File contains a presentation by Alex Skead that describes his personal experiences with learning from daily life: "So much things to learn in life." He recounts several legends relating to educating Aboriginal youth on his First Nations about living with nature, utilizing sweat lodges for healing and preserving Aboriginal languages.
File contains an individual presentation by Cindy Gilday of Fort Franklin, NWT. She tells the Commission about the 398 unmarked graves in the Deh Cho (formerly a residential school) Hall yard and says that unmarked graves are "a very significant symbol of opporession, the ultimate symbol as far as the Dene are concerned." She states that her father was present at the Treaty signings in 1911 and 1921 and feels the Canadian government has not fulfilled any of the treaties' terms.
File contains an individual presentation by Greg Kjos who has ministered with people who either live near or work near Aboriginal First Nations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He believes that our society should regard Aboriginal spirituality as having equal status with other established faiths. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains an individual presentation by Kathleen Nuna focusing on aspects of Innu culture she feels have been lost; fishing, hunting, trapping, folklore and spirituality. She calls on the Commission to provide Innu communities with funding to teach younger generations traditional and survival skills to keep Innu culture alive. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.
File contains a brief prayer in Inuit by Co-Chair Rene Dussault, followed by an introduction of Elder Angus Merrick by Phil Fontaine. Angus Merrick, who is ninety years of age, delivers a prayer in his native language, then makes a few comments on youth regarding cultural awareness and linguistic retention.
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 McKay and George Fulford. McKay discusses Ojibwa spiritual beliefs and the importance of Aboriginal languages. Fulford expands on this by presenting on Aboriginal languages in a Canadian Constitutional and political policy context. Fulford reccomends that the Royal Commission "appoint a task force to look into the matter of aboriginal language and education in Canada." Following the presentations is a discussion between the presenters and the assembled Commissioners on language issues.
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 Simon Lucas, Hesquiat Tribe Access to Sea Resources. Lucas discusses the relationship of his people with the ocean and the resources therein, as well as how it forms part of their worldview. He critiques contemporary Western views of resource usage, and discusses the importance of sea resources. Following the presentation is a discussion between Lucas and Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah regarding sea issues.
File contains a presentation by Dale Awasis, Native Educator. Awasis discusses education, and his general concerns regarding Aboriginal people with Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.
File contains a presentation by Dennis Thorne. Thorne, whose Oglala Lakota (Sioux) name is Tungan Cikala, speaks on the topic of "Protection of Traditional Spiritual Beliefs." Included in his presentation are problems with the Canadian border and the guards measures there against Aboriginal holy people (Thorne argues that the Jay Treaty enshrines freedom of movement for Aboriginal people across the Canada-U.S.
File contains a brief presentation by Desmond Peters focuses on community development. He mentions government policy aimed at assimilation and particularly Bill C-31 that has left Aboriginals "in a dysfunctional state in our own communities. He then introduces the next speaker, Leonie Rivers.
File contains a presentation by Duncan Awasis, Mark Amy Centre. Awasis gives the first half of his presentation in Cree (English translation is provided in the text) and the second half in English. Awasis stresses the importance of rediscovering the "Indian way" in terms of culture and spirituality to heal the people. Awasis also mentions some of the problems facing the community of Fort McMurrary that he has encountered during his work at the Mark Amy Centre, an alcohol addiction treatment centre.
File contains a presentation by Elder Moses Smith of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people. Smith discusses his people historical and traditional society from a standpoint of governance and the family. Commissioner Erasmus asks Smith if there are any special concerns he has and Smith replies by discussing the importance of having an economic land base to his people.
File contains a presentation by Emile Trip-de-Roche. Trip-de-Roche discusses the mandate of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and her personal views on it. Trip-de-Roche advances a critical view of the Commission's mandate discussing such issues as natural resources, parks, burial grounds, and land claims. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney with Trip-de-Roche regarding the Commission and its mandate, followed by an adjournment of the days proceedings.
File contains a presentation by Fletcher Stewart and Lydia Constant of the Henry Budd College for Ministry. The Henry Budd College for Ministry is an academic institution under the auspices of the Diocese of Brandon, Anglican Church of Canada. Its purpose is to equip persons for ministry in the Church. The aims of the College are three-fold: a) Academic and practical education of Aboriginal people for Christian ministry (lay and ordained) primarily but not exclusively in the Anglican Church of Canada.
