File contains a presentation by Eric J. Large focusing on major issues affecting his First Nation - lack of proper housing, education, lack of available capital funds to implement various economic development opportunities, recreation for youth and health care. Chief Carl Quinn gives closing remarks to Large's presentation, and then he and Large engage in a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Eric Morris describing the negative effects on his community of generations-old social issues and states that his community is now mainly alcohol- and drug-free. He states that the traditional Clan system of government and the tribal justice system in place at Teslin has been working effectively with non-Aboriginal government and justice systems and feels this co-operative effort could be duplicated on every First Nation in Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Ontario Provincial Police Inspector Ernie Houghton and Chief of Police Brian David, on the subject of the Akwesasne court system. As well as questions from the assembled Commissioners to this presentation and those made previously.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation by Ernie Sandy of Christian Island, at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government. Also included are questions and comments made by the assembled Commissioners, Mary Sillett and Bertha Wilson.

File contains a presentation by Ethel Blondin, MP, who briefly discusses a multitude of concerns relating to Aboriginal, Metis and Dene peoples. She calls for a national youth conference on issues such as AIDS education, substance abuse and single parent families. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Ethel Lamothe, Social Services worker, Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. She believes that dealing with Inuit social issues from a European perspective rather than the traditional way has harmed the Inuit people. Lamothe also discusses the need to record oral histories of the elders and to preserve the history of the Dene people. As a territorial government employee, she believes that control of funding should be undertaken by people familiar with northern life, not by bureaucrats. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

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 Everett Lambert. Lambert, a Mohawk-Cree-Metis man, discusses economic development for Aboriginal Canadians. Lambert states that "Natives don't just need money. Natives need jobs. They need meaningful full-time jobs, jobs that keep them busy eight hours a day, 40 houyrs a week, not the part-time underpaying overworked position too many of our people presently hold." Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney and Shirt discuss employment issues with Lambert.

The file contains a presentation by Flora Zaharia and Cam Mackie, Frontier College. Zaharia and Mackie discuss the College's operations as the oldest adult educational institution in Canada, and its' relationship and programs for Aboriginal peoples. Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

This file consists of a presentation by Floyd Favel, Artistic Director of the only professional Aboriginal theatre company in Toronto. Favel states that culture is the cornerstone of all civilizations, and having people understand the importance of culture "is an uphill battle." Favel believes that if "you concentrate on culture it alleviates many, many other problematic areas because...you are dealing directly with a person's feelings, ideas and memories. He appeals to the Commissioners for any funding from government sources to help the Theatre continue.

File contains a presentation by Frank Bruyere relating to education and the history of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. He offers numerous recommendations, including a review done by Aboriginal educators of all educational materials in publicly funded schools used to teach Aboriginal history and eliminating all materials deemed to be inaccurate or offensive to Aboriginal people; and making funds available for Aboriginal friendship centres to develop materials for use in working with local industries, business and institutions in the areas of race relations and employment equity.

File contains a brief presentation by Frank Saligo, Mayor, Teslin, Yukon. He provides hand-out materials for the Commission and briefly mentions the need for agreements relating to community needs and infrastructure, and for continued talks relating to land claims and self-government. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer swith the Commissioners and Chief David Keenan.

This file contains a presentation given by Fred Breaker discussing a number of subjects, including building a high school on Siksika First Nation, land claims and self-governemnt. Breaker and Chief Strator Crowfoot answer questions from the Commissioners after the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Fred Sam and Russell Alec discussing education funding for their First Nations school. They have travelled to Quebec to observe a successful model of an Aboriginal-run school board and want to duplicate that on their First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Fred Shore, President, Aboriginal Staff, Student Network, University of Manitoba. Shore discusses suggestions to enhance and improve Aboriginal experiences and participation in post-secondary institutions. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gaby Bird. Bird is a representative of the Mushekegowuk Student Services organization. Bird discusses treaty and educational concerns. Bird sees it as fundamental that non-Aboriginal society be educated in Aboriginal history and culture from an early age to bridge the gaps of ignorance between the two peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson with Beck and preceding presenter Hunter on their educational programs.

The file contains presentations by Ron Zong, Gail Watson, and Jerry McNeil, of the Manitoba Association of School Trustees. The presenters discuss their philosophy of education, the struggle for Aboriginal rights, the need for Aboriginal perspectives and local control over education, building trust between communities, the legacy of residential schools in Canada, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by Gary Baikie. Baikie discusses the Torngasok Cultural Centre in Nain, Labrador, and the cultural programming it provides. Included is his account of Inuktitut language courses, and traditional carving courses, and the positive results of such programming in the community.

