File contains a presentation by Chief Tim Restoule of the Dokis First Nation. Chief Restoule discusses land rights, hunting and fishing, economic development, education and health concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Chief Restoule.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation by Donald Thompson regarding treatment of Metis with hunting and land laws. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

File contains a presentation by Donna Brett, Former Chairperson of British Columbia School District No. 70. Brett is introduced by the preceding presenter, Denny Grisdale. Brett presents an artistic picture to the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council "in Recognition of the Growing Co-operation Between the School District and Its People." Following Brett's brief remarks on the symbol of the two organization's relationship, Danny Grisdale briefly discusses some of the contracts between his School District and the Tribal Council.

File contains a presentation by Dorothy Wynne describing the frustration with continuing the operation of the Friendship Centre in Kapuskasing without federal government funding. She also expresses concern with Kapuskasing being a bilingual town and most job opportunism require that English and French are a requirement for employment. Wynne describes the early stages of a tanning program and the construction of a tannery that would establish an economic base for the Friendship Centre. She calls on the Commission to address the Centre's inability to secure federal funding.

File contains a presentation by Ed Bianchi from Friends of the Lubicon. Bianchi discusses the situation facing the Lubicon Cree in Alberta, and their struggle for land and resource rights. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson, Sillet, and Blakeney discuss the issues raised with Bianchi.

File contains a presentation by Ed Isaac. Isaac, a Potawatomi man from Walpole Island First Nation, discusses jurisdictional, policing, international border, hunting, and fishing issues at Walpole Island. Following Isaac's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him. After this the Commissioners make some closing remarks, followed by a closing ceremony and travel song which ends the day's sitting of the Royal Commission.

File contains a presentation by Elizabeth Penashue, Innu spokesperson and elder, expressing concern with low-level flying by Canadian Forces jets, hunting restrictions, and social problems among the Innu people. She appeals to the Commission to help end the low-level flying that disrupts the hunting and trapping that is essential for Innu survival.

File contains a presentation by Gary Mitchell. Mitchell, a resident of Makkovik, former mayor and past president of community councils of Labrador, and Inuit field worker, speaks on the topic of economic development and fisheries.

File contains a presentation by Grand Chief George Behn, Fort Nelson First Nation. Behn relays the history of his people from the time they signed Treaty 8 until the present. Behn discusses problems with the government and resource companies, and the settlement which his First Nation made for oil royalty revenue. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses resource use and pollution issues with Behn.

File contains an a presentation by Chief George Desjarlais of the West Moberly First Nation. He discusses the history of his people and their entrance into Treaty Eight. Desjarlais states that the government has not lived up to its end of the Treaty, which was intended to provide for peaceful co-existence and shared land management by the two peoples. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the points raised with Desjarlais.

This file contains comments by Gerard Bertin and Roger Cormier stating that they wish to contribute to the later discussion relating to fishing and tourism. Auley Barclay, Village Council of Tide Head, New Brunswick, is introduced as the next speaker.

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 on behalf of the Hamlet of St. George's Hill by Mayor Gerald Desjarlais, Councillor Pat Desjarlais, and Councillor Theresa Montgrand. Mayor Desjarlais discusses how 70 percent of the hamlet's population are Bill C-31 people with the band from Dillon who Montgrand claims "don't support the Bill C-31s at all." Pat Desjarlais discusses the air bombing range in the area, and its effects on trapping and logging activities. Following the presentation the two Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the two Desjarlais, and Montgrand.

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 James Kavana and Moses Koihok that first provides a brief history of Cambridge Bay. The presenters state that "we would have been better off out in our own hunting grounds away from the settlement" of Cambridge Bay but with the forced 1950s relocation of Inuit into the settlement created a culture and lifestyle crisis for those Inuit who were relocated. John Maksagak, Commissioner for the Day, adds some remarks about the history of Cambridge Bay and his experiences growing up in an alcohol-free environment.

File contains a presentation by Jaypeetie Akpallaluk, Mayor, Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories, who begins by comparing the "qallunaaq" (European) way of life and the Inuit way of life and how the two do not work together well. He states that Inuit culture is being lost and that the wisdom and knowledge of elders is not being utilized by younger generations. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will provide more funding to allow the creation of much-needed cultural, educational and family programs in Pangnirtung.

File contains a presentation by Jerry Noskiye that first details the history of the Loon River Cree Band. He seeks compensation from logging and oil companies working in the area, resulting in the destruction of traplines and the livelihood of band members. He calls on the Commission to assist in negotiate the band's land claim and to force logging and oil companies to consult with the band before starting work in the area. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by the Principal Jim Whitson, Lambton County Board of Education. Whitson discusses developing good relationships in the educational setting with Aboriginal peoples, specifically in the context of what has been done in Lambton County, Ontario. Whitson discusses concerns such as cultural, historical, and language education. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Whitson.

