Land Claims

RCAP 41 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Kispiox, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, land claims, self-governemnt, family and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 42 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Sheshatshiu, Labrador. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, land claims, self-governemnt, alcohol and drug abuse issues, and Metis, Inuit and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 43 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Sheshatshiu, Labrador. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to employment, land claims, self-governemnt, alcohol and drug abuse issues, and Metis, Inuit, Innu and women's issues. Each submission can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 45 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Stoney Creek, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to employment, land claims, self-governemnt, alcohol and drug abuse issues, and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 45 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Stoney Creek, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, housing, land claims, self-government, alcohol and drug abuse issues, and elder and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 48 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Slave Lake, Alberta. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, land claims, self-government, alcohol and drug abuse issues, and women's and Métis issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 49 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in the Oak Room, Ramada Inn, Thunder Bay, Ontario. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to land claims, self-government, alcohol and drug abuse issues, education and tourism. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

Contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Saskatoon Indian and Native Friendship Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, land claims, self-government, on- and off-reserve Aboriginals, training of Aboriginals in education and law enforcement, and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 51 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, land claims, self-government, racism and discrimination, and Metis and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 52 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to land claims and self-government, education, economic development, friendship centres, Aboriginal war veterans and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 61 contains files from a round table sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Mic Mac Native Friendship Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to land claims and self-government, needle exchange programs, health and addiction programs, economic development and friendship centres. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 65 contains files for a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Senator Hotel, Timmins, Ontario. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to land claims and self-government, health and addiction programs, economic development, education and friendship centres. Each submission can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 66 contains files for a special consultation session during a sitting of the Royal Commission for Aboriginal Peoples in the Senator Hotel, Timmins, Ontario. The subject is resource development and Aboriginal land claims. The panel includes Donald McKinnon and Dennis Prince, both previous speakers, and John Farrington serves as facilitator.

RCAP 80 contains files for a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Nain, Labrador. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to land claims and self-government, health and addiction programs, culture, economic development and education. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains a presentation by Chief Marcel Boivin of the Weymontachie Council. Boivin discusses the Weymontachie community in demographic terms, and social problems facing it. Boivin also discuses relations with the federal and Quebec governments, forestry development, and land claims negotiations. Following the presentation Boivin discusses some of these issues with Robinson and Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Vice President Ernest Ottawa of the Attikamek-Montagnais Council. Ottawa discusses the Council which consists of three Attikamek communities in Lac St-Jean, the North Shore, the lower North Shore, and Sheffereville in the North, and its mandate of coming to an agreement with the Governments of Quebec and Canada on the settlement of comprehensive land claims. Following Ottawa's presentation Commissioners Ottawa, Robinson, and Dussault discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by President Simon Awashish of the Council of the Attikamek Nation. Awashish discusses the history of the Attikamek, land holding, land management, self-governance, economic development, wildlife management, and resources. Following the presentation Awashish discusses these issues with Dussault.

The file contains closing remarks by Chief Nathan Matthew and a closing prayer by Mary Thomas, Elder.

File contains closing remarks by Allan Blakeney and Viola Robinson, Commissioners. Blakeney summarizes today's presentations as giving a strong message of concern about treaty and Aboriginal rights and the fact that these are being ignored by the Canadian government.

File contains closing remarks by Chief Jim Omeasoo that includes a story about his grandfather who was alive at the time of the 1876 Treaty Six signing.

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 discussion of the presentations given by Art Thompson, Emile Bylan and Phyllis Collins concerning education, rights under the Metis Settlement Accord and self-government in the Metis community.

The file contains further comments by Tobias Provost. Provost discusses his view of the federal government, land issues, and their fundamental importance.

File contains a general discussion between presenters Cliff Wright, Theresa Dust, Robert Doucette, Jack Smith, Barry Kennedy, Commissioners Rene Dussault, Viola Robinson, and facilitator Murray Hamilton. The topic of discussion is urban Aboriginal issues in Saskatchewan, specifically issues raised in the preceding presentations listed under the presenter's names and available for viewing on this site.

This file contains a discussion of various issues by the attendees and Commissioners at this session of the Commission. Attendees contributing include Louis McCallum, Gerald Regan, Marie Symes Grehan, Vye Bouvier, Brian MacDonald, Pierre Chartier and Gloria Desjarlais. Issues discussed include health care, land claims and self-government, wild rice production, the RCMP, trapping regulations, lack of housing and education. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Assistant Chief Francois Vincent giving an overview of the history of the Huron-Wendat people, and specifically the people who settled at Lorette, near Quebec City.

File contains an individual presentation by Alice Frost relating to the necessity of elders teaching the Vuntut Gwitch'in language to youth and to social problems in Old Crow. Frost states that her community's social problems must be solved before "land claims is settled because we need educated people to run our self-government." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Andrew Rickard that covers a number of topics, including extinction of Aboriginal languages, self-government, natural resources rights and the lack of Aboriginals in mainstream jobs. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Ann Bayne that first provides a history of the Kaska First Nations and the Liard Indian Band. Bayne describes her Band's struggle with a referendum addressing a hereditary system or elected system in determining the position of Chief. She believes that residents should have a choice in determining their leadership. Bayne also discusses abolishing the Indian Act, the need for personal development programs and calls for more treatment centres for substance abuse. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

File contains an individual presentation by Ann Cox, an Objibwe woman who believes the Canadian government is unable to help Aboriginal peoples solve all issues, and that "all of the answers are in our past." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains an individual presentation by Arnie General that expresses frustration with a number of topics, including taxation, Bill C-31, the Indian Act, and treaty obligations. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Ben Andrew focusing on Innu land claims and self-government. Andrew states the Canadian government has "deprogrammed Innu people so they deny their own people, their own nationhood, and their own uniqueness." Andrew is skeptical of the Commission's purpose and goals but hopes the Commission can influence the federal government in future negotiations relating to Innu land claims and self-government. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Brian Tuesday stating that repealing the Indian Act "will not solve anything simply by reason of indoctrination; psychological conditioning." He believes self-determination "can't be legislated, it can't be negotiated, and it can't be enshrined in the Constitution, because it comes from within."

