Discusses the origins of the movement, reviews its philosophy, and explains historical factors which contributed to the almost universal support it received.
Comparative Research in Law & Political Economy Research Paper Series ; no.13
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Shin Imai
Ashley Stacey
Description
Discusses two cases Neskonlith Indian Band v Salmon Arm (City) and Wahgoshing First Nation v Solid God Resources Corp both involving failure to consult with First Nations by a municipality and a private business.
File contains a presentation by Hubert Clary, Chief of the Obedjiwan Council. Clary discusses the overexploitian of natural resouces (forestry, wildflife) around his community and the detrimental effects this has had. Clary also stresses that his people are not anti-development but wish to be partners in development on their territory. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with Clary.
File contains a presentation by Vice President Ernest Ottawa of the Attikamek-Montagnais Council. Ottawa discusses the Council which consists of three Attikamek communities in Lac St-Jean, the North Shore, the lower North Shore, and Sheffereville in the North, and its mandate of coming to an agreement with the Governments of Quebec and Canada on the settlement of comprehensive land claims. Following Ottawa's presentation Commissioners Ottawa, Robinson, and Dussault discuss some of the issues raised with him.
File contains a presentation by President Simon Awashish of the Council of the Attikamek Nation. Awashish discusses the history of the Attikamek, land holding, land management, self-governance, economic development, wildlife management, and resources. Following the presentation Awashish discusses these issues with Dussault.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Northern United Place Hall, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. File contains a variety of presentations by individuals, Aboriginal organizations, government agencies and community groups. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains an indivdual presentation by Irene Neeposh, a trapper, expressing personal dissatisfaction with government restrictions on Income Security and the use of wood for shelters and campfires. She calls on the Commission to ensure that her way of life on the trapline will not be phased out of existence with more government restrictions.
File contains a presentation by Andy Von Busse, Alberta Fish and Game Association. Von Busse discusses conservation issues in Alberta, specifically with regards to Aboriginal utilization of wildlife. Following the presentation is a discussion between Von Busse regarding Treaty rights to hunt, and jurisdictional questions with regard to wildlife management and land usage.
File contains a presentation by Clifford Lincoln, Special Representative of the Barriere Lake Algonquins. Lincoln discusses the Trilateral Agreement signed by the Barrier Lake Algonquins with the governments of Quebec and Canada on August 22, 1991.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Buzzie (Henry) Phillips
Rudy Simard
Description
File contains a presentation by Buzzie (Henry) Phillips, and Rudy Simard. These two individuals speak on behalf of the community of Manigotagan, the Manigotagan Community Council, the Aboriginal Council of Manigotagan and Bill C-31 off-reserve Indians and the proposed Chillwee Indian Band. Their presentations make a variety of recommendations to aid Métis and non-Status Indian populations in the area particularly with respect to government jurisdiction, land rights, and natural resources. Following the presentation are remarks by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the presentations.
File contains a presentation by Chief Archie Waguan of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. Waguan discusses the relationship his people have had with the government of Canada since they signed Treaty Eight in 1899, and the negative impact that the Canadian government and industry have had on their community and the environment which sustains it. Waguan questions the intentions of the Commission and its mandate. Commissioner Blakeney responds to the concerns raised by Waguan, and Commissioner Chartrand also contributes some comments.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Bernard Meneen
Narcisse Moberly
Johnson Sewegaham
Francis Meneen
Gabe Meneen
Cliff Kazony
Harold Cardinal
Description
File contains a presentation by Chief Bernard Meneen, Narcisse Moberly, Chief Johnson Sewegaham, Francis Meneen, Gabe Meneen, Cliff Kazony, and Harold Cardinal, High Level Tribal Council. The file consists of two formal presentations by the Tribal Council and a dialogue between the representatives and the assembled Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Chief Berni Metecheah, Halfway First Nation. Chief Metecheah outlines some of his concerns over resource development (specifically logging activities) disrupting trap lines, and associated pollution. Metecheah also highlights his concerns with sport hunters wasting moose carcasses and over-hunting in the area, as well as the detrimental impact of herbicides on his community.
File contains a presentation by Chief Robert Pasco of the Nlaka'pamux Tribal Council. Pasco, Chief of the Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band, discusses the history of his Nlaka'pamux Nation and its efforts to create a strong centralized government in the 1870s, as well as the suppression of this movement by the federal government. Pasco goes on to relate the desire of his people to have a written Constitution based on their traditions and to engage in a government to government relationship with the federal government. Pasco also discusses ongoing land claims and fisheries disputes.
