This file contains a presentation by members of the Aboriginal Student Council at the University of Alberta. Among their concerns is the hiring of a non-Aboriginal as Director of Native Student Services, funding cuts to Aboriginal post-secondary education in Alberta, and the necessity for a Native Student Centre. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Brian Cook. Cook discusses the need to incorporate Aboriginal history into school curriculums, the importance of having a land base, the Indian Act, the lack of an economic base for the reserve system, and problems with the justice system. Much of Cook's presentation deals with systemic racism. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cook and the Commissioners on the issues he has raised.

File contains a presentation by Brian Williams focusing on social issues in education. He states that each Aboriginal community must have an economic base that provides adequate training that results in jobs and financial security for its residents. He also believes that each community's land base must be acknowledged by the Canadian and British Columbia governments and calls on the Commission to ensure continuing funding to ensure the preservation of the Gitksan culture and language, and all Aboriginal languages.

The file contains a presentation by Bridget Elliott and Martha Mackenzie. Elliott and Mackenzie, representing the Sudbury Anishnawbaequek, discuss the relationship between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people with respect to educational institutions and curricula, youth issues, women's issues, and the N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre in Sudbury. During the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Bryan Pearson. Pearson discusses problems faced by Inuit communities in the fields of health and education. Pearson also discusses the cultural gap between Inuit and Euro-Canadians and the problems that can cause in implementing social policy. Following this presentation the Commission's sitting for the day is officially ended with a closing prayer.

File contains a presentation by Bud White Eye and Daniel Smoke of the Native News Network. White Eye discusses his organization, the state of Aboriginal news media in Canada, problems with misrepresentation and ignorance of Aboriginal peoples and issues in the mainstream media, and some suggestions to improve the situation. Smoke gives a brief structural overview of the Native News Network. Following the presentation Commissioners Sillet, Blakeney, and Wilson discuss some of these issues with the presenters.

The file contains a presentation by Cam Shade. Shade, a post-secondary student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses the need for education "based on some of the native cultural aspects rather than the white society" and his reasoning for thinking this way. Shade also mentions the need for better instruction in culture and history in non-Aboriginal Canadian society.

File contains a presntation by Carol Gauthier relating to post-secondary education. She calls for more funding for Aboriginal post-education and in particular, for more comprehensive graduate studies. Gauthier briefly discusses the "Indian residential school syndrome" and also calls for funding and resources to 'complete the healing process in overcoming the devastating effects this syndrome has had within our community." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Carol Wildcat discussing a variety of issues with the Ermineskin First Nations, including the high drop-out rate of high school students, lack of housing, life skills, violence against women and children and unemployment. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners and Wildcat, Brian Lee and Jim Minde.

File contains a presentation by Cathy Adcock focusing on troubled Aboriginal youth who move to Thunder Bay from reserves without a support system. These youth may have experienced hardship in their family life and are on their own once they arrive in the city, looking for employment, continuing with their education or leaving a troubled family situation. Adcock calls on the Commission to help secure more funding for programs and services to assist youth in the transition from reserve life to city life. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cathy LaValley. LaValley discusses the federal "Pathways to Success" educational and job-training program in Saskatchewan, specifically as it pertains to Metis residents.

File contains a presentation by Charlie Evalik that first describes the life of the Inuit in the Cambridge Bay area beginning in the 1950s, where the Inuit were forced to adapt to a more permanent home life in settlements, rather than continue with their nomadic way of life. He discusses some issues that are affecting Cambridge Bay residents, such as lack of post-secondary opportunities, employment, lack of proper housing, and a high rate of residents on welfare. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Sibbeston discussing four areas of concern: having educational facilities closer to home, alcohol and the negative effects on families, more health care facilities in settlements, and land claims and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Agnes McCoy, St. Mary's Indian Band. McCoy delivers a structured presentation presenting the Band's viewpoint on a variety of topics including: 1) Education, 2) Land Claims, 3)Jurisdiction, 4) Self-Government, 5) Language, 6) Justice, 7) Aboriginal Government, 8) Provincial Government (in terms of relationship with). Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Phillips engage McCoy, preceding presenter Denise Birdstone, and future presenter Sophie Pierre, in a discussion of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Chief Berna Landry of Fort Providence Band, also representing the Deh Cho Divisional Educational Board. Landry discusses Dene life pre-contact and how the lives of elders and youth have been affected. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Darrell Boissoneau that focuses on treaty violations and particularly on the Indian Act. He calls on the Commission to help begin the healing and to ensure funding for the essential programs that are necessary to help Aboriginal people reclaim their culture. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Keenan, Teslin Tlingit Nation, Yukon. He provides a brief history of the Teslin Tlingit people, discussing the Clan system of government and the negative effects of European contact. Keenan notes that Teslin Tlingit Nation is one of the few Canadian First Nations that have a constitution based not on the Indian Act, but on Teslin Tlingit traditional values. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Edmund Metatawabin focusing on Aboriginal self-government. He states that local First Nations government must be empowered first to oversee health and family services, education, public works and security, police protection, housing, and other issues relating to First Nations on a local level. Once that structure is in place can Aboriginal leaders call for self-government on a national level. Cecilia Scott, youth representative, speaks briefly about the importance of education for Aboriginal youth.

