File contains a special consultation sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, on Thursday, December 10, 1992. File contains presentations made during a round table session on the topic of Aboriginal education. The participants are students of St. Patrick's High School. Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Bertha Wilson were in attendance.

File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Ile-a-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, on Tuesday, December 8, 1992. File contains presentations by First Nations and community groups. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 98 contains files for a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Brandon, Manitoba. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to women's and Métis issues, employment, friendship centres, Aboriginal policing and education. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 99 contains files for a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the L.A.C. Community Hall, La Loche, Saskatchewan on Thursday, December 10, 1992. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations by various educational, community, Métis, and government groups. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. These are closing remarks made by Ruth Norton and George Erasmus.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Restigouche, Quebec. Joe Gray and Brenda Gedeon Miller offer brief closing remarks after the informal round table discussions on education and tourism.

The file contains a presentation by Martin Heavy Head. Heavy Head discusses his work with the Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing Authority in Lethbridge, Alberta. Head recommends that the Urban Native Housing Program be continued in the future and highlights some of its success as well as the great need for such programs not only in Lethbridge, but also in Calgary. Following the presentation Martin Heavy Head says a closing prayer which convenes the Commission's sitting for the day.

File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, unidentified members of the staff and students of the Northern Lights School and Christina Delaney. The conversation involves the retention and restoration of Aboriginal culture in Canada, and the education system particularly with regards to the merits of cross cultural learning techniques and concerns with post secondary funding.

File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, Terry Legge, Wilbert Wesley, Christina Delaney, Elie Chilton, and Phoebe Sutherland at the Northern Lights School in Moosonee, Ontario. The wide ranging conversation addresses a variety of topics including educational policy, cultural retention and rejuvenation, and social problems.

The file contains a discussion between presenters Deputy Chief Brian Seymour, Jeanette Castello, and Commissioners Paul Chartrand and Bertha Wilson. Deputy Chief Seymour makes some comments on the possibility of future talks between the Royal Commission and First Nations, and recommends that the Commission return to the area in the future. Following this Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss issues raised in the two presenters previous presentations with them. Presentations by Seymour and Castello can be viewed on this site.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes a presentation for Elizabeth Metis Settlement by Wilfred Collins concerning education, philosophy and spiritual believes in the Metis community.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes a discussion of the presentations given by Art Thompson, Emile Bylan and Phyllis Collins concerning education, rights under the Metis Settlement Accord and self-government in the Metis community.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Restigouche, Quebec. An informal round table discussion takes place after the presentations that focuses on education.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Adult Education issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants Jane Jackson and Helen Mills discuss post-secondary education concerns (including literacy, upgrading, poverty, and employment issues) with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson. Following the Round Table discussion is a closing prayer which concludes the day's sitting of the Royal Commission.

File contains an Evening Session Round Table Discussion on Education and Youth Issues from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. File contains discussions on Secondary School Issues, Post-Secondary Issues, and Adult Education. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Secondary School issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants John Nakogee, John Long, Christina Duffy, Theresa Phillips, and Glen Sutherland discuss cultural, jurisdictional, financial, boarding, curriculum, and community concerns with each other and with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson.

File contains opening remarks and a slide show for the Evening Session Round Table on Education and Youth issues, part of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Bill Butler and Don Mitchell, moderators for the evening, welcome the participants and deliver a slide show highlighting various communities in Northern Ontario, and the way of life therein.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Post-Secondary Education issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants Virgina Wabano, Shawn Gladwish, Allen Sailors, Larry McLeod, Joe Skouras, and Wendy Young discuss post-secondary education concerns with each other and with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson.

The file contains further comments by Babette Bastien. Bastien discusses his youth on reserve and the struggles he had, leaving the reserve to attain an education, his views on the current drive towards self-government, the federal government capping education funding for First Nations, under-representation in the professions, and related policy issues.

