American Indian Culture and Research Journal, vol. 27, no. 1, 2003, pp. 1-32
Description
An investigation into Native Americans worldviews in relation to many versions of the life and death of Sacajawea, the interpreter who accompanied Lewis and Clark.
RCAP 28 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Thomas Cheechoo Memorial Centre, Moose Factory, Ontario. This sitting of the Commission contains verbal and written presentations primarily by elders in the Moose Factory area relating to education, the Indian Act, Aboriginal women's rights, self-government. Each submission can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains an individual presentation by Ann Bayne that first provides a history of the Kaska First Nations and the Liard Indian Band. Bayne describes her Band's struggle with a referendum addressing a hereditary system or elected system in determining the position of Chief. She believes that residents should have a choice in determining their leadership. Bayne also discusses abolishing the Indian Act, the need for personal development programs and calls for more treatment centres for substance abuse. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.
File contains an individual presentation by Lucienne Robinson detailing her frustrating personal experiences with Bill C-31 and her attempt to return to her home First Nations in northern Ontario. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Sidney Demore that debates the status vs. non-status Indian issue and how it affects his family, as he is a non-status Indian and his wife is status. He also discusses the abuse of alcohol and the effect on Aboriginal families.
File contains opening remarks by Chief Norm Wesley who introduces Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Viola Robinson, Pat Chilton, and Derek McLeod, Youth Commissioner for the Day.
File contains opening remarks by Chief Pat Chilton welcoming attendees to the evening potlatch and hearing. Chilton explains the purpose of the Commission and emphasizes that elders have a large role to play with their presentations. He introduces Chief Norm Wesley of Moose Factory.
File contains a presentation by Alex Nelson, Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association of British Columbia. Nelson describes himself as a sports addict and has been involved with coaching sports his entire adult life. He sees the North American Indigenous Games as the pinnacle of Aboriginal sporting achievement, and he hopes that sports funding at the local levels is increased so that Aboriginal youth continue to have the opportunity to play sports. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Alfred Beaver that focuses on financial accountability of First Nations governments. He sees young children sleeping in train cars at night on his First Nations and wonders how band councils can ignore this problem. He calls upon the Commission to make First Nations accountable for their finances.
File contains a presentation by Alice Kruta and Lorraine Dennis discussing the plight of Aboriginal people trying to negotiate through the Aboriginal system where it is unjust. They state that there are no appeal processes for those who question their Band or First Nations leadership. The women call on the Commission to help make Aboriginal leadership accountable to their own members. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Barry Ravenhill, Mayor of Watson Lake relating to Aboriginal self-government as it affects municipalities and local bands. He also briefly discusses housing construction on First Nations without proper building standards. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.
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 made by the Big Trout Lake First Nations presented by Steven Chapman, Tonena McKay, Bruce Sakakeep, Mary-Ann Anderson, Alice Beardy and Jemima Morris; on the various topics of the relationship of the Canadian Justice System pertaining to Aboriginals, Education, Self-Government, language and medical care. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners. Comments of the Commissioner-of-the-Day are translated to English from his own language.
File contains a brief presentation by Calvin Claxton, Band Administrator, Sachem Band, focusing on band funding, especially for small bands such as Sachem. He states that he is primarily an observer for the Sachem Band and is grateful for the opportunity to speak before the Commission.
File contains remarks by Chief Andrew Kirkness welcoming the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba, and expressing his hopes for the process.
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.
File contains a presentation by Chief Calvin McArthur of the Pheasant Rump Nakoda Band. McArthur is also a representative of the Dakota Nation Chiefs. McArthur explains his view that the Treaties are nation to nation agreements, and relates how his own band signed an adhesion to Treaty No. 4 in 1876.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Edmund Metatawabin focusing on Aboriginal self-government. He states that local First Nations government must be empowered first to oversee health and family services, education, public works and security, police protection, housing, and other issues relating to First Nations on a local level. Once that structure is in place can Aboriginal leaders call for self-government on a national level. Cecilia Scott, youth representative, speaks briefly about the importance of education for Aboriginal youth.
File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Antoine on behalf of the Deh Cho Regional Council. The presentation was prepared by Rene Lamothe and Betty Hardisty, who consulted with Elders, band members, Metis locals and municipal council of the Deh Cho Region. Visitations in the Deh Cho Region generated feedback regarding the Canadian Constitution and a discussion of the existing constitutional revisions in Canada. Briefly listed are statements of positions by members of the various local councils.
File contains a presentation by Chief Gerry Jack, Muchaht (phonetic) Culture. Jack discusses his people's traditional cultural views on governance and territory. Following the presentation is a conversation between Chief Jack and Commissioner Georges Erasmus on some of the ideas in Jack's presentation.
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.
File contains a presentation by Chief James Ross of the Gwich'in people. Chief Ross delivers some remarks on the Gwich'in Final Agreement (a land claim) and introduces Diane Petersen and George Nurysoo who will present after him.
File contains a presentation by Chief Pascal Bighetty and Darryl Linkletter, Junior Chief, representing the Missinipi people of the Churchill River area. Bighetty describes systems of indigenous self-government in other countries and the limits put on band councils by the Canadian government. He states that if South Africa can "invite the First Nations of Africa to sit side by side in the Parliament," then Canada should have Aboriginal Members of Parliament in the near future. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
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 Dave Mowat, a University of Manitoba student, regarding education funding, band governance, self-government, and issues he's encountered as a Bill C-31 person.
