Government

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Jane Gottfriedson. Gottfriedson discusses some of the struggles of Aboriginal women to be included in the self-governance process and to have a voice in Aboriginal politics generally.

File contains an individual presentation by Olassie Machmer who has lived overseas in the past. She compares the red tape involved with taking ill in England (none) to taking ill in the Canadian North (substantial). She states that "when you see overseas governments, they seem to run a lot better than here." Machmer concludes by saying the government has to change to meet the needs of the people.

This file contains an individual presentation by Raynald Vachon on employment and salary inequities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers. Vachon recommends that an organization be established that could be called "the Association of Aboriginal Workers in Quebec." The association could bring together all the Aboriginal communities in Quebec.

File contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Singituq Complex, Rankin Inlet, NWT (now Nunavut), on Thursday, November 19, 1992. Following an introduction by Facilitator Paul Kaludjak, and an opening prayer by Rhoda Karetak, Commissioner Viola Robinson commences the days proceedings by giving an overview of the Commission, its composition, and its work to this date.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples held at the Edmonton Inn, in Edmonton, Alberta on June 11, 1992. The Commissioners explain the mandate and goals of the Commission for the audience in attendance.

File contains opening remarks for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples sitting at Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, on Thursday, June 18, 1992. Remarks by Commissioners Blakeney, Chartrand, and Marcel outline the mandate and goals of the Commission, and translation arrangements for the Fort Chipewyan venue.

File contains opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, on Thursday, October 29, 1992 by Commissioner Allan Blakeney. Blakeney adds to Erasmus' earlier remarks by pointing out associated literature on the premises to the participants, and by stating that the Commission may ask pointed questions, not to be "pushy or offensive" but to gain a better understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal Canadians from the grassroots level.

File contains a presentation by Alan Maksagak touching on a number of subjects, such as land claims, the future government of Nunavut, economic development and the difficulty in securing loans for businesses in the Cambridge Bay area. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Alex Nelson, Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association of British Columbia. Nelson describes himself as a sports addict and has been involved with coaching sports his entire adult life. He sees the North American Indigenous Games as the pinnacle of Aboriginal sporting achievement, and he hopes that sports funding at the local levels is increased so that Aboriginal youth continue to have the opportunity to play sports. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Alma Brooks, a Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) woman. Brooks relates her life journey and involvement with both politics and the community at large in helping to heal her people's problems. She states that self-governance is an impossibility until her people are healed. Following her presentation is a discussion between her and Commissioners Dussault and Sillet on healing and politics respectively.

This file contains a presentation by Alwyn Morris, Canadian Olympic medal winner in 1984. He sought in 1986 to establish an organization for Aboriginal sport development, but was turned down by the Department of Indian Affairs. Eventually Morris created his own foundation in 1988. He eventually received some funding from Indian Affairs and now calls to the Commission to ensure funding continues for this essential organization for Aboriginal youth. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

Historical note:

This file contains a presentation by Amos Key relating to his organization's recommendations for providing post-secondary education for the people of Six Nations of the Grand River.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes a presentation by Bernard Gordon concerning the provision of Treaty Rights to the Aboriginal Community on and off reserves. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

The file contains a presentation by Bud Neville. Neville, a former employee of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, discusses his experiences in Resolute Bay, Northwest Territories (now Nunavut) with regard to the High Arctic Relocation program. Following Neville's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a brief presentation by Charlie Francis. Francis discusses his view of band governance, arguing the Chiefs have too much authority, Economic development, the need for a constitution or charter for band governance, and the Premier of Quebec who he refers to as "the next Hitler in our country."

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerry Jack, Muchaht (phonetic) Culture. Jack discusses his people's traditional cultural views on governance and territory. Following the presentation is a conversation between Chief Jack and Commissioner Georges Erasmus on some of the ideas in Jack's presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor Jack Thompson regarding the distribution and structure of Social Services on the reserves of the Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) First Nation. Thompson makes some suggestions about how resources could be better utilized, and discusses the amtter with Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah.