File contains a presentation by Chief Flett regarding issues including self-government, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, land, resources, the environment, gambling, fiscal arrangements, health, social services, economic development, on-reserve policing, the justice system, education, housing, and community infrastructure. Following the presentation is a discussion between Chief Flett and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand regarding the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Fred Holmes. Holmes discusses his views on the situation in Upper Nicola and the "environment vs the environmentalist." Holmes discusses the importance of self-education and recognition of key issues including education, land claims, political organizations, and immigration. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Holmes for his thoughts.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Beaucage of the Nipissing First Nation. Chief Beaucage discusses the demographic composition of his First Nation, Bill C-31, on and off-reserve populations, housing issues, the Nation's land base and related land issues, a proposed "First Nation Chartered Land Act" with 17 components, land claims, education concerns, and language concerns.

The file contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Wesley of the Kitsumkalum Band. Chief Wesley welcomes the Commission, expresses his hopes for it, and gives some demographic, cultural, and territorial information on his people. Chief Wesley discusses the political structure of his people, their relationship to other Aboriginal groups, and the federal government.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gordon Antoine, Coldwater Indian Band. Chief Antoine makes a series of 13 recommendations for the Royal Commission on the relationship of his people with the Canadian government.

File contains a presentation by Chief Harold Turner discussing seven issues that affect First Nations people: self-government, treaties, natural resources and Aboriginal title to land, economic development, taxation, education and First Nations government financial concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Chief Ignace Gull. Gull discusses the living conditions faced by Aboriginal people in the area which he describes as third or fourth world. Specifically he discusses water and sewer issues, fire protection, energy, social development, drug and alcohol abuse, and a lack of economic oppotunities and education. Gull also discusses trapping concerns, concerns with the justice system, problems with RCMP and Conservation Officers regarding game law enforcement, proposed hydro developments, and protection of burial sites.

File contains a presentation by Chief Josephine Shottana of the Tobacco Plains Indian Band. Shottana discusses self-governance issues including education, health, and justice in a brief presentation entitled "Rebuilding Relationships."

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Neskonlith Indian Band by Chief Joyce Manuel, Lisa Allgaier, and Bob Manuel. Chief Manuel gives a demographic overview of the Band, discusses culture and the importance of health and education to self-determination and land management. Lisa Allgaier, the Band's social worker, discusses social issues and the need for First Nations' jurisdiction over service delivery, as well as funding and band membership concerns.

File contains a presentation by Chief Leonard Thomas that briefly touches on a number of issues, such as economic development, the environment, education, health care, preserving historical artifacts and Bill C-31. He introduces the next speaker, Fred Sam.

File contains a presentation by Chief Paul Sam, Shuswap Indian Band. Sam discusses the struggle for Aboriginal self-governance in Canada and his thoughts on the recently defeated Charlottetown Accord, as well as the problems he sees as being inherent in the system.

File contains a presentation by Chief Roger Kaye that touches on a number of subjects, including education and youth, housing, justice, land claims and a proposed museum in Old Crow. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 Chief Sidney Sam Senior of the Ahousaht Education Authority. Sidney Sam discusses his views on the on-reserve education system and makes a series of reccomendations (including funding and cultural concerns) regarding what he thinks should be done to enhance it. Following the presentation is a discussion between Sam and Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah regarding the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Stanley Sanquez of Jean Marie River Band and Kerry Hardisty, Grade 9 student, Linowejen School, Jean Marie River Band. Sanquez focuses on land claims and self-government, while Hardisty questions exactly what the rights are of youth relating to self-government.