File contains a presentation by Joan Ryan focusing on education for the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people, including programs offering fishery, carpentry, forestry and court worker training. She calls on the Commission to ensure continued funding for programs that educate Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en persons and return them back to their communities to help others. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Edsu of Fort McPherson. Edsu discusses his views on the trapping industry in the area and his view of its great importance to people of the north. Edsu protests southerners coming in as transient labour and taking jobs that he feels northerners are qualified to do. He also discusses rival claims over land by trappers and large multinational resource companies. He requests recognition from the federal Government of the importance of the trapping industry to his people, and criticizes the anti-fur movement as destructive and naive.

File contains a presentation by John Joe Sark, Captain of the Micmac Grand Council. Sark discusses the need to tell Aboriginal history, particularly the positive side, in schools in New Brunswick. He also discusses the Micmac's struggle to hold onto their culture through generations of assimilative pressures. Following Sark's presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Prince and Maurice Browning speaking on behalf of the Elders of their community. The elders have seen 80-90 years of destruction of their hunting and trapping grounds and of the family unit.

File contains a presentation by John Turner. Turner presents on behalf of the Mushkegowuk Traditional Harvesters. Turner outlines three reasons why it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a living off the land: the activities of animal rights groups who oppose trapping, the activities of sport hunting groups who oppose subsistence rights to hunt, and the development of hydroelectric projects which negatively impact habitat. Turner then goes on to discuss how Aboriginal people have increasingly adopted European values and look with disdain upon trapping as a career choice.

File contains a presentation by Katherine Morrisseau and Iris Lauzon of the Ojibway Language Immersion Program for Preschoolers in Winnipeg. The presenters discuss reasons for the decline of Aboriginal languages, their importance, curriculum, and their efforts to teach Ojibway to children. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Laura Dahdona, Matthew Nanooch, William Pelech, and Mary Francis on behalf of Aboriginal Social Work Students in High Level. Dahdona discusses funding and accessibility issues with regard to post-secondary education.

File contains a presentation by Lillian Sanderson. Sanderson presents her views on the condition of Aboriginal people in the north. Throughout her presentation she critiques the actions of multinational companies and governments in their dealings with Aboriginal people. Specific points of grievance include resource exploitation with little benefit to the people of the area, unfair treatment from the justice system, trappers being abused by the forestry industry, and a lack of investment in community development and social spending.

File contains a presentation by Lise Bastien of the First Nations Education Council. Bastien discusses educational policy, the need for Aboriginal educational autonomy, the need for education on Aboriginal history in the non-Aboriginal population, funding concerns, drop-out rates, and related issues. Following Bastien's presentation the assembled Commissioners engage her in a discusion on education issues.

File contains a presentation by Lorne Schollar, Northwest Territories Wildlife Federation. Schollar discusses wildlife management concerns with relation to Aboriginal subsistence harvesting, and access to resource concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Schollar.

File contains a presentation by Lucien Taparti who's an Elder and Chairperson of the local Elders' organization, discusses how Elder and hunters' concerns are often neglected while those of people who own businesses are addressed by government. He states that their is a knowledge gap of traditional Inuit culture among youth which should be addressed. Taparti discusses the local Elders organization, his work-related disability, and concerns with the justice system and the role Elders can play.

File contains a presentation by Luke Novoligak whose organization was established in 1959 and serves Cambridge Bay and area. The store is essential for supplies and in addition, the Co-op also runs a hotel and a commercial fishing venture. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Cree Elder Madeline Davis. Davis delivers a personal address (translated into English from Cree) on colonization and its impact on her people. Davis discusses a wide variety of concerns including hunting rights, trapping, reserve life, education, Treaty Eight, and other issues.

File contains a presentation by Madeline Rizzoli, representing the Alberta Trappers Association. She states that trapping has and is an ongoing occupation that residents rely for survival. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners regarding leghold traps.

File contains a presentation by Marjorie Andersen, Mayor of Makkovik. After welcoming the Commission to her community, Andersen discusses some of their concerns such as a lack of adequate community funding, water and sewer system problems, poor roads, fishery issues, policing, housing, and the need for land development.

The file contains a presentation by Mary Lou Fox. Fox, an Ojibwa Elder from the West Bay First Nation, discusses residential schools impact and inter-generational legacy on communities, language issues and their relation to identity; the lack of educational assistance and direction needed for community level language instruction, a cross-Canada Elder's conference on language issues to be held at Manitoulin Island, the need for full time interpreters in some hospitals, and access to justice services in Aboriginal languages.

File contains a presentation by Mary Simon, Melva George, Christine Keechago and Amanda Blackbird. The presenters discuss education concerns in their Ojibwa and Oneida communities, particularly with regard to Aboriginal language curricula.

