Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Will Basque
Description
File contains a presentation by Will Basque of Eskasoni, Nova Scotia. Micmac is a Smoganist or soldier veteran in Micmac, and represents all the combat veterans of the Micmac nation. Basque fought in both the Dominican Republic, and twice during the Vietnam War. Basque relays a history of the Micmac nation, with particular emphasis on its Catholic nature, and recognition as the "first state" of Canada. He also discusses legal developments in Canada and the United States, as well as residential schools, the Indian Act, and other matters.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - Transcriptions of Public Hearings and Round Table Discussions
Documents & Presentations
Author/Creator
Brian Tootoosis
Lawrence Sweeney
Description
File contains a presentation by Brian Tootoosis and Lawrence Sweeney, Councilors, Poundmaker Band. Tootoosis discusses his peoples views towards the Canadian Federation, the Treaties, the Indian Act, questions of self-governance, Bill C-31, and the contribution of his people to Canada. Sweeney, a veteran, discusses his organization the Saskatchewan Indian Veterans Association and how status Indian veterans were not given the benefits awarded to Non-Aboriginal and Metis veterans.
File contains a presentation by Claude Petit expressing frustration with the ability of his organization to offer services and organize events for Aboriginal veterans without funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Gordon Ahenakew representing the treaty Aboriginal veterans of Saskatchewan. He recalls stories of Aboriginal veterans returning to Saskatchewan and not receiving financial, educational or agricultural benefits that were given to non-Aboriginals. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Joe Seymour and Reuben Wasacase relating to the Native Veterans Housing Project in Kenora, Ontario. The presenters originally surveyed Aboriginal veterans in the Kenora area and discovered a number of other issues affecting them, such as land entitlement, pensions and allowances, medical benefits, and unfair treatment relating to lack of recognition and neglect of veterans. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.
File contains a presentation by Frank Sam, Kutnaxa/Kinbasket Veterans. Sam presents on his own experiences as a veteran, his reasons for enlisting, and the ill treatment he received upon his return to Canada. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioner Phillips, and by preceding presenter Wilfred Jacobs on the plight of Aboriginal war veterans.
File contains a presentation by Leo Williams, St. Mary's Indian Band. Williams discusses his personal experiences as a veteran, and his thoughts on the importance of language and culture to people. Following his presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Williams for his remarks.
File contains opening remarks by Senator Fred L'Hirondelle. Included are observations on his service in the Armed Forces and the need for the Commission to address veteran's issues.