File contains a presentation by Chief Lorne Waditaka of the Wahpeton Dakota First Nation. Waditka discusses the history of his people and its contacts with other Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda groups. He discusses the First Nations participation in both local organizations like the Prince Albert Tribal Council alongside the Cree, and in larger organizations of Dakota people on a province wide, and international basis. Wakitawa also discusses some of the distinctions between "Sioux" peoples and future aspirations for unity.

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.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes opening remarks from Elder Vincent Stogan and moderator Lou Desmarais. Also included in this portion is a presentation by Chief Russell Kwasistak concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

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.

This file contains a presentation by Connie Laurin-Bowie and Bob Walker focusing on programs and services for Aboriginal disabled persons in Canada living on- and off-reserve. They cite research that Aboriginals living on reserves are almost twice as likely as the average Canadian to have a disability. People who have a disability are economically disadvantaged and vulnerable, and the presenters call upon the Commission to ensure that funding continues for programs to help both disadvantaged Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.

File includes a presentation by Dennis Perron, MNA for Duplessis, and Opposition (Parti Quebecois) Critic on Aboriginal Affairs. Perron delivers an address on the relationship of the province of Quebec, and particularly past PQ governments to the Aboriginal peoples of the province. Perron stresses the importance of good relations, and claims that Quebec has the best record in Canada with regard to the treatment of Aboriginal peoples. Perron also discusses land rights and cultural questions.

This file contains a presentation by Doris Ronnenberg and Richard Long focusing on practical models for the financing of urban self-government, including delivery of services to Alberta off-reserve Aboriginal people. They state that an Aboriginal government should be respected as a form of government, just like that provincial and federal governments. The speakers will submit a written presentation to the Commission at a later date. A brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Douglas A. West, professor, and Wilfred King, student, both from Lakehead University. West states that "all academic disciplines have become attuned to the situation of Canadian Aboriginal people, and they have all become advocates for the improvement of the Aboriginal situation." He states that "we must take the time to learn each other's languages, customs and political and social agendas." King, also the interim President of United Aboriginal Nation, is concerned with the representation of off-reserve status Aboriginals.

The file contains a presentation by Dr. Graham Rowley. Rowley, a retired professor and public servant, discusses his experiences with the Inuit in relation to the High Arctic Relocation program, and associated issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Rowley.

File contains a presentation by Earl Magnusson, Director of Urban Development, Federation of Saskatchewan Indians. Magnusson speaks on the issues facing urban Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan. He discusses Treaty rights, self-governance, and municipal service delivery. Following the presentation is a discussion between Magnusson and Commissioners Wilson, Chartrand, and Erasmus on these issues as well as the "portability" of Aboriginal rights.

File contains a presentation by Emile Trip-de-Roche. Trip-de-Roche discusses the mandate of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and her personal views on it. Trip-de-Roche advances a critical view of the Commission's mandate discussing such issues as natural resources, parks, burial grounds, and land claims. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney with Trip-de-Roche regarding the Commission and its mandate, followed by an adjournment of the days proceedings.

File contains a presentation by Gabe Mentouck, a member of Native Mediation Inc. Mentouck relates why he opposes inherent Indian self-government, and tells a personal story of persecution and abuse by the Chief on his reserve. Mentouck highlights problems with a lack of accountability in Status Indian leadership, a lack of respect for individual rights on reserve, gangsterism and threatening behaviour towards those who opposse the status quo, and unfair treatment of himself from the wider Canadian legal system. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Mr.

File contains a presentation by Garfield Warren. Warren, a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, discusses his views on the Commission and its work. Following his remarks are closing remarks for the day by Neil Andersen and Rene Dussault.

File contains a detailed presentation by Herb George focusing on Aboriginal rights and title. He discusses the effects of the McKinnon-McBride Commission of 1913-1915 and provides legal decisions that favor the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people in their present-day quest for self-government. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 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 Jimmy Dick. Dick discusses the inherent right to self-government and his views on it. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney with Dick on the form self-governance should theoretically take, specifically with regard to an urban context like Toronto.

This file contains a presentation by Joy Fontaine, Todd Ducharme, Jonathan Rudin and Cliff Summers that first gives a brief history of their organization, now serving 70,000 Aboriginal residents in Toronto, Ontario. Legal programs provided are the Native Criminal, Family and Young Offender Courtworker program, the Native Inmate Liaison program and the Aboriginal Justice Counsellor Training Program.