The file contains further comments by Kathy First Rider. First Rider discusses her experiences growing up on reserve, how perceptions have changed amongst the Blackfoot youth since her childhood, her job educating the children in history and the Blackfoot language, encounters with racism in southern Alberta, and her views on these matters.

The file contains further comments by Moderator for the day John Stiffarm. Stiffarm recounts some of his personal experiences and the struggles he faced as a youth with racism, discrimination, alcohol, and drug abuse. Stiffarm discusses how he found meaning through traditional culture and spirituality, particularly through drumming, and its importance in healing people and communities.

The file contains further comments by Keith Weasel Head. Weasel Head, who works at the Laverne Elementary School on the Blood Reserve, and is also a post-secondary student, discusses the problems youth face with drugs and alcohol. Weasel Head offers his personal perspective on how people can cope with and overcome these problems.

The file contains further comments by Kristen Bastien. Bastien, a first year student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses the capping of post-secondary funding for Aboriginal students by the federal government and its implications for community development.

The file contains further comments by Sheldon Wells. Wells, a part-time student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses his view that there should be support groups for Aboriginal children, including youth treatment centres for drug and alcohol abuse, suicide prevention, and increased cultural programming.

File contains a general discussion on Metis issues by presenters Clem Chartier, Isabelle Impey, Cathy LaValley, Alphonse Janvier, Joyce Racette, Lyle Boland, Commissioners Rene Dussault and Viola Robinson. The topic of discussion is Metis issues in Saskatchewan. Topics covered include Metis rights, economics, self-governance, women and social issues.

File contains a general discussion between Commissioners George Erasmus and Viola Robinson, Moderator Reggie Crowshoe, and presenters Ronnie Leah, Keith Chiefmoon, and Sheena Jackson from this day's sitting. Comments from the floor are made by Celeste Strikes-With-A-Gun, Denna Jansen, Jim Penton, Myrna Roy, Mary Ann Crow, Jordan Chiefmoon, Devalon SmallLegs, Sandra Vielle and Roderick North Peigan. The discussion covers the topic of the presentations which is racism in Alberta, and the wider Canadian, society.

File contains a general discussion on youth education issues between Della McKay, Commissioner Wilson, Matthew Quequish, Karyn Cromarty, and John Dudley.

This file contains a discussion of various issues by the attendees and Commissioners at this session of the Commission. Attendees contributing include Louis McCallum, Gerald Regan, Marie Symes Grehan, Vye Bouvier, Brian MacDonald, Pierre Chartier and Gloria Desjarlais. Issues discussed include health care, land claims and self-government, wild rice production, the RCMP, trapping regulations, lack of housing and education. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Alice Frost relating to the necessity of elders teaching the Vuntut Gwitch'in language to youth and to social problems in Old Crow. Frost states that her community's social problems must be solved before "land claims is settled because we need educated people to run our self-government." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Alice Sabourin who is completing her Master's degree in social work. She relates problems she has experienced with discrimination within the educational community, both as an Aboriginal person and as a woman. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Angela Andrew, teacher at the local community college, discussing Innu culture and education. She states that elders should be utilized more in teaching traditional skills to Innu youth, but because they do not have the proper teaching certification, they are not allowed to teach. She calls on the Commission to ease teacher education restrictions with elders to ensure traditional Innu skills and traditions are passed on. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Ann Bayne that first provides a history of the Kaska First Nations and the Liard Indian Band. Bayne describes her Band's struggle with a referendum addressing a hereditary system or elected system in determining the position of Chief. She believes that residents should have a choice in determining their leadership. Bayne also discusses abolishing the Indian Act, the need for personal development programs and calls for more treatment centres for substance abuse. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