File contains a presentation by Garry Standing, a post-secondary student from the Wahpeton Dakota Nation. Standing describes himself as someone who has spent his entire life on reserve until the September before the Commission. The purpose of his presentation is to relay his "experiences from the last eight or nine months. Some of them have been positive and some of them have been negative." He discusses attending the University of Regina, but having to withdraw due to financing changes in Indian Affairs policy. He complains of paternalism and condescension in the approach of Indian Affairs.

File contains a presentation by George Ikaluk. Following an opening prayer for the days proceedings, Ikalkuk discusses the importance of the Inuit language to his people, and introduces the next presenter, Ineaq Korgak.

File contains a presentation by George Jimmy of the [Lake] Cowichan First Nation. He expresses concern with the lack of Aboriginal input into education policies and hopes the findings of the Commission will result in more education opportunities for Aboriginal people.

File contains a presentation by George Rich discussing substance abuse and the lack of recreational facilities and educational opportunities for the youth of Davis Inlet. Rich calls for an Innu-run treatment centre for youth and adults and a permanent RCMP station in Davis Inlet and asks the help of the Commission to achieve this. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gerald Thom stating that Metis organizations are finally, in the 1990s, becoming involved in government policymaking. Thom believes that "in order to attain our goals we must support decentralization of powers from the federal and provincial government, and we must have a say on what policies and issues arise through decentralization. He discusses briefly education, language, and employment concerns relating to the Metis. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Geraldine Sebastian focusing on education and social issues. Government funding cuts to education and band peacekeeping programs have adversely affected her community. Sebastian states the Hagwilget community wishes self-sufficiency and calls on the Commission to assist in her community's battle to educate and help its residents. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gerri Ense and Marla Metson, Native Skills Centre. Ense discusses her life experiences with reference to her own career, and some of the issues her organization encounters such as different cultural expectations in the workplace, and the establishment of the Native Skills Centre. Marla Metson, a non-Aboriginal person, discusses how she got involved with the Skills Centre then goes on to discuss a variety of organizational issues including funding concerns, Aboriginal trainers, and the need for increased Aboriginal input into training programs.

File contains a presentation by Gilbert Cheechoo focusing on the loss of Aboriginal culture. He is frustrated that his years of service with numerous Aboriginal organizations have done little to help. Cheechoo feels the Canadian Government needs to abandon the broken system it has in place and settle the land claims and self-government issues. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Gisele Maheux, Jean-Pierre Marquis and Gerald McKenzie relating to schools in Ivujivik and Povungnituk, two of 14 Inuit communities in Nouveau-Quebec where educational services are provided by the Kativik school board. The presentation relates to the training of Inuit people to become teachers and school administrators. An agreement was made in 1984 with the University of Quebec and the two schools to develop an Inuit teacher and administrator training program. Courses are given in Inuktitut, while communication between students and teachers is in English.

The file contains a presentation by the Gitksan and Wet'suwet'en Government; presenters Alice Jeffrey, Sadie Howard, and Vicky Russell. The presenters discusses self-government initiatives, health care, education, housing, mental health concerns, cultural concerns, traditional governance models, and related issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the topics raised with the presenters. Following this the two Commissioners thank the days' participants and the sitting is concluded with a closing prayer.

File contains a presentation by Glen Williams discussing the Gitksan culture immersion program for pre- and primary school children in Gitanyow. The program is modeled on a Maori cultural school program in New Zealand and Williams calls for more funding from the Canadian government to ensure that the Gitksan culture and language does not become extinct. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Graham Tuplin, Tom Conners and Brenda Leslie focusing on Aboriginal treatment in the criminal justice system and on-going land claims negotiations with the Canadian government. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by five members of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. Subjects discussed by the presenters include arrests of Kahnawake residents in 1988 relating to cigarettes; the Oka Crisis of 1990; negotiations relating to self-government; the removal of the Indian Act; transfer payments to Aboriginal persons; education and housing issues, and the Kahnawake Peacekeepers (police force). A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Gwen Phillips Clement of the Ktunaxa Independent School System. Clement discusses a variety of educational concerns related to funding, taxation, cultural curriculum, language instruction, and related issues with reference to both the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people in British Columbia. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Dussault and Phillips.

File contains a presentation by Harry Baikie focusing on economic development in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay region. He discusses the Trans-Labrador Highway, the industry of pilot training, the resolution of land claims in Labrador, and development of a forestry industry and hydro power. Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Harry Maksagak, whose organization supports territorial Aboriginal training and employment policies, and provides a territorial forum for discussion and possible adaptation of policy that will encourage programs and services for Aboriginal people seeking to enter the unique labour markets of the Northwest Territories. Citing census statistics, he calls on the Commission to help provide more funding for Aboriginal youth to obtain the necessary post-secondary education to fill urgently needed jobs.

