Land Claims

This file contains an individual presentation by Richard Saunders, a federal public servant for 20+ years. Saunders focuses on unfilled treaty obligations and as an non-Aboriginal Canadian, he says that the treaties of the past have not been honoured, and latter day land claim settlements are costing additional millions of dollars because the federal government does not want to settle them. A brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Sam Sinclair focusing on environmental issues, lack of employment for local Aboriginal people with logging and oil companies working in the Slave Lake area, and land claims. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Sylvester Andrew, employee of the local school. He briefly describes the history of Aboriginal people in Labrador. Andrew states that hydro projects and low-level Canadian Forces jets have disrupted lives, as well as wildlife, which Innu people depend on for survival. Flooding has destroyed the hunting areas used by the Innu and Andrew believes the Innu must begin land claims negotations to prevent the loss of more land and resources.

This file contains an individual presentation by Terry Lusty titled 'Metis Land - An Incessant Saga', which first provides a brief history of Metis peoples in Canada. He states that it is essential that Metis people have a land base, training and/or education that is adequate and meets the demands of modern times. A brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by an unidentified speaker that touches on a number of issues, including the justice system, the environment, education, land claims and self-government and residential schools.

File contains an Open Forum with Henri Jacob, Jean Dominique Leccia, Yvon Beaule. The three participants raise a variety of general concerns over Indigenous relations, government policy, land claims, self-governance issues, economic development and the environment. Following the forum are remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Rene Dussault, after which the Commission concludes its sitting for the day.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus delivered at the hearing of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at La Ronge, Saskatchewan on Thursday May 28, 1992. Erasmus intorduces the Commission and its mandate to the people in attendance, and discusses a wide range of Aboriginal issues as well as his hopes that the Commission will be an excercise in developing positive solutions to issues rather than just another study.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This is an overview of Discussion Paper No. 4, regarding situations where Metis and other Aboriginal people in urban settings are given the opportunity to create and administer their own education systems, presented by Louis Lamothe.

File contains preliminary remarks by Co-Chair Rene Dussault before Round Table No. 2 at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hotel Bonaventure, Montreal, Quebec, on May 7, 1993.

File contains a presentation by Acting Chief Stan Thomas that touches on a number of issues - education, hunting and fishing, the environment, housing, economic development and self-government. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 Albert Levi expressing gratitude to the Commissioners for the Royal Commission of Aboriginal People, saying "our call has been answered." He gives a brief history of the Mi'kmaq First Nation and the treaties signed, and calls for Aboriginal self-government in Canada. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney and the two presenters on some of the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Alfred Charlie relating to the valuable role elders play in passing down traditions and language to the youth of his community. He is disappointed that the youth must travel to the south to complete high school and any post-secondary education. Charlie also briefly discusses land claims, oil production and employment. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation made by Ambrose Maurice on the topic of the lack of knowledge of early Aboriginal lifestyles. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Andy Poonae. Poonae discusses some of his personal life experiences with relation to issues facing Aboriginal peoples. Amongst these experiences he describes growing up without knowledge of his own people's cultural traditions, attending a Conference of residential school survivors, and being present at the side of the Mohawks at the Oka standoff.

File contains a presentation by Anthony Francis, Former Chief, Big Cove, New Brunswick, discussing the effects of the British North America Act, the Indian Act, the Diamond Jenness Policy and the White Paper have had on Canadian Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Art Petahtegoose. Petahtegoose, a Professor at Cambrian College from the White Fish Lake First Nation, discusses Government judiciary education and Treaties. Petahtegoose discusses the Indian Act, Aboriginal rights, traditional governance amongst the Ojibwa, and related issues in this context. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Petahtegoose.

File contains a presentation by Augustine Abraham, President of l'Union nationale metisse St-Joseph du Manitoba, in French. Abraham relates the history of her organization, which was founded to represent the francophone and Roman Catholic Metis community of Manitoba in 1887. She discusses how the idea of a seperate Metis government is contrary to Louis Riel's vision, and how her organization would like to see the Metis as partners in Canada. Abraham also discusses land issues, and the then recent Constitutional talks chaired by Joe Clark (the so-called "Canada Round" of negotiations).