File contains a presentation by Don McLean, a status Indian Micmac man who lives off reserve. McLean lists two issues he would like the Commission to discuss: namely, the allocation of federal funding to bands not reaching off-reserve members, and compensation for women who lost their status by marrying non-Aboriginal men. Following the presentation are a few brief remarks by Georges Erasmus.
File contains a presentation by Don Ryan focusing on Aboriginal rights and title. He gives the Commission documents that his organization wants recorded in the official record for the purposes of the Commission. He introduces Herb George, speaking for the Wet'suwet'en people.
File contains a presentation by Dorothy McDonald, Chief, Fort McKay Indian Band. McDonald discusses tar sand development and how it has negatively effected her people and destroyed their traditional way of life.
File contains a presentation by Gabe Mentouck, a member of Native Mediation Inc. Mentouck relates why he opposes inherent Indian self-government, and tells a personal story of persecution and abuse by the Chief on his reserve. Mentouck highlights problems with a lack of accountability in Status Indian leadership, a lack of respect for individual rights on reserve, gangsterism and threatening behaviour towards those who opposse the status quo, and unfair treatment of himself from the wider Canadian legal system. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Mr.
File contains a presentation by Grace Menconse, Vice-President of Native Mediation Inc. Menconse, a Bill C-31 person, discusses her groups problems with an undefined self-government, jurisdictional issues, with lack of accountability and transparency in Band politics, and the need to apply the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Status Indians. Menconse also discusses electoral fraud and serious human rights abuses which she accuses Aboriginal leadership of being complicit in.
File contains a detailed presentation by Herb George focusing on Aboriginal rights and title. He discusses the effects of the McKinnon-McBride Commission of 1913-1915 and provides legal decisions that favor the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people in their present-day quest for self-government. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Jack Houle that describes the difficulty of opening a business in Edmonton while being an off-reserve resident. Roadblocks for funding come from various Aboriginal organizations and his own First Nations. He calls on the Commission to help him secure funding. A 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
Peter Ross
Description
File contains a presentation by James Cardinal on behalf of Chief Peter Ross of the Arctic Red River community of the Gwich'in people (in the Mackenzie River Delta). Cardinal's presentation disucsses alcohol problems, land claims, band issues, education, and a host of other issues. Following the presentation is a conversation between the presenter and the Commissioners (mainly Allan Blakeney) regarding some of the issues raised, notably the effectiveness of alcohol prohibition in Gwich'in territory.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Jim Antoine
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Jim Antoine, Member of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly for Nahende. He gives a brief introduction to Treaty 11 relating to his constituency and to the future formation of Nunavut. Antoine discusses what land claims and self-government would mean to the Northwest Territories, focusing on the extinguishment clause. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
File contains a presentation by John Corbiere relating to the constitutional and legal position of the Metis and off-reserve Aboriginals. He states that on his First Nations, "The present elected band leadership is denying our off-reserve members the opportunity to vote on the basic things that have a crucial effect on their lives. Those members are being excluded from the social and political prosperity of the band.
File contains a presentation by Ken Goodwill of the White Cap First Nation. Goodwill discusses the importance of Treaty and the government's (both Britain and Canada's) obligations to the Dakota people. He discusses the concessions he feels his people have made, and asks that the government deliver the just rights of the Dakota to their people. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and previous presenter Calvin McArthur specifically addressing the historical disspossession of his people's reserve land.
File contains a presentation by Ken Pruden relating to the difficulties Canadian Friendship Centres have in providing services for its target audience. Pruden says that funding cuts by the Canadian government are inhibiting the Friendship Centres' ability to assist persons and calls on the Commission to bring this matter to the government's attention. Pruden introduces Ray Fox, also of the Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre.
File contains a presentation by Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Whiteduck discusses a variety of issues concerns, foremost of which are land and land claims. Whiteduck also discusses hunting and fishing rights, past exploitation of resources, Bill C-31, education (including post-secondary) concerns, language loss and assimilation, health services, and justice issues (including courts, Native courts, and policing). Following the presentation Whiteduck discusses some of these issues with the assembled Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Leon Sock, Economic Development Officer, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock says that "the failure of deal seriously with the question of Indian economics in Canada can be rated as one of the greatest failures in our national policy." He lists obstacles the Canadian government must overcome to work with Aboriginal leaders and proposes the reorganization of the defunct Big Cove Economic Development Program to start the process on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.
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 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 wide ranging presentation by Richard Francis and Darrell Paul of the Kingsclear Maliseet First Nation. The presentation is given on behalf of Chief Stephen Sacobie who was unable to attend due to other commitments. Francis outlines a wide variety of concerns to his people centering around the right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as offering a critique of what he sees as a governmental system driven by greed.
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 Robert Kanateuat focusing on the adverse effects of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement on his and other First Nations in the James Bay area.
File contains a presentation by Roy Littlechief focusing on the misuse of power by the chief and band council relating to his unidentified First Nations. Accountability is needed with money and policies and he says reserve residents are denied better housing because of the greed.
File contains a presentation by Sharon Pelletier at the University of Manitoba regarding her personal experiences as a mature student, single parent, and Bill C31 person. Following this is a discussion with the Commissioners also involving the preceding presenter, Dave Mowat, also a student at the University of Manitoba, regarding the issues raised in their two presentations.
File contains a presentation by Silas Wesley of Kashechewan Cree First Nation in Ontario discussing his past work with various Aboriginal organizations relating to self-government. He feels that the Commission will help in the struggle for self-government and hopes that "we can include and justify our land within the Constitution."