File contains a presentation by Chief Walter Barry, Beniot's Cove Indian Band. Barry discusses his concerns regarding fisheries, employment, education, and cross cultural understanding. Following the presentation Berry discusses these issues with Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Tony White.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Clarence Apsassin
Description
File contains a presentation by Clarence Apsassin, Blueberry River Reserve. He relates a brief history of Aboriginal people in North America from before 1492 down to the present day. Following this he discusses some of the history of Treaty 8 people, and his own work with various Aboriginal organizations. Apsassin makes a series of recommendations that Aboriginal governments be given more jurisdiction over their own affairs, and control over their own land and resources.
File contains a wide-ranging presentation by Dennis Gedeon, New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples' Council, with brief remarks by Carol Wortman of the same organization. Gedeon discusses the history of his organization, its aims, his views on the Constitution, intergovernmental relations, non-status Indians, self-governance, economic development, the Indian Act, Bill C31, Justice and Education issues.
File contains a presentation by Deputy Minister Joe Hanly on behalf of Titus Alooloo, Minister of Renewable Resources for the Government of the Northwest Territories. Hanly discusses "Aboriginal people's need to use natural resources to sustain themselves," and the "involvement of Aboriginal people in resource management." Hanly discusses co-management agreements and how government can form relationships with Aboriginal peoples to effectively manage natural resources. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Hanly.
File contains a presentation by Ed Bianchi from Friends of the Lubicon. Bianchi discusses the situation facing the Lubicon Cree in Alberta, and their struggle for land and resource rights. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson, Sillet, and Blakeney discuss the issues raised with Bianchi.
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.
Returning Men to Honour: A Guidebook for Developing Intervention and Education Programs for Men Who Batter in Native Communities
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
George Behn
Description
File contains a presentation by Grand Chief George Behn, Fort Nelson First Nation. Behn relays the history of his people from the time they signed Treaty 8 until the present. Behn discusses problems with the government and resource companies, and the settlement which his First Nation made for oil royalty revenue. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses resource use and pollution issues with Behn.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Greg Johnson
Description
File contains a presentation by Greg Johnson, a Micmac social worker from Hants County, Nova Scotia. Johnson discusses his hopes for the Commission, experiences growing up as an Aboriginal youth, relations with the Indian Agent and Department of Indian Affairs, his views on the Indian Act, sovereignty, governance, and prejudice.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Gerald Desjarlais
Pat Desjarlais
Theresa Montgrand
Description
File contains a presentation on behalf of the Hamlet of St. George's Hill by Mayor Gerald Desjarlais, Councillor Pat Desjarlais, and Councillor Theresa Montgrand. Mayor Desjarlais discusses how 70 percent of the hamlet's population are Bill C-31 people with the band from Dillon who Montgrand claims "don't support the Bill C-31s at all." Pat Desjarlais discusses the air bombing range in the area, and its effects on trapping and logging activities. Following the presentation the two Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the two Desjarlais, and Montgrand.
File contains a presentation by John Edsu of Fort McPherson. Edsu discusses his views on the trapping industry in the area and his view of its great importance to people of the north. Edsu protests southerners coming in as transient labour and taking jobs that he feels northerners are qualified to do. He also discusses rival claims over land by trappers and large multinational resource companies. He requests recognition from the federal Government of the importance of the trapping industry to his people, and criticizes the anti-fur movement as destructive and naive.
File contains a presentation by John Jamieson of the PEI Fisherman's Association. Jamieson discusses the fishery in PEI and the Micmac's involvement. He focuses on the need for co-operation to conserve fish stocks, a plan to incorporate Micmac fishermen into the commerical fishery, and relations with the federal government. Following the presentation is a discussion between Jamieson and the Commissioners regarding fisheries in PEI.
File contains a presentation by Lexine Phillips, Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council, Land and Resources Department. Phillips discusses Constitutional issues, particularly with reference to self-governance and the "no" vote in the nationwide Charlottetown Accord referendum. Phillips then makes a series of recommendations to the Commission with respect to land rights, assistance, education, and associated economic concerns.
File contains a presentation by Lorne Schollar, Northwest Territories Wildlife Federation. Schollar discusses wildlife management concerns with relation to Aboriginal subsistence harvesting, and access to resource concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Schollar.
File contains a presentation by Armand Murray of the La Loche Local of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Murray discusses the need for recognition of Aboriginal rights on the part of government, land issues, a lack of capital in the community for utilizing resources, a conflict with the provincial government over Clearwater River park, fisheries issues, forestry issues, tourism and guiding, and related issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Murray.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
John Memanskum
Paul Wilkinson
Description
File includes a presentation by Director General John Memanskum, and Advisor Paul Wilkinson of the Naskapi Band of Quebec. Memanskum discusses the relocation of the Naskapi-Montagnais people and the history of their band, as well as the James Bay agreement in Northern Quebec, the Indian Act, self-government models and related matters. Following the presentation Memanskum engages Commissioner Dussault in a discussion of the issues raised. After this Commissioner Dussault concludes the day's sitting of the Commission and thanks the days participants.
