This file contains a presentation by Michelle Swenarchuk that describes her organization as both an environmental group and a legal aid clinic under the Ontario Legal Aid Plan. She states there is a history of misuse of Aboriginal lands for dumping waste, which may pose serious health issues for those Aboriginals living near these dumping sites. The speaker discusses the potential negative impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Aboriginal lands and Aboriginal government. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Mike Metcalf that describes the 1968 relocation of the original settlement of Fort Graham, British Columbia, due to hydro development, and the continuing problems for the Tsay Keh Dene people.

File contains a presentation by Minnie Nowkawalk and Closing Remarks by Rene Dussault. Nowkawalk discusses her family history and warns of the dangers of hydro developments in Northern Quebec to the Inuit people. Rene Dussault then makes closing remarks on the day's session and the sitting of the Commission is adjourned.

File contains a presentation by the Native Outpatient Centre: Meysncut Counselling Centre by Sara Williams and Jane Caprion. Sara Williams begins with a presentation giving an overview of their organization, and its work dealing with abuse and education in the community. Williams also makes a variety of organizational and funding recommendations to the Commission related to the organization's work. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand engage Williams and Caprion in a discussion on the issues raised, and the activities of the Centre.

File contains a presentation by Neil Colin. Colin complains about the ignorance of the north he has encountered in southern Canada, including from Conservative federal government officials who did not even know where Yellowknife was. He also discusses his concerns about pollution and its effects on the North which he has witnessed himself. Following the presentation Rene Dussault thanks him for it, and closes the days preceedings.

File contains a presentation by Donna Roundhead of Nodin Counselling Services. Roundhead discusses the high suicide rate in Nishnawbe-Aski communities, calls for a federal inquiry into the high suicide rate, discusses the need for Aboriginal mental health consultants, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Roundhead.

File contains a presentation by Paul King of the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital. King discusses Aboriginal mental health, training, and teaching. King also provides an overview of the hospital, its' geographic service area, staffing, and mandate. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with King.

File contains a presentation made by Gary Tinker for Northern Disabled People, on the topic of the education system pertaining to disabled people of northern Saskatchewan communities and the lack of services available. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation made by Donald Favel, member of the Métis Addiction Council, for the Northwest Drug and Alcohol Abuse Centre on the topic of social development. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by the Northwest Urban Aboriginal Society of Prince Rupert. Vern Brown, President of the Prince Rupert Local of the Council of Haida Nations introduces his fellow presenters John Stewart, Bill Wright, and Fred Anderson. Brown discusses the urban Aboriginal population in Prince Rupert, its' demographic make-up, educational and language concerns, the need for facilities and resources, land claims issues, housing issues, seniors issues, disabled people's issues, health issues, and general urban and off-reserve concerns.

File contains a presentation by Paul O'Hara that questions why Aboriginal people are "poorly reflected in the health care system." He states that Aboriginal people must be properly represented in the health care system and be given the educational opportunities to do so. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Pauloosie Angmaalik, a resident of Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories, who provides insight into the life of Pangnirtung residents in the 1950s and 1960s.

File contains a presentation by Peggy Sinclair focusing on recent cuts in funding and the resulting loss in programs and services at the Slave Lake Friendship Centre and at other Friendship Centres in northern Alberta. She provides statistics for funding cuts throughout the 1980s and calls on the Commission to help secure funding for essential programs. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Penny Ericson focusing on how her association attracts Canadian Aboriginal students in the nursing field. Ericson states the need for additional recruitment and retention of Aboriginal nurses. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Phil Hall, Skowkale Reserve, Chillwack, British Columbia. Hall feels that social issues for Aboriginal people must be given priority over other issues such as land claims and self-government. He acknowledges that he is a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and believes the Canadian government should "take a look at our own backdoor" and address social issues among Aboriginal and also non-Aboriginal people as well. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Phillip Sinclair with translator, representing the Shoal River Indian Reserve. It focuses on the water pollution found in the Swan River Valley area and other rivers and creeks that are connected to Shoal River and flow into Lake Winnipegosis. He believes that farmers upstream are using Shoal River as a disposal site and seeks compensation from the Canadian government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