File contains a presentation by Chief Stewart Paul of the Tobique First Nation. Paul welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson to Tobique, then proceeds to discuss the history of the First Nation, its part in Pre-Confederation Treaties, the creation of their reserve, its war veterans in numerous global conflicts, notable individuals from Tobique, and some of the economic and social concerns faced by the nation. Paul also elaborates on some of the programming undertaken by the community to deal with these concerns.

File contains a presentation by Chief Victor Muse of the St. George's Indian Band Council. Muse discusses the band's history, then goes on to list a variety of concerns. These include: unemployment, illiteracy, the need for education, better social services, revitalization of the Micmac language and culture, infrastructure, self-determination, self-government, and the goal of living in harmony "with Canada and its many people." Following the presentation is a discussion between Muse and Commissioner Erasmus on some of the issues raised.

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.

File contains a presentation Christie Clifton, North Coast Tribal Council Education Centre. Clifton discusses her centre's mandate and operations serving Haida, Tsimshian, and Nisga'a people. Clifton discusses its' range of post-secondary programs, its' success in the community, and its' frustration with current funding arrangements. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Clifton.

File contains a presentation by Cindy Sparvier, social worker at the all-Aboriginal high school in Saskatoon. The staff at Joe Duquette address common and painful issues with the students and help them work through their problems, as well as providing an education based on Aboriginal values and history. She calls on the Commission to help secure funding for either an expansion of the present school or for a new facility. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Claire Riddle, Vice-President, Winnipeg Region of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Riddle mainly discusses economic matters including education, assistance for entrepreneurs, affirmative action, small business, and self-government for Metis people. She also discusses some Metis history making the assertion that "traditionally the Metis were a commercial nation whose entrepreneurs pursued ventures in national and international trade." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding its contents.

File contains a presentation by Claudine Louie relating to Aboriginal post-secondary education in Canada. Samson Cree First Nation falls under the government's Post-Secondary Student Support Program, and Louie questions the fairness of the program regarding Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clem Chartier of the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan. Chartier relays the regrets of President Gerald Morin who was unable to attend the sitting, introduces some of the participants in attendance, then discusses Metis land title and land rights issues, hunting rights, economic concerns, self-government and self-determination, policy ideas, personal and collective healing, racism and discrimination, intergovernmental relations, and the Metis Nation Accord in order to "give a holistic view of our organization."

File contains a presentation by Clifton (Francis) Simon, resident of Big Cove, New Brunswick. Simon touches on a number of areas of concern for him: self-government, economic development, discrimination against Aboriginal women, justice and education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clint Buehler, Executive Director, Metis Nation of Alberta. Buehler outlines the steps the MNA has taken towards self-governance both in terms of consultation within its membership and negotiations with the provincial and federal governments.

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 Commission Co-Chair Rene Dussault during the first public meeting of said Commission. Dussault discusses the importance of discussion, and listening in the Commission process. “We know that many Aboriginal people are tired of being studied by others. They want to speak directly to us, and we want to hear from them. We want to hear their views of history and of what the future could or should hold for them. Similarly, we want to hear from the non-Aboriginal Canadians, who have not only a right, but an obligation to participate in this debate.

File contains a presentation by the Coldwater Band School. School. The presentation is made up of comments by multiple students at both the elementary and secondary level highlighting collective concerns such as the physical, mental, and environmental well-being of their community. 15 students and staff speak in total. Following the presentations are comments by Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thanking the presenters for their contributions.

File contains a presentation by Colleen Wassegijig and Simon Paul. Wassegijig discusses the history of Aboriginal peoples in Canada with respect to formal education systems, and some of the problems that has created which now must be overcome. Simon Paul, a Dene man originally from Northern Saskatchewan, discusses Aboriginal education programs in Scarborough, Ontario for First Nations and Métis residents.

File contains a presentation by Commissioner of the Day Louis Morin. Morin discusses his own life experiences including the relocation of his people from Clear Lake to Turnor Lake by the government, fishing, hunting, and trapping issues. Following Morin's presentation Commissioner Dussault and discusses some of the issues raised with Morin.

The file contains a presentation by Connie Chartrand, Metis National Council. Chartrand, family violence coordinator for Metis Women of Manitoba, discusses her work establishing self-help groups for Metis women, and her concerns about the possibility of suicides in some instances related to family violence and breakdowns.

File contains a presentation by Dale Awasis, Native Educator. Awasis discusses education, and his general concerns regarding Aboriginal people with Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.