File contains an individual presentation by Arthur Williams focusing on education and the individual freedom to choose a career. He speaks of his choice to attend aviation school and the lack of funding for flying as a career. He calls on the Commission to help to secure funding to attend aviation school in British Columbia. Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Barbara Wood addressing the lack of educational opportunities for Metis people in Labrador. She is a single mother putting two sons through University and describes the financial hardship involved. She calls on the Commission to assist Labradorian youth who seek education and "a future free of debt." Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Beatrice Watts focusing primarily on education. She provides a brief history of the Inuit in Labrador and relocation efforts in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1977 the first Inuit education conference was held, which laid the groundwork for the teaching of Inuktitut and cultural programs in schools. Watts also briefly discusses the Inuit radio station at Main, Labrador and a 1978 conference sponsored by Inuit women held in Labrador. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Betty Hardisty, teacher, via translator. She discusses her experiences with teaching Slave children about treaties and displays her students' wall murals that portray their understanding of treaties. Her students are fifth-generation relatives of the treaty signatories.

File contains an individual presentation by Bob Major that focuses on education. Major wants to see a curriculum geared towards Aboriginal and Metis children regarding the history of northern Alberta and languages. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Brenda Jonah, graduate of the Native Community Worker Program of Sault College, Sault Ste. Marie. She describes her experiences working in a high school with a high number of Aboriginal students. Through workshops, displays and social events, the students learned about their culture, many for the first time. Jonah proposes establishing Aboriginal liaison programs in high schools with large Aboriginal student populations. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Burt Sellick, a retired school director with Hillcrest High school in Thunder Bay, which has a large percentage of Aboriginal students. He discusses a wide range of subjects including youth self-esteem, more Aboriginals in the education system and eliminating cultural bias and omissions in textbooks. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Carl Charlie focusing on education and the high dropout rate of Aboriginal students in the Yukon. He also discusses hunting and trapping and the urgent need for housing in Old Crow. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Charlie Andrew relating to his frustrating personal experience with attempting to complete the Adult Basic Education program at Labrador Community College.

File contains an individual presentation by Claris Rudkowski, businesswoman from North West River, Labrador. She questions the lack of Aboriginal women in business and attributes that to a lack of education opportunities, a lack of daycare facilities, and a lack of support from family and friends. Rudkowski asks the Commission not to forget about women's issues, lost among the larger issues of land claims and self-government.

File contains an individual presentation by Danny Kasi focusing on self-government and and the ways that First Nations may achieve it - through First Ministers conferences, the Supreme Court of Canada and "the world court." Kasi also briefly discusses education and the lack of housing in his community. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains an individual presentation by Dave Janvier detailing his struggle to upgrade his high school education so he can attend the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Janvier feels that the Department of Indian Affairs has unfairly denied him funding for high school upgrading. Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair, makes brief comments after the presentation.

This file contains an individual presentation by Dave Yager, a former columnist and non-Aboriginal who wrote about Aboriginal issues in the Calgary Sun. One column raised the ire of many Aboriginal people and Yager was thrust into the spotlight concerning the "'political correctness' of the Native affairs debate." He gives his views on Aboriginal education, self-government, NAFTA and taxation. A prickly question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by David Nuke focusing on the justice system and how it fails Innu people regarding summary offences. He cites statistics for incarceration of an inmate for one year and feels that amount would be better served providing community programs for Innu youth in Labrador, thus avoiding criminal activity by young people.

File contains an individual presentation by Davidee Arnaqaq, resident of Pangnirtung, expressing frustration with the lack of economic opportunities and employment to support his family. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will support employment and business programs in his community as there has been little support in the past.

File contains a presentation by Doris Saunders that details the histories of Happy Valley and Goose Bay communities, their amalgmation in 1974, and the services provided today.

File contains an individual presentation by Eli Chilton relating to social issues from a youth perspective. He states that these problems have originated since colonization, but Aboriginal people must now take responsibility for their own lives.

File contains an individual presentation by Ernie Rickard that briefly discusses a number of issues, including education, justice, economic development on reserves, and self-government. He relates his experience when interviewing for a justice of the peace position with the Canadian government and how his interpretation of the job did not match the government's interpretation.