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 Professor Vance Peavy concerning the health system in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

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 Rhea Joseph of the British Columbia Native Brotherhood concerning the health care system and social issues in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Rheena Diabo and Keith Leclair outlining the committee's goals, which include improving community participation in the planning, evaluation and administration of health and social services; providing training for health promotion and prevention; and participating in the close relationship between health services and social services. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Rheeno Diabo, Shakottia Takehanes Community Services. Diabo, a Mohawk woman, discusses her experiences with post-trauma and other types of community social work, and the personal impact of working with people she knows. Roda Grey and Marlene Castalano discuss some of the issues raised with Diabo.

File contains a presentation by Richard Mills and Evelyn Buffalo focusing on the approach Aboriginals have toward health care: the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects. The two presenters state that an Aboriginal health centre is required as non-Aboriginal health care workers do not understand the Aboriginal approach to health care. They anticipate the new health centre to be open in 1993.

The file contains a presentation by Robin Weasel Bear. Weasel Bear discusses his support for the youth programs going on at the Peigan Reserve, and his participation in these programs. Weasel Bear tells the Commission that a lot more of these programs should be "set up on every reserve, and even in cities."

File contains a presentation by Ron Blinn that focuses on social issues on First Nations such as inadequate housing and water quality, the high cost of food, fire protection, health care, and youth crime and suicide. He invites the Commissioners to tour the Liard River First Nation to experience the way its residents live. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Rosa Wright discussing the healing of individual persons, families and communities, and the future of children "coming from dysfunctional homes and living in a dysfunctional society." She briefly discusses other negative issues facing youth and elderly persons, discrimination associated with Bill C-31 and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Sadie Parnell of the Kermode Friendship Centre. Parnell discusses the Friendship Centres operations and goals. Parnell requests more assistance from the government in terms of programming and education, particularly with reference to disabled people and non-Aboriginals to foster cross-cultural understanding. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson comment on the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Sandra Green, First Nations Women's Group. Green, a member of the Haida Nation and Eagle Clan, discusses the mandate and issues of the First Nations Women's Group of Prince Rupert. Their mandate is to "preserve the First Nations family in a healthy and positive way" and their issues include "social issues of family violence, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual abuse" AIDS, and high youth mortality generally. Green goes on to highlight a number of root causes of these problems, and recommend solutions to the Commission.

The file contains a presentation by Wes Whetung and Sanford Cottrelle of Newberry House (a halfway house). Whetung and Cottrelle discuss the prison system and Aboriginal offenders offering a comparative view of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal halfway houses, compensation for former residential school residents, accessible moneys to implement both cultural and non-cultural programs for children and youth, and stereotypes of Aboriginal people in text-books. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

The file contains a presentation by Sharon Jinkerson, Native Council of Canada. Jinkerson discusses her experiences dealing with children's suicide attempts, lack of funding for dealing with these and related issues, a youth program and camp initiative she is involved with, interventions and counselling, and the importance of spirituality in treating depression.

File contains a presentation by Shibogama First Nations Council, Sarah McKay. McKay discusses the social and health conditions of the local First Nations, and attributes many of their problems to colonialism and policies such as the residential schools. McKay recommends that any move towards self-governance first start by addressing the mental, spiritual, and physical health concerns of area First Nations. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with McKay.

This file contains a presentation by Silpa Edmunds discussing a number of concerns including increasing doctor and dentist visits, lack of housing and employment and social problems in Nain. A short question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Abbey Crook of the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre. Crook, Executive Director of the Centre, makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on behalf of Northwest Territories Friendship Centres. These include culture and language recommendations; education recommendations; justice recommendations; social recommendations (in terms of delivery of social services); and economic recommendations all based on a survey conducted by the Friendship Centres of their constituencies.

File contains a presentation on behalf of St. Martin's Hospital by Administrator Violet Lemaigre, and Pat Malmgren. Administrator Lemaigre discusses the situation of her hospital which she desribes as very small and constantly underfunded. Lemaigre also discusses transportation issues, disease and addiction issues, staff shortage issues, mental health issues, elderly and disabled persons issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillet discuss some of the issues raised with Lemaigre and Malmgren.

