Looks at application of common law applies to the Métis people and the special circumstances surrounding duty to consult cases due to history and constitutional recognition.
Presentation made at the Canadian Bar Association in 1992 examining the constitution, histories, and contemporary political processes of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
Canadian Journal of Native Education, vol. 35, no. 1, Indigenous Pedagogies Resurgence and Restoration, 2012, pp. 7-22, 222
Description
Discusses the discourses of history for Indigenous education and how reconceptualizing Métis history is important to transforming educational institutions.
Panel discussion with the authors of Riel: A Life of Revolution, Louis Riel: A Comic Strip Biography and Louis the Heretic Poems talking about the life of Louis Riel.
Duration: 44:40.
Presentation to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Frank Tough
Description
Explains the background and operation of the Scrip system which as put in place by the federal government as a way of extinguishing the Métis' Indian title and dealing with the land grant provided by the Manitoba Act, 1870.
"41st Parliament, 1st Session (June 2, 2011 - September 13, 2013)"
File contains an opening prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan, on Tuesday, December 8, 1992. The opening prayer was made by Jim Favel and Commissioner of the Day Martin Durocher called on the moderator, Max Morin, to present a Historical Perspective of Ile a la Crosse. Opening remarks were made by Commissioner Rene Dussault and Commissioner Mary Sillett regarding the composition and mandate of the Commission and commenting on the Historical Perspective.
File contains opening remarks by Tom MacCagno who provides the Commission with a history of the exploration and establishment of Lac La Biche. He notes the involvement of Metis people when Father Albert Lacombe arrived in 1852. MacCagno says that Portage La Biche, forerunner of Lac La Biche, is a Canadian national historic site but the government chooses not to designate and restore the site. MacCagno also comments on aboriginal language policy and how elders must pass down the language and traditions of Aboriginal peoples to the youth.
File contains a presentation by Albert Delaire, Regional Director, Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Delaire accuses the Commission of over-representing Status Indian concerns to the detriment of Metis people, to which Commissioner Erasmus responds. Following this is a conversation between Delaire and Commissioners Erasmus and Blakeney on the Commissions mandate, and its efforts to include Metis people.
File contains a presentation by Eric Joubert, spokesperson of the Alliance autochtone du Quebec. Joubert describes the background of his organization which exists to assist Metis, Non-status, and status off reserve populations in Quebec and its involvement in various programs. Joubert then discusses rights concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Joubert for his suggestion.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Augustine Abraham
Description
File contains a presentation by Augustine Abraham, President of l'Union nationale metisse St-Joseph du Manitoba, in French. Abraham relates the history of her organization, which was founded to represent the francophone and Roman Catholic Metis community of Manitoba in 1887. She discusses how the idea of a seperate Metis government is contrary to Louis Riel's vision, and how her organization would like to see the Metis as partners in Canada. Abraham also discusses land issues, and the then recent Constitutional talks chaired by Joe Clark (the so-called "Canada Round" of negotiations).
File contains a presentation by Brian Cook. Cook discusses the need to incorporate Aboriginal history into school curriculums, the importance of having a land base, the Indian Act, the lack of an economic base for the reserve system, and problems with the justice system. Much of Cook's presentation deals with systemic racism. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cook and the Commissioners on the issues he has raised.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Carol Thompson
Description
File contains a presentation by Carol Thompson focusing on the lack of recognition of Métis issues in British Columbia, in the areas of culture, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and the lack of resources for Elders to receive proper health care.
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Claire Riddle
Description
File contains a presentation by Claire Riddle, Vice-President, Winnipeg Region of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Riddle mainly discusses economic matters including education, assistance for entrepreneurs, affirmative action, small business, and self-government for Metis people. She also discusses some Metis history making the assertion that "traditionally the Metis were a commercial nation whose entrepreneurs pursued ventures in national and international trade." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding its contents.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Clifford Trapper
Description
File contains an individual presentation by Clifford Trapper. Trapper is a Metis man presenting on behalf of his grandfather, a Metis elder of the James Bay area. Trapper's presentation discusses uniqueness of Aboriginal culture and the need for government help with the decline of the traditional economy. It also touches on issues like pollution and self-governance.
File contains a presentation by Dave Barron of the Pacific Metis Federation. Barron discusses the story of his people, their neglect by government, his views on Bill C-31 and how the government has divided Aboriginal peoples starting at the family level. Barron concludes by recommending that "some form of legislation be enacted within the near future to release our people from the bonds of Bill C-31, if they should desire." Following the presentation is a discussion between Barron and Commissioner Erasmus on the ideas raised in the presentation.
File contains remarks by Diane Delaronde of the Pas Region, Manitoba Metis Federation. Delaronde welcomes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba on behalf of her organization.
File contains a presentation by Dr. Anne Anderson. Anderson's presentation entitled "The history of the Metis nation." The presentation gives a general overview of Metis history from Anderson's own personal perspective and what she thinks is its relevance.
File contains a presentation by Garth Wallbridge. Wallbridge, a Métis man, presenting as an individual, raises a wide variety of concerns. These include Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal relations, government policy, the Commission itself, educational issues, self-governance, languages, Métis issues, and others. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Wallbridge.
File contains a presentation by Gerald Thom stating that Metis organizations are finally, in the 1990s, becoming involved in government policymaking. Thom believes that "in order to attain our goals we must support decentralization of powers from the federal and provincial government, and we must have a say on what policies and issues arise through decentralization. He discusses briefly education, language, and employment concerns relating to the Metis. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Gilbert Capot Blanc
Description
File contains an a presentation by Gilbert Capot Blanc of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association. Blanc's presentation gives an account of the history of First Nations in Northeastern British Columbia, and how they came into Treaty Eight with the Crown, and the aftermath of entering into Treaty. Blanc discusses the Dunneza (Beaver), Cree, and Saulteaux inhabitants of the area from the 1790s onward. Commissioner Erasmus questions Blanc on how the Saulteaux (originally from the Lake Winnipeg area of what is now Manitoba) came to the area and Blanc describes what he knows of this history.
File contains a presentation by Gloria Mehlmann and Karen Chamone focusing on education as it relates to Indian and Metis peoples. They recommend that Indian and Metis materials must be an integral part of the curriculum; Indian and Metis materials must be presented in all subject areas; and contemporary materials on Indian and Metis people must complement historical material, among other recommendations. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Gordon Carter, member of the Metis Nation. He reiterates comments made by an earlier speaker regarding toxic waste disposal. Carter then acknowledges the historic contribution that Metis people made in the construction of the first buildings in Victoria and Vancouver in the 1700s. He hopes that Metis people will be recognized in the future for their contributions to Aboriginal life.