File contains a presentation by Meeka Kilabuk, Executive Director, Baffin Regional Council. She provides background information on the purpose of the Council and the large land base that the Council covers. Kilabuk states that the high cost of airfare is a deterrent when members of the Council, located great distances apart, attempt to meet. Kilabuk also relates a successful effort by the Baffin Regional Council to raise the quota on hunting Beluga whales from 5 to 35 and wonders why this number is always under review by the Canadian government, as the whales are essential for survival.

File contains presentations by Mandy Na'zinek Jimmie, and Amy Thom of the Nicola Valley Language Advisory Group. Jimmie delivers a presentation on Aboriginal language use, its importance, and the need for self-governance. Following remarks on this by Commissioner Dussault, Thom makes some personal remarks on the issue from the perspective of both a First Nations person and a language instructor. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank the presenters for their thoughts.

File contains a presentation by John Novak of the North Bay Chapter of the Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association (which represents Metis and Non-Status people). Novak discusses the difficulty for his people in obtaining resources, their difference from Status Indian people, a lack of educational assistance, a request for "some kind of structure that we would be able to get our own funding," the desire for a land base, economic concerns, hunting and fishing rights, racism and discrimination concerns, the problem sustaining the organization's locals, and housing concerns.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Northern Lights School Division by Rick Laliberte and Gordon Rutten. Laliberte discusses his own background as a Cree person and educational issues in Northern Saskatchewan, the need for a child centred approach, and linguistic issues. Rutten delivers a series of 13 recommendations to the Commission on education in Nothern Saskatchewan dealing with administrative, finance, cultural, and linguistic concerns. Following the presentation the two presenters discuss educational concerns with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Patrick Polchies. Polchies is a member of the Kingsclear First Nation, and voices his views on a variety of topics including the inherent right to self-governance, the importance of Aboriginal inclusion in the Constitutional process, questions about accountability in Aboriginal governance, fishing rights, the Cultural Properties Act, and religious artifacts. Following the presentation is a brief discussion between Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillet, and the presenter followed by the end of the Commission's session for the day.

File contains a presentation by Paul Dixon stating that the Canadian government has destroyed "most of the hunting societies that have existed since time immemorial." Traplines are being destroyed as forestry operations are wiping out animals' shelter and vegetation for safety of their lives. The cyclical movements of animals and the mating pathways are greatly damaged and Dixon states that innumerable animal and plant species are endangered. He calls on the Commission to help stop the destruction of animals and plants used by trappers for survival.

File contains a presentation by Pauline Decontie, Education Department, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Following a song by the children in the local immersion class, Decontie delivers a presenation on language, culture, identity issues, and their relation to education (for both children and adults). Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss these issues with Decontie.

File contains a presentation made by Frank Morin for the Protectors of Mother Earth on environmental issues pertaining to Northern Saskatchewan communities and the lack of proper government representation. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Ralph Tooktoshina and Alex Saunders, whose organization represents fishermen from the Upper Lake Melville area of Labrador. Tooktoshina discusses the lack of advancement opportunities for Aboriginal fishermen. Saunders discusses the new fish plant in Makkovik, Labrador, despite fish depletion at that settlement. Following the discussion is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Randy Sawyer. Sawyer discusses Aboriginal languages in Canada and their importance. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with Sawyer.

File contains a presentation by Richard McKay, Traditional Resource User. McKay covers a wide variety of topics related to his life as a trapper and fisherman in northern Saskatchewan. McKay expresses frustration by the uneven application of vague resource laws towards Aboriginal peoples by the provincial government, and the unwillingness of the government to consult or make policy in colloboration with trappers. McKay also expresses his problems with the regulations regarding land use in the north, and how they seemingly benefit Americans and other outsiders more than the actual northerners.

The file contains a presentation by Rita Corbiere. Corbiere, an Ojibwa Elder from the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve, discusses the past of the Anishnabe people, economic and taxation issues, the state of the British Empire and Monarchy, the Chartered Lands Act, fisheries, environmental issues, Ojibwa service in the War of 1812, the 1836 Treaty on Manitoulin Island, and the Chartered Lands Act.

This file contains a presentation by Rivard Larouche and Jean-Benoit Gagnon that first provides a history of the organization. The presentation focuses on the cultural, sociological and economic aspects of trapping activity in Quebec. Trapping is vital for survival for some trappers; it is also culturally significant with generations of trappers in families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Robert Alexis, Vice Chief for Trapping. Alexis is Vice Chief of Trapping for the Gwich'in people of Fort McPherson and discusses the problems and concerns of trappers in his presentation. The most important issue facing trappers he states is the switiching of traps from traditional leg holds to conibear traps. He contrasts trapping with office work and professes his love for the lifestyle of the trap line. He discusses how the conibear is a bad substitute for the traditional leg hold traps.