This file contains a presentation by Susan K. Horne who provides a brief history of her organization. The mandate of the Foundation is to help fund and support health care services at the community level, with the focus on areas that are not covered or not fully covered by conventional government funding sources. Horne states that financial support from the Kahnawake community makes up for occasional shortfalls in money to buy inexpensive imaging equipment and vehicles for transportation, but the majority of funding is from the federal government.

File contains a presentation by T'mas Young of the Micmac AIDS Task Force. Young makes a wide array of recommendations to the Commission related to Aboriginal AIDS awareness and treatment. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Morris, thank Young and discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Joan Moore, Atikamekw Health and Social Services Council. Moore delivers a presentation entitled "Autopsy of a Genocide" arguing that the current social problems faced by the Attikamek people are consequences of colonialism. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with Moore.

File contains a presentation by Community Worker Monik Sioui from the Kitcisakik Welfare Society. Sioui gives a brief history of her organization which services a community made up of 18 camps spread throughout Laverendrye Park, Quebec (the community has no reserve). Themes Sioui addresses are the delivery of health and social services, relations with the province, and staffing issues. Commissioners Dussault, Robinson, and Blakeney ask questions and comment during the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Laura Wynn, Executive Director of the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre. Wynn discusses the Friendship Centre itself in terms of funding and service arrangements, and delivers their position on issues of land claims, self-governance, urban issues, and health issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Wynn.

The file contains a presentation by the Sudbury Youth Group. Presenters Adrea Chusan, Adrian Abel, Lana Perrin, Steven Hall, Mark Seabrook, and Wasayabeniquoi Dishnikas. The presenters discuss educational, addictions, suicide, recreation, employment, parental support, and general youth issues. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

The file contains a presentation by Sharon Caudron, Claire-Anne Bouchard, and Jacquie Soroff of the Women's Resource Centre in Hay River, Northwest Territories. The three women present on "condensed information and possible solutions to address generational violence" including family violence and abuse of multiple varieties. The presenters also suggest some possible solutions to the intergenerational cycle of violence, and its' relation to the criminal justice and education systems.

File contains a presentation by Tony Punko, Executive Director of the Athabasca Tribal Corporation. Punko outlines his views on Federal policy towards First Nations, with particular attention to legislative, economic, and social issues. Punko suggests that more attention need be payed to issues of local self-governance. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Punko on these topics.

File contains a presentation by Vice Chief Alphonse Bird of the Prince Albert Tribal Council. On behalf of the Tribal Council (which represented 12 First Nations at the time), Bird welcomes the Royal Commission to the area and discusses how his organization will be making a more comprehensive presentation on areas of concern to them in La Ronge, Saskatchewan on May 28th. Areas of concern to be highlighted include Treaty Rights, the Constitution, housing, poverty, northern food costs, employment, resource revenue sharing, taxation, infrastructure, health and justice issues.

File contains a presentation by Violet Monday, Wife of the Chief Councillor of the Ucluelet First Nation for Health Affairs. Monday reads a presentation compiled by the First Nations' family care worker and health worker for the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Virginia Alexander focusing on the lack of government funding for social services programs involving family support, adult in-home care, a future long-term care facility for elders, and child care. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Wendall Nicholas and Mae Perley on behalf of the Tobique First Nation. Nicholas and Perley discuss ideas and issues related to accommodating and providing services for disabled people on the First Nation's territory. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson and Erasmus make some comments.

File contains a presentation by William Lathlin. Lathlin, a Councillor of The Pas First Nation, discusses his views on the workplace, worker's compensation, and discrimination in the workplace. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioner Blakeney and Mr. Lathlin on some of the workplace issues he raised.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes a presentation of the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability by Ian Hinksman and Sue Gabriel concerning the issue of cultural advancement through writing and publication. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

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 for the British Columbia Medical Association by Alan Clews, Phil Hall and David Martin concerning the health system in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

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 the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement by Mike Sigurdur concerning the health system, services and programs of the Metis community.