Native Studies Review, vol. 8, no. 1, 1992, pp. 47-55
Description
Authors contend that Hansen's, paper which contends that fishing promises made to the Ojibway in1873 are the same as in Treaty 3, cannot be translated literally in spoken Ojibway.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Alex Christmas
Description
File contains a presentation by Alex Christmas, President of the Union of Nova Scotia Indians. Christmas discusses federal Indian policy, the Constitution, and the need for Aboriginal self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion between Christmas and Commissioner George Erasmus regarding the self-governance for the Micmac people.
Native Studies Review, vol. 8, no. 1, 1992, pp. 57-60
Description
Response by author to critical commentary of her paper, Treaty Fishing Rights and the Development of Fisheries Legislation in Ontario: A Primer found in Native Studies Review ( vol.7, no.1, 1991).
File contains a panel discussion of previous presenters from the day's sitting and audience participants on Aboriginal justice issues in Canada. Following this is a closing prayer and the adjournment of the day's proceedings.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, November 26, 1992. File contains the opening prayer and opening remarks for the day's sitting which involves a round table discussion panel on justice issues.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, November 26, 1992. File contains day two of the Commission's round table on justice issues with a wide array of participants. For detailed information see table of participants. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains opening prayers and opening remarks by Murray Sinclair, and Commissioner Bertha Wilson for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Friday, November 27, 1992.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. File contains Day Three of the Commission's round table on justice issues with a wide array of participants. For detailed information see table of participants. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains a Raporteur's report on the preceding three volumes of the Royal Commission. Dean James MacPherson summarizes the themes and offers analysis on RCAP77, RCAP78, and RCAP79, all of which deal with Aboriginal Justice issues in Canada. Following his report are closing comments and a closing prayer which ends the Commission's sitting.
File contains a presentation by Alfred Scow, B.C. Provincial Court Judge. Judge Scow discusses the detrimental effects of the justice system on Aboriginal peoples, and the Indian Act in particular. Judge Scow also expresses the hope that the Commission will lead to substantive changes in the justice system rather than "window dressing."
File contains a presentation by Chief Kowaintco Shackelly, Nooaitch Indian Band. Shackelly discusses the Charlottetown Accord, its package dealing with Aboriginal issues, its defeat by referendum, self-governance, language concerns, women's issues (including Bill C-31), and a variety of health concerns especially the need for more Aboriginal health practitioners and participation in the system. Following her presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand and Chief Don Moses, engage Shackelly in a conversation about some of the issues highlighted.
File contains a presentation by Corinne Chappell, a Micmac woman. Chappell describes the effect of Bill C-31 on Aboriginal people who have married outside their community, and argues that all succeeding generations should retain their status. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners on this issue.
File contains a presentation by Elmer Herman. Herman discusses his work for the Metis Nation in Alberta as an advising counsellor, his views on Bill C-31, and the need for a Metis landbase. Following his presentation Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand discuss the issues raised therein with Herman and previous presenter Betsy Brooks.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Gilbert Pilot
Description
File includes a presentation by Gilbert Pilot of the Nitassinan Coalition. Pilot discusses the work of previous government commissions, court decisions relating to Aboriginal usufruct rights, and the need for a joint statement on people's rights "if peace is really what is wanted in Quebec." Pilot also remarks that he has recently been the target of a criminal act of intimidation. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault engages Pilot in a discussion on the composition of his organization, after which Commissioner Wilson discusses justice and self-government issues with Pilot.
File contains a presentation by Gloria Christmas, Native Justice Court Worker. Christmas, after a brief description of her job, makes a series of recommendations to the Commission on hiring Aboriginal interpreters, Aboriginal court workers, and Aboriginal corrections personnel, in the justice system.
File contains a presentation by Gordon McGregor, Chief of Police, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. McGregor discusses policing within the community and the initiatives that have been taken, as well as juridictional and cultural issues. Following McGregor's presentation he discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Blakeney, Robinson, and Dussault.
File contains a presentation by John Harker, Canadian representative of the International Labour Organization. The International Labour Office is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Harker delivers an international perspective on the issues faced by indigenous peoples, and discusses how his organization seeks to promote the human rights of indigenous peoples and enchancing their position within national societies. Harker also discusses some of the legal history of indigenous issues within the United Nations, and actions taken by his group.
File contains a presentation by Jeremiah McKay and Abe Kakepitum of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak/Northern Chiefs Council. McKay introduces Kakepitum who delivers an address on environmental concerns, traditional resource use, self-governance concerns, Treaty agreements, problems with federal and provincial policies, the Charlottetown referendum, health care concerns, and language issues. McKay then concludes the presentation by discussing the organization's written submission, and thanking the Commission.
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 Leonard Mandamin. He discusses the nature of the justice system in Canada, the cultural diversity of Aboriginal peoples, and the problems with the term "system," the history of European legal systems relationship with Aboriginal justice, and discusses various models used in the United States, Australia, Canada, and closes by stating that "it is not a question of a unified system or of separate Aboriginal systems...It is a matter of recognizing existing authority and human rights."
The file contains a presentation by Margaret Donovan, Vice-President of the Gwich'in Tribal Council. Donovan discusses the history of the Gwich'in people including the signing of Treaty 11 in 1921; land claim issues; language rights and recognition; self-governance and intergovernmental relations; cultural, educational, and quality of life concerns.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Max "One-Onti" Gros-Louis
Description
File contains a presentation by Max "One-Onti" Gros-Louis, Former Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation. He discusses his own personal history, and the history of his people with reference to Aboriginal rights, constitutions, and ill treatment by the federal and provincial governments. Gros-Louis discusses the dispossession of Huron lands and harassment of traditional resource harvesters by government officials. Following his presentation the Commissioners make some comments.
