RCAP 35 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Edmonton Inn in Edmonton, Alberta. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations from various First Nations and Metis groups, and several from the provincial government of Alberta. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
RCAP 50 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Battlefords' Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, North Battleford, Saskatchewan. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to a variety of Aboriginal organizations, agriculture, health care, addictions, the provincial government, the Roman Catholic Church, education and women's and justice issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
RCAP 57 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Mah-Sos School Gymnasium in Tobique, New Brunswick. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations by a series of community groups, and individuals on topics including education, women's issues, treaties, and Micmac history. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Wednesday, November 25, 1992. File contains presentations by academics, individuals, and the Honourable Kim Campbell. 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 Manawan, Quebec, on Thursday December 3, 1992. File contains Presentaitons by the Council of the Attitkamek Nation, various other Attitkamek organizations, Band Councils, women's and community groups. Contents are nearly identical to RCAP88b; for the transcript in French see file RCAP88.
File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Manawan, Quebec, on Thursday December 3, 1992. File contains Presentations by the Council of the Attitkamek Nation, various other Attitkamek organizations, Band Councils, and women's and community groups. File is identical in content to RCAP88a.
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 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 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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Anna Samisack
Description
File contains a presentation by Anna Samisack, Atiraq Women's Group. Samisack presents on women's issues in the community including daycare, funding for her group, and the loss of traditional culture. Following the presentation is a discussion between Samisack, Mayor Jobie Epoo, and Commissioner Dussault on daycare facilities in the community.
File contains an presentation by Bertha Clar representing the recently-opened Athabasca Native Friendship Centre. She speaks about a variety of issues such as minimal funding for Friendship Centres, bingo as an inreliable source of funding, the Canadian Constitution and discrimination against women. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
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 Chief Shirley Prosper, and Gerald Webb of the Corner Brook Band. Prosper discusses some issues facing the band in a brief presentation including government recognition, family problems, women's issues, and the need for the establishment of cultural centres to promote the Micmac culture. Following Prosper's presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson engage her in dialogue after which Webb comments on the economic base of the band.
File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus during the first public meeting of said Commission. Erasmus spoke about how Chief Thunderchild viewed the need to hold on to Aboriginal land rights, and how this was still important in the nineteen-nineties.
File contains a presentation by Darlene McLeod, Band Administrator, Wahpeton Band. McLeod delivers a presentation on housing, mortgages, and education financing concerns. Following McLeod's presentation a discussion takes place between the assembled Commissioners, previous presenter Beverly Waditaka, and Darlene McLeod on the issues raised in their respective presentations.
File contains a presentation by Debbie Foxcraft, Manager, USMA Nuu-chah-nulth Housing and Related Infrastructure. Commissioner Georges Erasmus asks Foxcraft a variety of questions related to her organization and its activities in the sphere of child and family services to which Foxcraft replies. Following this are some comments by Commissioner for the day Nelson Keitlah on children's issues.
File contains a presentation by Debra Hanley. Hanley gives a summary and follow-up of eight commission and inquiry reports on Aboriginal justice issues. These include federally: "Creating Choices, the Task Force on Federally Sentenced Women"; "A Law Refrom Commission Report on Aboriginal People and Criminal Justice"; and, "The Indian Policing Task Force" provincially: "The Marshall Inquiry"; "The Manitoba Justice Inquiry"; "The Saskatchewan Indian and Metis Justice Review Committees"; and "The Alberta Causy (PH) Commission".
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 Doris Young of the Indigenous Women's Collective regarding Aboriginal women's issues/views in the realm of the justice system, schools, the Indian Act, training and employment, political systems, and self-governance. Young also stresses the need for Aboriginal women's participation in the establishment of a Charter of Rights for Aboriginal People should such legislation be enacted.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Emma Robert. Robert
Description
File contains a presentation by Emma Robert. Robert discusses concerns affecting working women, particularly those with children, in the community. She sees the biggest problems as being a lack of daycare and babysitter facilities. Another concern she raises is rents being too high for working people. She highlights her biggest concern for people in the community in general as being proper job training which isn't available at the moment. Following the presentation, Commissioner Rene Dussault offers a comment and question on daycare and housing which Roberts answers.
File contains a presentation by Evelyn Webster, Vice-President, Indigenous Women's Collective to the Commission. Webster provides a brief historical overview of her organization, and its mandate to address the social, economic, and political issues confronting Aboriginal women in Manitoba. Webster then goes on to discuss the traditional role of women in Aboriginal societies, and traditional Aboriginal values.
File contains a presentation by Gordon Peters, Regional Chief, Chiefs of Ontario. Peters discusses his organization and its goals in representing the First Nations of Ontario including self-governance, the need to administer their own social services programs, land claims in terms of reclamation of what was lost, and problems with intergovernmental relations. Following the presentation are questions and comments by Comissioners Erasmus, Robinson, Blakeney, and Wilson which Peters addresses.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Greta Gunner
Description
File contains a presentation by Greta Gunner. Gunner discusses her concerns about the treatment of Aboriginal women and the prejudices they face. Although originally scheduled to discuss her concerns on education, she felt "moved to talk and to speak on behalf of Native women and that the views that I express today are my own views, that I do not speak on behalf of the Native Women's group." She states that "as native women we not only suffer oppression by the white society, but we also [suffer] oppression by our own men" then goes on to discuss the barriers Aboriginal women face.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Harriet Arcand
Description
File contains a presentation by Harriet Arcand, Elder, Aboriginal Women's Council of Saskatchewan. Arcand raises concerns about Aboriginal youth in correctional centres, the issues they face due to neglect, and the dysfunctionality of the system. Arcand also comments on funding for her women's organization. Following her statement she discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Georges Erasmus.
