such as education, health care, unemployment, child and family welfare, and the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
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 Simeo Rich expressing sadness that elders were not consulted when the Churchill Falls Hydro Project was being planned in the 1960s. The destruction of hunting lands has been devastating to the Innu and Rich hopes that future self-government will eliminate the federal government's control over the Innu.
File contains an individual presentation by Sylvester Andrew, employee of the local school. He briefly describes the history of Aboriginal people in Labrador. Andrew states that hydro projects and low-level Canadian Forces jets have disrupted lives, as well as wildlife, which Innu people depend on for survival. Flooding has destroyed the hunting areas used by the Innu and Andrew believes the Innu must begin land claims negotations to prevent the loss of more land and resources.
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 Chief Allan Happyjack and Jack Blacksmith that first provides a brief history of Waswanipi. Their presentation covers a wide range of issues, including the justice system and policing, hunting and trapping, the environment and health care. The speakers believe that the Canadian and Quebec governments have either ignored, set aside or in breach of major sections of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Andrew Thomas
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Andrew Thomas addressing the toxic waste located on the Esquimalt Reserve and asking why it are no toxic waste disposal facilities in all of British Columbia. Thomas is also chairman of the Land Claims Committee for the First Nations of South Island, British Columbia. He reads briefly from a report from that committee documenting the history of the Douglas Treaties and states that the Fisheries Act trumps all fishing rights negotiated during the Douglas Treaties signings.
File contains a presentation by Chief Berni Metecheah, Halfway First Nation. Chief Metecheah outlines some of his concerns over resource development (specifically logging activities) disrupting trap lines, and associated pollution. Metecheah also highlights his concerns with sport hunters wasting moose carcasses and over-hunting in the area, as well as the detrimental impact of herbicides on his community.
File contains an individual presentation by Chief Ignace Gull. Gull discusses the living conditions faced by Aboriginal people in the area which he describes as third or fourth world. Specifically he discusses water and sewer issues, fire protection, energy, social development, drug and alcohol abuse, and a lack of economic oppotunities and education. Gull also discusses trapping concerns, concerns with the justice system, problems with RCMP and Conservation Officers regarding game law enforcement, proposed hydro developments, and protection of burial sites.
File contains a presentation by Chief James Henderson and Steve Fobister relating to the negative effects of the Rainy Lake dam in Ontario, built between 1905 and 1909. Their First Nations fishing and hunting grounds were destroyed by flooding and they believe that proper compensation has never been given to their First Nations. The presenters also address the complete absence of telephone service on their First Nations, and call on the Commission to assist in negotiations with Bell Canada. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Jerry Attachie
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Jerry Attachie, Doig River First Nation. Attachie discusses his issues with resource companies, specifically forestry and oil companies, causing problems for his peoples trapping and hunting activities. Attachie also discusses concerns with education and housing. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Attachie.
Returning Men to Honour: A Guidebook for Developing Intervention and Education Programs for Men Who Batter in Native Communities
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
George Behn
Description
File contains a presentation by Grand Chief George Behn, Fort Nelson First Nation. Behn relays the history of his people from the time they signed Treaty 8 until the present. Behn discusses problems with the government and resource companies, and the settlement which his First Nation made for oil royalty revenue. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses resource use and pollution issues with Behn.
File contains a presentation by Jerry Noskiye that first details the history of the Loon River Cree Band. He seeks compensation from logging and oil companies working in the area, resulting in the destruction of traplines and the livelihood of band members. He calls on the Commission to assist in negotiate the band's land claim and to force logging and oil companies to consult with the band before starting work in the area. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
John Prince
Maurice Browning
Description
File contains a presentation by John Prince and Maurice Browning speaking on behalf of the Elders of their community. The elders have seen 80-90 years of destruction of their hunting and trapping grounds and of the family unit.
File contains a presentation made by Frank Morin for the Protectors of Mother Earth on environmental issues pertaining to Northern Saskatchewan communities and the lack of proper government representation. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.
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 Treaty Eight Tribal Council representatives Reg Whiten, and Chief Stewart Cameron. The Tribal Council's presentation includes video excerpts (not included in the transcript) and an oral presentation dealing with issues of concern to it. Foremost amongst these are concerns with resource development interfering with traditional lifestyles and spiritual areas, and pollution. The presenters also discuss the difficulties they have experienced in working with various levels of government.