File contains a presentation by Barrie Conkin, Mayor, City of North Battleford. Conkin discusses the issues facing municipalities with regard to increased urban Aboriginal populations, urban reserve designation, treaty land entitlements, and general self-governance issues. Conkin states that more consultation is needed with municipal governments and citizens at the grassroots level (rather than provincial and federal) in order to put workable self-government arrangements in place. Following the presentation is a discussion between Conkin and Commissioners Erasmus and Blakeney on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Bernard Heard, speaking as an individual member of the Labrador Metis Association. It focuses on recognition and acceptance of the Labrador Metis people. He states that the Canadian Constitution recognizes Aboriginal people in Canada as the Indians, the Inuit and the Metis, but the federal and provincial governments operate as if the Metis in Labrador do not exist. He calls on the Commission to assist with more recognition with the federal government. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Bill Hanson that initially recalls his 30 years of experience in the Aboriginal political movement in Canada. The rest of the presentation addresses a wide range of subjects, including education, land claims and self-government, economic development and poor management of band funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Bob Antoine relating to the Indian Act, Bill C-31 and the acquisition of a land base for Nak'azdli First Nations. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Bob Neale, President of the Nicola Stock Breeders' Association. Neale discusses his concerns with the land claims process underway in the Nicola Valley area of British Columbia and makes a variety of requests including that grazing rules for Crown Land be the same for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal stock owners, and that an impartial third party be included in the land claims resolution process. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Neale for his contributions.

File contains a presentation by Brian Cook. Cook discusses the need to incorporate Aboriginal history into school curriculums, the importance of having a land base, the Indian Act, the lack of an economic base for the reserve system, and problems with the justice system. Much of Cook's presentation deals with systemic racism. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cook and the Commissioners on the issues he has raised.

File contains a presentation by Brian Lee relating primarily to the Canadian Constitution process and to present-day concerns on the Ermineskin First Nation at Hobbema. Lee introduces Carol Wildcat.

File contains a presentation made by Brian Ratt on the topics of self-government in Aboriginal communities and the mandate of the Royal Commission. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Buzzie (Henry) Phillips, and Rudy Simard. These two individuals speak on behalf of the community of Manigotagan, the Manigotagan Community Council, the Aboriginal Council of Manigotagan and Bill C-31 off-reserve Indians and the proposed Chillwee Indian Band. Their presentations make a variety of recommendations to aid Métis and non-Status Indian populations in the area particularly with respect to government jurisdiction, land rights, and natural resources. Following the presentation are remarks by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the presentations.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Sibbeston discussing four areas of concern: having educational facilities closer to home, alcohol and the negative effects on families, more health care facilities in settlements, and land claims and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Agnes McCoy, St. Mary's Indian Band. McCoy delivers a structured presentation presenting the Band's viewpoint on a variety of topics including: 1) Education, 2) Land Claims, 3)Jurisdiction, 4) Self-Government, 5) Language, 6) Justice, 7) Aboriginal Government, 8) Provincial Government (in terms of relationship with). Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Phillips engage McCoy, preceding presenter Denise Birdstone, and future presenter Sophie Pierre, in a discussion of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bernard Meneen, Narcisse Moberly, Chief Johnson Sewegaham, Francis Meneen, Gabe Meneen, Cliff Kazony, and Harold Cardinal, High Level Tribal Council. The file consists of two formal presentations by the Tribal Council and a dialogue between the representatives and the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bill Erasmus of the Dene Nation. Erasmus welcomes the Commission to Denedeh, the Dene homeland, and discusses "the policy that the government has adopted over the years regarding discussions with our peoples in Canada concerining the spelling out of our rights and the requirement for extinguishment," as well as the traditional Dene economy of hunting and trapping. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by four members of the Talka Lake Band addressing a wide range of issues affecting their community, including the Indian Act, land claims and self-government, free trade, Aboriginal war veterans and Aboriginal youth.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor Earl Smith. Smith addresses his concern over justice, and how it relates to self-government and the lands claims process. Smith sees an indigenous system of justice based on his people's values as fundamental to self-governance. Following the presentation is a brief conversation between Mr. Smith and Commissioner Erasmus on the topics discussed.