The file contains a presentation by Executive Director Roy Fabian of the Hay River Treatment Centre. Fabian discusses cultural oppression in Dene history, and the healing process which is neccessary to treat its effects. Fabian stresses the need for the Dene to listen to the Elders and practice their teachings. Fabian also discusses his views on the land claims process, and how cultural oppression has lead to social issues such as child abuse, family violence, and housing problems. Fabian also elaborates what he sees as the need for Aboriginal individuals to start healing themselves.

File contains a presentation by Heather Clements. Clements discusses her experiences as a Scots-English Canadian nurse living on a reserve, and her perceptions of a lack of knowledge in Non-Aboriginal culture of Aboriginal Canadians and why this should be corrected. Clements also discusses health care and educational issues, arguing that Aboriginal peoples should be given control over their own health and educational services and making some suggestions to that effect. Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney, Wilson, and Sillet discuss some of these issues with her.

File contains a presentation by Howard Restoule of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association that responds to a questionnaire sent by the Commission prior to the hearings. The questions involve topics such as acquiring a land base, self-government, the implementation of treaties, the constitutional and legal position of Metis people and off-reserve Aboriginals, the Indian Act and social issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the previous five presenters and the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Hugh Dickie. Dickie discusses Elder's concerns, education, culture, and related community issues.

File contains a presentation by seven members of the Indian Band Members of Faust Society, an organization representing registered band-listed treaty Indian people who live off-reserve. The presenters discuss numerous topics including the Faust local model government, land claims, hunting and trapping, Improvement District 17 and housing. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Ineaq Korgak, executive assistant for the Baffin Regional Health Board. Korgak discusses many of the social issues facing the Inuit people of Baffin Island, including high mortality rates, low life expectancy, drug abuse, AIDS, alcoholism, gambling, poor nutrition, and a lack of economic opportunities. He also discusses midwifery and makes some suggestions on how these subjects can be addressed in a productive manner. Following the presentation Korgak discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Real Vollant, Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Maniutenam. Vollant discusses how the Montagnais see the future in terms of three areas: land claims, constitutional offers, and self-government. He states that "Development, education, justice, health and social services--all of these depend on self-government." Following Vollants presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses education and language matters in the community with him. They then discuss industrial development, policing, trapping, hunting, fishing, wages, and other concerns.

File contains a presentation by Ipeelee Kilabuk concerning with the lack of adequate health care facilities in Pangnirtung. The hamlet once had a hospital, and now seriously ill people must be flown to Edmonton, Winnipeg and other cities. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will build a hospital and staff it with Inuit health care workers. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Isabelle Impey. Impey discusses the Gabriel Dumont Institute: its' mandate, guiding principles, organizational structure, and relation to self-government. Impey also discusses some of the Insitute's programs, post-secondary education financing issues, and projects it is involved with. Following brief comments by Commissioner Dussault, Impey delivers the second part of her presentation which deals with Metis women's concerns.

File contains a presentation by Isabelle Smith relating to programs and services for disabled Aboriginal people in Saskatoon. She expresses frustration with the lack of funding for programs for health issues, employment, housing and education for her clientele. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Jack Smith. Smith is a sessional lecturer with the department of Native Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Smith discusses off reserve and urban status Indian's concerns, primarily with regard to Treaty Land Entitlement and participation in Band politics. Smith also discusses Aboriginal input into the University of Saskatchewan's policies.

File contains a presentation by Jacob Feenstra of the Summer Institute of Linguistics. He discusses his perspectives on Aboriginal languages in Canada. Feenstra is a Dutch (Friesien) student who works in the NWT, and draws parallels to minority language situations in Europe and Canada. He discusses his work preparing a Dogrib dictionary, and shares his ideas on language promotion and usage. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

This file contains a presentation by James Blanchard and Janet Cooper. Their school district is a recent amalgamation of the Dalhousie and Campbellton school districts, and also amalgamated the Aboriginal community schools at Eel River and Restigouche, Quebec. The District's Student Services department offers special education services for the District guidance and counselling services, support services to education like school social workers, speech and language pathologists and psychological services.

File contains a presentation by James Cardinal on behalf of Chief Peter Ross of the Arctic Red River community of the Gwich'in people (in the Mackenzie River Delta). Cardinal's presentation disucsses alcohol problems, land claims, band issues, education, and a host of other issues. Following the presentation is a conversation between the presenter and the Commissioners (mainly Allan Blakeney) regarding some of the issues raised, notably the effectiveness of alcohol prohibition in Gwich'in territory.

File contains a presentation by James Johnson. Johnson, a member of the Walpole Island First Nation, discusses his personal views on the Indian Act with reference to economic development, education, assistance, and political structures. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Johnson.

File contains a presentation by James Mercredi representing the Fort Simpson Dene Council. He expresses concern about proposed uranium mining and how it will affect the Deh Cho River system. Mercredi cites Treaties 8 and 11 and various governmental papers and believes aspects of these documents are unconstitutional. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.