File contains a presentation by Richard McKay, Traditional Resource User. McKay covers a wide variety of topics related to his life as a trapper and fisherman in northern Saskatchewan. McKay expresses frustration by the uneven application of vague resource laws towards Aboriginal peoples by the provincial government, and the unwillingness of the government to consult or make policy in colloboration with trappers. McKay also expresses his problems with the regulations regarding land use in the north, and how they seemingly benefit Americans and other outsiders more than the actual northerners.
File contains a presentation by Rick Krehbiel, Regional Director of the Ministry of Environment in Fort St. John. Krehbiel discusses a variety of issues from his perspective as an official of the British Columbia government, who previously worked for the Saskatchewan government in the north of that province.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Robert Alexis
Description
File contains a presentation by Robert Alexis, Vice Chief for Trapping. Alexis is Vice Chief of Trapping for the Gwich'in people of Fort McPherson and discusses the problems and concerns of trappers in his presentation. The most important issue facing trappers he states is the switiching of traps from traditional leg holds to conibear traps. He contrasts trapping with office work and professes his love for the lifestyle of the trap line. He discusses how the conibear is a bad substitute for the traditional leg hold traps.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Soulion Herney
Description
File contains a presentation by Soulion Herney. Herney is an individual from Eskasoni who wishes to have Kellys Mountain (aka Glooscap's Mountain) preserved as a sacred Micmac heritage site. This has brought the Micmac into conflict with the Kelly Rock Company which wishes to turn the site into a gravel quarry.
File contains a presentation by Rita Campbell and Chief Greg Lucus of the Stephenville Crossing Indian Band. Campbell presents on the composition of the band, the need for federal recognition, employment problems, a lack of family services, housing concerns, hunting and fishing rights, linguistic and cultural concerns, health concerns, and self-governance. Following this Chief Greg Lucas discusses health and service issues with Commissioner Erasmus, then with Commissioner Robinson and Tony John, including post-secondary education concerns.
File contains a presentation by the Metis Society of Saskatchewan, Clem Chartier (Consultant). Chartier discusses the historical background to the Metis view of their rights in the area beginning with the visit of the Scrip Commissioner to Ile a La Crosse in 1906. Chartier does so to show the Commission "a cursory overview to hopefully sensitize you to some of the reasons...why we are saying the Commission has to look at Metis issues specifically." In addition to the scrip issue Chartier discusses poverty, resources, and game laws.
File contains a presentation by Tim McNeill. McNeill discusses issues related to education. McNeil's presentation covers secondary education, housing for students, language issues, teacher training, literacy concerns, and cultural concerns. Following the presentations Commissioners Dussault and Sillet discuss these findings.
File contains a presentation by Toby Andersen, Labrador Inuit Association. Andersen addresses the issue of the Inuit land claims agreement for northern Labrador which he has been involved with negotiating for several years. Andersen gives his own views on the process and the agreement (including discussion of tourism and fisheries issues), and asks that the Commission intervene on his organization's behalf. Following the presentation is a discussion between Andersen and Commissioners Dussault and Sillett.
File contains a presentation by Treaty Eight Tribal Council representatives Reg Whiten, and Chief Stewart Cameron. The Tribal Council's presentation includes video excerpts (not included in the transcript) and an oral presentation dealing with issues of concern to it. Foremost amongst these are concerns with resource development interfering with traditional lifestyles and spiritual areas, and pollution. The presenters also discuss the difficulties they have experienced in working with various levels of government.
File contains a presentation by Mayor Paul Kaludjak. He is also facilitator of the day's proceedings, gives a brief overview of the communities history and discusses its economic and social composition. Kaludjak also discusses his hopes for the creation of Nunavut, Rankin Inlet's role as an administrative centre, and the possibility of it becoming capital of the new territory. Following his presentation, he introduces the next presenter.
File contains a presentation by Irene Tiktaalaaq and Joan Scottie of the Concerned Citizens of Baker Lake. Tiktaalaq discusses unemployment and poverty among the people of Baker Lake, and her efforts with others to establish a community food bank without any government assistance to alleviate these problems. She concludes by recommending that the government raise welfare and pension levels to the amount that northerners do not run out of food money before the end of the month.
File contains presentations by the staff and students of Athabasca Delta Community School. Included are remarks by Principal George Vander Loose, students Skylar Nelson, Rebecca Flett, Nicole Martin, Nicole Fraser, and teacher Ms Armstrong. Principal Vander Loose welcomes the Commission and acts as Master of Ceremonies for the other presenters.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Boas Jararace
Description
File contains opening remarks by Boas Jararace (via a translator) regarding the economic and educational problems faced by his people in Labrador and his hopes that the Commission will address these issues. Jararace is from the Belcher Islands.