This file contains a presentation by Judy Rowell focusing on the "relationship of the federal and provincial governments to the Labrador Inuit Association. She refers to Labrador Inuit and the role that that relationship plays in the ability of the Association to deal with environmental threats and to deal with environmental protection." A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Kahn-Tineta Horn and Dale Dione focusing on Iroquois democracy. The speakers provide a brief history of the Mohawk Nation and then discuss their form of democracy, their structure for resolving issues and their present struggles. The speakers also discuss the Oka Crisis of 1990. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Kelly Healy. Healy presents a video clip from a trip her class took to Calgary to watch a debate between Progressive Conservative leadership candidates Jean Charest and Kim Campbell. During the trip the group experienced an incidence of overt racism which is referred to, and Healy states that she shares it to "show how much racism affects us. I just want something to be done about it."

File contains a presentation by Larry Aknavigak focusing on four subjects: the powers assigned to the Divisional Board, the future government of Nunavut, post-secondary education and Inuit teachers teaching Inuit culture. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Lisa Galak, Tseshaht Nation environment representative. Galak describes how pollution and other resource exploitation has adversly effected her people's traditional lands, and her hope that action can be taken to correct the damage. Following the presentation is a discussion between Galak, one Chief Charlie (unidentified) and Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson on measures taken to control pollution, and governments.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes presentation by Livina Lightbrown concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Phil Maness. Maness, Chief of Chippewas of Sarnia, London District, discusses three elements he views as neccessary for self-government: land, jurisdiction, and resources. Chief Maness also discusses the Treaty of Amherstburg, and the Indian Act. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the ideas raised with Chief Maness.

File contains a presentation by Wilfred Jacobs on the historical background of the Lower Kootenay Indian Band, followed by opening remarks for the sitting of the Commission at Cranbrook, British Columbia, on November 3, 1992 by Commissioners Rene Dussault, Paul Chartrand, and Commissioner for the day Lexine Phillips. Jacobs discusses traditional territories, food sources, contact with Europeans, and the desire among his people to continue pushing for self-governance despite the recent failure of the Charlottetown Accord referendum.

File includes a presentation by Chief Gilles Bacon and Councillor Raoul Vollant of the Maliotenam Band Council. Chief Gilles Bacon makes a very brief statement welcoming the Commission and expressing happiness about recent elections.

File contains a presentation by Marlene Pierre and Bernadette Cook focusing on Aboriginal women in politics and they must be included in the decision-making process. She describes the clan system of government and how the benefits of that system could be used in an "Aboriginal Charter," a form of self-government established by Aboriginal women on paper. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Mary Wiegers, President, Provincial Metis Women of Saskatchewan. Wiegers highlights her concerns with the notion of Metis self-governance in Saskatchewan. She is highly critical of how Metis institutions have been functioning in the province, and argues that self-governance as things are currently consituted will lead to abuses by the Metis leadership. Wiegers highlights examples of electoral fraud, and undemocratic behaviour within the Saskatchewan Metis organization.

File contains a presentation by Max "One-Onti" Gros-Louis, Former Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation. He discusses his own personal history, and the history of his people with reference to Aboriginal rights, constitutions, and ill treatment by the federal and provincial governments. Gros-Louis discusses the dispossession of Huron lands and harassment of traditional resource harvesters by government officials. Following his presentation the Commissioners make some comments.

File contains a presentation by Chief Geraldine Kelly, Archaeologist Jerry Penny, Director of Education Edwina Wetzel, and Michael Joe, all of the Miawpukek Band, Conne River, Newfoundland. The presenters discuss the history of the Micmac people in Newfoundland, and claim that they have Aboriginal rights on the island. They discuss some of the archaeological and historical evidence for this, and the court case that the band is involved in with the federal government to have these claims recognized.

File contains a presentation by Ovide Mercredi, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations. Mercredi discusses his view of the Royal Commission and its goals, his organizations participation in Constitutional talks, and the importance of self-governance and self-determination to Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mercredi and Commissioners Erasmus, Sillet, Wilson, Dussault and Blakeney.

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.