File contains a presentation by Crisis Intervention Officer Marie Francis of the Micmac Native Friendship Centre (Halifax, NS). Francis discusses the financial difficulties faced by the Status Indian population in Canada who lives off reserve, and states that Bands often do not live up to their fiduciary obligations to off-reserve people.
File contains a presentation by Professor Patrick Macklem. He discusses the Consitutional possibilities for handing over jurisdiction in justice affairs to Aboriginal communities.
File contains a presentation by Patsy Bernard of the Abegweit band. Bernard discusses her problems with the Chief of her band, and accusses him of anti-democratic and authoritarian practices. Bernard also discusses the need for increased cultural knowledge and awareness to be implemented before self-government.
File contains a presentation by Professor Patricia Monture-Okanee. She discusses her identity as a Mohawk woman and as a lawyer, about different conceptions of justice, and about patriarchy and colonialism.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Ron Trapper
Description
File contains an individual presentation by Ron Spencer. Spencer discusses the history of his people and how he thinks Aboriginal people can effectively deal with the government by staying united in the face of outside incursions on traditional lands like Ontario hydro development. Spencer discusses the need to rewrite the Constitution to include Aboriginal peoples and stresses the importance of education.
File contains a presentation by Samuel Stevens. Stevens, representing the government of the Northwest Territories, discusses initiatives that his government has taken with regard to Aboriginal people and the justice system.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Harry McDougal
Edward Kistabish
Description
File contains a presentation by the Abitibiwinni Band (Pikogan), Chief Harry McDougal and Edward Kistabish. The Band representatives discuss their land claim, and their unique position as the only Algonquin band in the area who are signatories to Treaty 9. In addition to this they discuss how some members of their communities are subject to the James Bay agreement, which makes for a complex legal situation for their people. Following the presentation the two presenters discuss some of these issues with the assembled Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Denis Jacques and Marie-France Chabot of the Barreau de Quebec. After an introduction of the Association by Denis Jacques, Chabot delivers a detailed report on the particular legal position of Quebec's Aboriginal population relative to those in other provinces. She discusses Treaties, the impact of French Civil law, the unique experience of New France and related matters in framing her argument. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand comment on the contents and discuss it with Chabot.
File contains a presentation by the Gaming Commission by Councillor Ed Hayden in charge of Economic Development and Gaming, Carl Roberts, and General Manager Ernie James of the Gaming Commission. The three presenters discuss relations with the province, gaming developments on the First Nation, Treaty rights, self government, self determination, economic and jurisdictional concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Jean-Maurice Matchewan
Harry St. Denis
Carol McBride
Description
File contains a presentation by three Algonquin bands: Jean-Maurice Matchewan (Lac Barriere), Harry St. Denis (Wolf Lake), and Carol McBride (Timiskaming). This presentation on behalf of all three First Nations gives a brief historical background of the Algonquin people, an overview of their contemporary conditions, the outstanding claim of the Algonquin nation, relations with the Department of Indian Affairs, and a summary and policy recommendations to the Commission.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Tony Belcourt
Description
File contains a presentation by Tony Belcourt, Constitutional Advisor, Metis National Council. Belcourt adds some remarks to the previous presentation by Marc Leclair, spokesperson for the Metis National Council. Belcourt asks the Commission to act on behalf of Metis peoples to let their history be known to Canadians, and to have them included as equals under the designation of Aboriginal peoples. Belcourt points out that often Metis people have been disregarded and Aboriginal used as a blanket term for First Nations and Inuit people in general parlance.
File contains a presentation by President Jean-Guy Roch and Serge Gagne of la Federation des policiers du Quebec. Roch and Gagne discuss the viewpoints of their organization which represents municipal police across Quebec, with the exception of Montreal. They deliver a presentation on policing Aboriginal people and Aboriginal communities, the need for increased understanding of Aboriginal cultural and legal issues, and related matters related to law enforcement. Following the presentation is a discussion between the representatives and the assembled Commissioners on law enforcement issues.
File contains a presentation by Shirley Adamson, Council for Yukon Indians. Adamson, chairperson for the Vuntut Gwich'in Council, discusses the self-governance negotiations which her organization has embarked upon with the Government of Canada. The respective First Nations parties involved in such negotiations included the Vuntut Gwi'chin Tribal Council, the Na-cho Ny'a'k Dun First Nation, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, and the Teslin/Tlingit First Nation.
File contains opening remarks by Michael Thrasher of Victoria, B.C. Thrasher relates his experiences of learning from Elders, engaging people across the country in addressing addictions and culture reclamation issues, the importance of solidarity amongst Status Indian, Metis, Non-status Indian, and Inuit peoples, the reality of racism and discrimination in Canadian society, and the need for people to be committed to addressing these issues rather than just involved with them.
File contains opening remarks by Samaria Reynolds of The Pas, Manitoba. She touches on a variety of issues including education accessibility, medical care for northerners, her own disability and the issues that has raised for her, issues arising with her reinstatement under Bill C31 (which gave many Aboriginal women back their Status under the Indian Act), her children and grandchildren and the experiences they've faced, the problem of youth suicide, and the importance of learning from Elders.
File contains an open round table discussion on Aboriginal justice issues in Canada with 24 participants. The theme of the discussion is the creation of a separate Aboriginal justice system(s), what such a system(s) would deal with, and whether it would be possible to establish such a system(s) under the current Constitutional framework.
6 Part video series outlines the history of the residential school system and how it personally affected generations of First Nations people.
Features the voices of many former school residents and their families, including Elijah Harper, Art Solomon, Shirley Cheechoo and the songs of Maria Linklater.
Duration: 51:00.
Click "play all" to see all six videos or click each part separately.