File contains an individual presentation by Charles Wagamese stating that the federal government has not fulfilled their treaty obligations and must fulfil them as representatives of the Queen. He calls for an end to patriarchy and for more input from elders relating to political leadership. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Cindy Gilday of Fort Franklin, NWT. She tells the Commission about the 398 unmarked graves in the Deh Cho (formerly a residential school) Hall yard and says that unmarked graves are "a very significant symbol of opporession, the ultimate symbol as far as the Dene are concerned." She states that her father was present at the Treaty signings in 1911 and 1921 and feels the Canadian government has not fulfilled any of the treaties' terms.

File contains a presentation by Cliff Calliou. Calliou, a Cree man from Kelly Lake, British Columbia, outlines a detailed programme for Aboriginal self-governance which pertains to a wide variety of areas. Amongst the areas Caillou addresses are governance structures (including a council of Elders), government funding issues, the need for a land and resource base, education, history, culture, health care, ethics, social services, and justice concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Calliou.

File contains an individual presentation by Cliff Gladue, who, despite involvement in a number of federal and provincial Metis organizations, is representing himself. Gladue's presentation discusses the principles and parameters of Aboriginal self-government. He sees three self-government agreements being negotiated with the federal and provincial governments: the treaty self-government agreeement, the Inuit self-government agreement and the Metis self-government agreement. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Colin Bairsto addressing the land claims issue and the voluminous and complex documents that accompany the land claims process. The presenter feels that because the Vuntut Gwitch'in people have an oral tradition rather than a written tradition, "they want to be out on the land without having to worry about what the rules and the regulations and interpretations of the agreement are." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Danny Kasi focusing on self-government and and the ways that First Nations may achieve it - through First Ministers conferences, the Supreme Court of Canada and "the world court." Kasi also briefly discusses education and the lack of housing in his community. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by George Smith, via translator, that focuses on Aboriginal self-government from the perspective of elders. Smith states that elders were consulted in all facets of life pre-contact but with the Canadian government's policies over the years, elder input and influence have been irrelevant. He calls for the government to consult with elders during self-government negotiations. Smith also briefly discusses band relocation, natural resources, and the effects of residential schools. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

File contains an individual presentation by Greg Newley of Fort Liard, NWT. His focus is on Aboriginal and government relations, in particular issues which affect the Dene of the Northwest Territories. Commissioner Allan Blakeney invites Newley to submit a brief when the Commission visits the area again, as the Commission will be looking for solution-oriented presentation when they return.

File contains an individual presentation by Gregory Andrew and Mary Andrew questioning "[H]ow did Canada gain our territory when there was no treaties ever signed by Innu people." He shows a map where the Innu people have lived in northern Canada for 9000 years and Andrew's mother, through an interpreter, shows the places she once lived that are now mine sites and lands are flooded by dams. Following the presentation are brief remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Hank Shouse, businessman and former mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He states that Labrador is not served well politically by having only 4 of 52 members of the Provincial House of Assembly, the rest being Newfoundlanders. The control of Labrador is held in St. John's, Newfoundland, and Shouse believes that the Inuit, Innu, Metis, non-Aboriginals and other groups should form their own territorial House of Assembly. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a brief presentation by Lawrence Standing-On-The-Road that touches on economic development, treaty rights, land claims and self-government.

File contains an individual presentation by Linda Chipesia relating to land claims and self-government. The presenter believes that "(T)he difficulty of self-government and land claims is that although it is aimed at reviving the culture and identity of Indian people, it is only accessible to those who are educated and trained in the political, legal and economic intricacies of a non-Indian system."

This file contains an individual presentation by Lloyd Augustine discussing Aboriginal land claims and self-government. Augustine states that "(I)f a new relationship with Canada is to exist, then there must be some way that will obligate Canada to honour and respect our people and our original institutions, our agreements and our treaties, our rights as nations and to honour that status fully." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Margaret Gladue, a Metis woman, relating to Crown Land at Eleanor Lake, Alberta. She and her family live close to the lake in an area that is frequented by weekend campers. Gladue has attempted to get the Canadian government to authorize her miscellaneous lease on the land she and her husband grew up on. She calls for the Commission to help cut through the red tape so her family can live on their ancestors' land. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Michael Voisey who seeks information on the land claims deal involving Sango Bay, Labrador. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Peter Penashue focusing on Innu self-government. He provides a brief history of the Innu people in Labrador and the effects on the Innu when Newfoundland entered Confederation in 1949. He refers to the framework negotiations with the federal and provincial governments and hopes these negotiations lead to self-government that will help revive Innu culture, customs and language. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a spirited individual presentation by Rene Lamothe with questions and comments by Commissioner Allan Blakeney throughout the presentation. It focuses on the need for Aboriginal self-government and for a formula for transfer payments so that Aboriginal governments have the resources with which to govern.

File contains an individual presentation by Richard Kelly that touches on a number of subjects, including the Indian Act, land claims and self-government, and the meaning of drum ceremonies and tobacco. Following the presentation are brief remarks by the Commissioners.