File contains a presentation by Irene Willard, a 21 year old who was a foster child. Willard discusses some of the problems with Social Services and Foster Care that she encountered in her life, including being placed in a prejudiced household, and not even knowing she was a Status person until age 19. Following the presentation the Commissioners thank her, and then Chief Agnes McCoy makes closing remarks to end the Commissions sitting for the day.
File contains a presentation by Jeannette Boivin, Director of the General Council of Atikamekw Women. Boivin delivers a presentation on democracy, self-governance, the need for consultation, decentralization, and enhanced powers for elected represetnatives. Boivin also discusses the importance of establishing an appeal system in the form of a parity system or ombudsman's office, and training and education concerns.
File contains a presentation by Joe Miskokomon, Grand Chief, Union of Ontario Indians. Miskokomon delivers a presentation on behalf of his organization that deals with the challenges facing its members: namely, self-governance, overcoming divisions between Aboriginal peoples, the struggle for women's equality, urban issues, and others. Miskomon states that he views self-governance primarily as a question of jurisdiction, and that jurisdictional issues must be addressed. Following the presentation are comments and a discussion between Commissioners Dussault, Erasmus, Robinson and Miskomon.
File contains a presentation by John Loftus on behalf of the Action North Recovery Centre. Loftus discusses the challenges his organization (which treats drug and alcohol abuse, as well as family violence cases) deals with in High Level. Foremost among his concerns are a lack of professional staff and resources. Following the presentation is a discussion between Loftus and Commissioners Dussault and Robinson on these issues.
File contains a presentation by Kim Gallant. Gallant presents her view on sexual discrimination in the Indian Act, and how it can be reformed to be more egalitarian. Following the presentation is a discussion between Gallant and the Commissioners regarding the issues raised.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Louis-Edmond Hamelin
Description
File contains a presentation by Louis-Edmond Hamelin, Specialist on Aboriginal Matters. Hamelin discusses the concept and the history of the term "aboriginal" in the English and French languages. Hamelin then discusses Aboriginal culture and land claims processes. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Hamelin. Page 152 is missing.
File contains a presentation by Therese Ottawa and Delima Niquay of the Regional Council on Education and Culture. Ottawa discusses family violence, addictions, and associated social services concerns. Ottawa recommends harsher sentences for conjugal violence, stronger community participation, better funding for social services, as well as discussing general women's issues, the need for increased awareness campaigns, and the establishment of men's discussion groups on the issue of family violence.
File contains a presentation by Marilyn Fontaine, Spokesperson, Aboriginal Women's Unity Coalition. Fontaine discusses her organizations history, and the issues it deals with including sexism, violence, abuse, lack of political representation, self-government talks, and the environment.
File contains a presentation by Mary Ann Felle, Cross Cultural Information Committee. Felle advances a proposal for an Aboriginal child care structure which she "believe[s] would work to maintain a child's sense of identity and encourage the development of self-worth and self-esteem." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding issues raised.
File contains a presentation Mary Guilbeault, Vice-Chairperson, Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. The presentation contains some personal background on Guilbeault and her experiences as an Aboriginal woman and community/political leader in Winnipeg. She raises a number of issues, most importantly the neccessity to recognize Treaty Rights and provide services regardless of geographic location. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with the Commissioners regarding both this presentation and Eric Robinson's similarly themed one on urban Aboriginal issues in Winnipeg.
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 Nancy Scanie. Scanie discusses her experiences as a Non-Status woman, and her views on the situation of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with her including reconciling Special Status with Equality, and a gradual transition to self-governance. Following this discussion the day's proceedings are adjourned.
File contains a presentation by the Native Outpatient Centre: Meysncut Counselling Centre by Sara Williams and Jane Caprion. Sara Williams begins with a presentation giving an overview of their organization, and its work dealing with abuse and education in the community. Williams also makes a variety of organizational and funding recommendations to the Commission related to the organization's work. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand engage Williams and Caprion in a discussion on the issues raised, and the activities of the Centre.
The file contains spresentation by Patricia Lowe, Society of Friends Against Family Violence. Lowe discusses the society's work promoting the establishment of a shelter for battered women and children and women in Inuvik over the past four years, and why such a facility is needed.
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.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Pauline Lewis
Description
File contains a presentation by Pauline Lewis, a Micmac woman from the Eskasoni First Nation. Lewis discusses her experience with the Indian Act and Bill C-31, having been re-listed to the Band in 1991. She discusses spousal abuse, provincial-federal jurisdictional issues in criminal law, and her part in a National Film Board presentation. Following the presentation is a comment from Commissioner Georges Erasmus.
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.
The file contains a presentation on by President Rita Arey of the Northwest Territories Status of Women organization, closing remarks and a closing prayer. President Arey presents on her organization's work on behalf of women in the Northwest Territories, and specifically the challenges facing Aboriginal women in the Northwest Territories.
File contains a presentation by Sharon McIvor, Spokesperson, Native Women's Association of Canada. McIvor gives an overview of the history and condition of Aboriginal women in Canada, who at the time of the Commission made up 52% of the Aboriginal population.
File contains a presentation by Teressa Nahanee. She discusses her own personal and professional background, then delivers a presentation on the different effects of the legal system on Aboriginal people based on gender. Nahanee offers a critique of patriarchy in the legal system, and in Aboriginal communities.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Description
File contains a presentation by Tobique Women's Group. The group's representatives who include Caroline Innis, Karen Perley, Marina Moulton, and Bet-te Paul make a series of recommendations to the Commission which they think will improve the lives and representation of Aboriginal women across Canada.
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.