File contains a presentation by Gerald One Feather, Mato Mna Sni, Ta Tiospaye Oglala Oyate. One Feather discusses the spiritual beliefs of his people, the Lakota, and how that informs their ideas about traditional governance. One Feather then goes on to relate some of the institutional history of the Lakota people, going into specific detail with regard to their relationship with the United States government. He also discusses problems experienced by Lakota people with the interenational boundary, and makes some recommendations for their ameilioration.
File contains a presentation by Grace Delaney. Delaney discusses her personal spiritual views and gives her perspective on the need to "recognize the misdeeds that people are doing in our communities."
File contains a presentation by Irene Personius. Personius discusses issues related to education, and how the school system has impacted her own family. Following the presentation are some brief comments from Commissioner Blakeney, followed by Mr. Nathan McGillivary initiating closing prayers by a community elder, and the adjournment of the day's proceedings.
File contains a presentation by J. Spencer Rowe. Rowe makes an individual presentation on cultural issues. Rowe discusses the importance of Aboriginal language education, and how he views spirituality as the path forward for Aboriginal peoples but that this root is difficult as they have become seperated from their lands.
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 Maxwell Yalden, Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, regarding his organizations past advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal peoples (including its support for the creation of the Commission), a universalist approach to Charter of Rights and Freedoms rights, his view that the Charter is complimentary to collective Aboriginal rights, the need to redress and relieve discrimination and abuses against Aboriginal Canadians, the importance of acting now with regards to Aboriginal issues rather than later.
File contains a presentation by Patrick Polchies. Polchies is a member of the Kingsclear First Nation, and voices his views on a variety of topics including the inherent right to self-governance, the importance of Aboriginal inclusion in the Constitutional process, questions about accountability in Aboriginal governance, fishing rights, the Cultural Properties Act, and religious artifacts. Following the presentation is a brief discussion between Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillet, and the presenter followed by the end of the Commission's session for the day.
File contains a presentation by Rosemarie Moffit. Moffit discusses identity issues of a personal and collective nature, and then describes some Ojibway spiritual beliefs and how she feels they are relevant to dealing with the problem of drug and alcohol abuse. Following the presentation are comments by the assembled Commissioners and a discussion between Moffit and Commissioner Chartrand on issues of mixed-background, Metis, and Non-Status identity designations as they apply in Ontario.
File contains opening remarks by Elder Stephen Augustine who explains the significance of the sweetgrass and drum ceremony. Augustine also provides a history of the Mi'kmaq First Nation of Big Cove, New Brunswick. Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillett and the honorary Commissioners, Elder Anthony Francis and grandson Justin Francis, are introduced. File also contains opening remarks by Commission Co-Chairs Rene Dussault and Mary Sillett about the history and purpose of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, and what the Commission hopes to accomplish.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Wayne Goodwill
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Wayne Goodwill of the Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation. Goodwill relates the history of his particular band, and claims that "prior to 1850 our ancestor used to roam right up to the Saskatchewan Rivers and they migrated with the buffalo. In the 1860s when the wars began in the southern area along the Black Hills [South Dakota], most of the people did not migrate anymore." Goodwill protests of being unable to attain adequate funding to complete his people's study of its history in Canada.
File contains a presentation by Wilson Okeymaw, executive director of an additions facility on Ermineskin First Nation. He addresses the problem of addictions among Canada's Aboriginal peoples and speaks of his own struggle with alcohol. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation re culture by Peter Atkinson of the Cultural Education Program, and Councillor Charlie Nelson. Atkinson discusses Treaties, language, self-government, the need for a land base, and cross-cultural mutual understanding. Councillor Nelson discusses the Anishnabe culture, its society, and history. Nelson also discusses the significance of Treaty and social problems.
File contains opening remarks by Alex Skead in the Ojibway language (translation in English given as text). Alex discusses his personal spiritual beliefs, the importance of the sweat, and fasting, and the importance of a healthy culture in producing healthy individuals in the wider society.
File contains remarks by Jerome Syrette, Commissioner For The Day and elder, that briefly touch on a number of subjects such as the influence of elders upon youth, living in harmony with the Creator and Mother Earth, and the Clan system.
File contains opening remarks by Ruth Skead of Raw Portage, Ontario. Skead relates how the way of life for her First Nation has changed over her life time, and the importance of learning about her culture as a way to survive.
Book review of: Wolverine Myths and Visions: Dene Traditions from Northern Alberta compiled by the Dene Wodih Society, edited by Patrick Moore and Angela Wheelock.