File contains a presentation by Chief Dan Robillard, Prince Albert Tribal Council. Robillard discusses the importance of language to culture, and highlights some economic complaints directed at government policy with relation to freight costs and outfitting. Robillard also highlights his view that the Inuit have been given superior assistance to that recieved by the Dene. Chief John McDonald then discusses multi-jurisdictional issues. Following this, Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand make some questions and comments on land use in the north.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Keenan, Teslin Tlingit Nation, Yukon. He provides a brief history of the Teslin Tlingit people, discussing the Clan system of government and the negative effects of European contact. Keenan notes that Teslin Tlingit Nation is one of the few Canadian First Nations that have a constitution based not on the Indian Act, but on Teslin Tlingit traditional values. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Walkem, Cooks' Ferry Indian Band, Nlaka'pamux Nation. Walkem presents on natural resource concerns on behalf of the Nlaka'pamux Nation. He makes a series of recommendations including the signing of a Treaty and a direct relationship between the overall Nlaka'pamux Nation (see previous presentation by Chief Robert Pasco) and the federal government. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Walkem and Pasco.

File contains a presentation by Chief Don Moses, Lower Nicola Indian Band. Moses discusses the economic history of the Nicola Valley, and the history of his people. Moses gives some concrete recommendations to develop a land use and economic development framework for his people, for which Commissioners Dussault and Chatrand thank him.

File contains a presentation by Chief Edmund Metatawabin focusing on Aboriginal self-government. He states that local First Nations government must be empowered first to oversee health and family services, education, public works and security, police protection, housing, and other issues relating to First Nations on a local level. Once that structure is in place can Aboriginal leaders call for self-government on a national level. Cecilia Scott, youth representative, speaks briefly about the importance of education for Aboriginal youth.

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 Chief Edward John with the First Nations Summit Task Group, regarding Treaty negotiations between the the government of Canada and the Aboriginal Community in the Province of British Columbia. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

File contains a opening remarks by the Chief of the Eskasoni First Nation welcoming the Commission to his territory. It also contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus discussing the beginning of the "hearing phase" of the Commission's work, and the areas to be covered in its mandate including: self-government, treaties, a land base for people, economic development, women's issues, elder's issues, youth issues, the constitution, and "just about anything you might think of that affects aboriginal people. Our mandate covers all aboriginal people in all parts of the country."

File contains a presentation by Chief Flett regarding issues including self-government, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, land, resources, the environment, gambling, fiscal arrangements, health, social services, economic development, on-reserve policing, the justice system, education, housing, and community infrastructure. Following the presentation is a discussion between Chief Flett and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand regarding the issues raised in the presentation.

This file contains a presentation given by Chief Fred Fraser stating that "the Bill C-31 citizens of the Tsuu T'ina Nation are a direct result of discriminatory legislation and creates a special consideration for the federal government to give official recognition of the Tsuu T'ina Bill C-31 Band as equal and distinct.

File contains a presentation by Chief Fred Holmes. Holmes discusses his views on the situation in Upper Nicola and the "environment vs the environmentalist." Holmes discusses the importance of self-education and recognition of key issues including education, land claims, political organizations, and immigration. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Holmes for his thoughts.

File contains a presentation by Chief George Watts. Watts discusses the land claims, or Treaty, process in British Columbia, the Canadian Constitution, and self-governance issues. Watts lays out how he sees the three issues as intertwined, and the resolution of them to be related. Following the presentation the presenter discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Erasmus, and Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Antoine and Rene Lamothe that lists "the 12 statements of principles that are based on statements of Elders and leaders with reference to the history of the people on the land and constitutional consideration." The presentation then focuses on land claims and self-government using the framework of the 12 statements. Following the presentation is a lengthy discussion between Lamothe and Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Beaucage of the Nipissing First Nation. Chief Beaucage discusses the demographic composition of his First Nation, Bill C-31, on and off-reserve populations, housing issues, the Nation's land base and related land issues, a proposed "First Nation Chartered Land Act" with 17 components, land claims, education concerns, and language concerns.

The file contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Wesley of the Kitsumkalum Band. Chief Wesley welcomes the Commission, expresses his hopes for it, and gives some demographic, cultural, and territorial information on his people. Chief Wesley discusses the political structure of his people, their relationship to other Aboriginal groups, and the federal government.

File contains a presentation by Gilbert Anderson that describes the people of his First Nations as being "a little island by outselves." Anderson describes the events leading to the formation of the reserve and 1958, its surrender. Anderson states that descendants of the original Michel Band still select leaders and maintain social ties, and the Band's goal now is to secure a land base. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gordon Antoine, Coldwater Indian Band. Chief Antoine makes a series of 13 recommendations for the Royal Commission on the relationship of his people with the Canadian government.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gordon Auger relating to a land claim which the Bigstone First Nation had to the Office of Native Claims in 1989, and was revised and resubmitted in August 1991. Auger calls on the Commission to help get the land claim settled. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.