File contains a presentation by Gilbert Anderson that describes the people of his First Nations as being "a little island by outselves." Anderson describes the events leading to the formation of the reserve and 1958, its surrender. Anderson states that descendants of the original Michel Band still select leaders and maintain social ties, and the Band's goal now is to secure a land base. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
File contains a presentation by Diane Schribe-MacPherson, relating the apathy of Aboriginal students towards improving campus life and the lack of co-operation between the Students Union and the BU Native Organization. She also deals with several issues personally affecting her life as a post-secondary student. A discussion with the Commissioners follows the three Brandon University presentations.
File contains a presentation by Eric Robinson, President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. Robinson discusses his organizations purpose, and mainly focuses on the problems facing the urban Status and Treaty people in Winnipeg, and across Canada. He stresses the need for the Federal government to take action on behalf of Treaty people who live off reserve to alleviate poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to services. Following the presentation, Robinson introduces Mary Guilbeault's (also fo the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg) presentation.
File contains a presentation by Kevin Scofield, director of Wawatay News. Scofield gives his views on world events, and how he thinks the new Canadian Constitution is a positive development for Aboriginal peoples. Scofield also discusses his experiences with racism and discrimination in Canada.
File contains a presentation by Marlene Pierre and Bernadette Cook focusing on Aboriginal women in politics and they must be included in the decision-making process. She describes the clan system of government and how the benefits of that system could be used in an "Aboriginal Charter," a form of self-government established by Aboriginal women on paper. 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
Winona Diabo
Joyce K. Mitchell
Description
File contains presentations by Winona Diabo and Joyce K. Mitchell of the Kanawahke Court System. Diabo describes how her community has had its own court system functioning for twelve years without government funding. She outlines a list of priorities and requests for assistance from the Commission, as well as giving an overview of how the justice system functions at Kanawahke with respect to both policing and judicial processes.
File contains a presentation by Tony Mandamin. Mandamin (a lawyer) discusses the legal system in Canada and Aboriginal societies' interactions with it. Mandamin highlights associated issues such as Aboriginal over-representation in the penal system, and a lack of cultural appropriateness in legal proceedings. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mandamin and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of these issues.
File contains a presentation by Wilfred Price discussing self-government and he states that "70 percent of our people who are living off-reserve do not get proper representation." He presents the idea that having a small group of people from a population of tens of thousands of Aboriginal people in BC elect a select few to represent them is wrong. He wants self-government where all are involved, not just a few. Comments from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus follow the presentation.
Examines the legend of Sacajawea, her importance in the assimilation of Native Americans and argues the impossibility of updating the legend due to American's expectation of popular history.