Land Claims

The file contains a presentation by President Rocky Simpson of the Hay River Metis Nation. Simpson summarizes a group discussion and its' findings held to discuss a new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of Canada, self-determination for Aboriginal peoples within Canada through self-government, economic self-sufficiency for Aboriginal people, and personal and collective healing for Aboriginal people and communities. Simpson makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on these points.

The file contains a presentation by Executive Director Roy Fabian of the Hay River Treatment Centre. Fabian discusses cultural oppression in Dene history, and the healing process which is neccessary to treat its effects. Fabian stresses the need for the Dene to listen to the Elders and practice their teachings. Fabian also discusses his views on the land claims process, and how cultural oppression has lead to social issues such as child abuse, family violence, and housing problems. Fabian also elaborates what he sees as the need for Aboriginal individuals to start healing themselves.

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 Howard Restoule of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association that responds to a questionnaire sent by the Commission prior to the hearings. The questions involve topics such as acquiring a land base, self-government, the implementation of treaties, the constitutional and legal position of Metis people and off-reserve Aboriginals, the Indian Act and social issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the previous five presenters and the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Ila Bussidor, Sayisi Dene First Nation.

File contains a presentation by seven members of the Indian Band Members of Faust Society, an organization representing registered band-listed treaty Indian people who live off-reserve. The presenters discuss numerous topics including the Faust local model government, land claims, hunting and trapping, Improvement District 17 and housing. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 Jack Harris, Member, House of Assembly, St. John's, Newfoundland. He introduces Clee Newhook, Leader, Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party, who makes a brief statement. Harris is a Member of the House of Assembly for St. John's East district. He states that Aboriginal people in Newfoundland receive different treatment from their provincial government as compared to Aboriginals elsewhere in Canada.

File contains a presentation by James Mercredi representing the Fort Simpson Dene Council. He expresses concern about proposed uranium mining and how it will affect the Deh Cho River system. Mercredi cites Treaties 8 and 11 and various governmental papers and believes aspects of these documents are unconstitutional. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

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 Chief Jim Antoine, Member of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly for Nahende. He gives a brief introduction to Treaty 11 relating to his constituency and to the future formation of Nunavut. Antoine discusses what land claims and self-government would mean to the Northwest Territories, focusing on the extinguishment clause. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Jim Campbell, resident of Saturna Island, British Columbia. He states that despite the best intentions of government, "Many times in the past the individual has been disregarded" when laws are made. Campbell believes that "[F]reedom of the individual in a civil society...to realize his or her full potential is a worth object for all of us." He believes the Canadian government has obligations to Aboriginal peoples and until they are met, the potential of further conflict will remain.

File contains a presentation by Jim Learning focusing on recognition and acceptance of the Labrador Metis people. His organization works for "equity of the treatment of our our people in Labrador through the land claims process." He states that the Canadian government must not longer continue to deny the rights of the Labrador Metis people. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Joanne De Laurentiis relating to Aboriginals and Canadian banking. As Aboriginal communities continue to acquire funds through treaty negotiations or land claims settlements, and as Aboriginal people continue to develop new business and entrepreneurial skills, banks want opportunities to respond to those new business demands. The banking industry is taking some steps to work with Aboriginal peoples by sponsoring a number of business training programs, providing loans to viable Aboriginal enterprises, and also providing non-lending services as well.

File contains a presentation by Joannie McKinnon, President of the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Association. McKinnon discusses her groups desire to take part in land claims talks and work co-operatively with First Nations on wildlife management issues. Following her presentation Erasmus asks her a question which she answers.

File contains a presentation by John Dantouze, Prince Albert Tribal Council. Dantouze presents on behalf of Saskatchewan's three Denesuline nations with regard to their Treaties (Number Eight and Number Ten) and their court case against the federal government. The case centred around the negotiations between the government and the Inuit to create Nunavut, and the Dene argued that their traditional territories were being unfairly partitioned and given away to the new territory.

File contains a presentation by John Giokas, Barrister and Solicitor, Consultant, Federal Government on Aboriginal Justice and Self-Government Issues. Giokas presents his ideas on how a new order is emerging in Canada with respect to justice, and how we can expect new power sharing arrangements to arise.

File contains a presentation by John Shafer discussing the Canadian government's century-old intent to create policies for the purpose of "extinguishment and assimilation" of Aboriginals in Canada and believes that attitude continues today. He also discusses the harmful effects of water pollution of the watershed that drains into Lake Lil'Wat, British Columbia.

File contains a presentation by Judy Gingell, Chair, Council of Yukon Indians. She introduces George Henry, also representing the Council. She offers several recommendations to the Commission: address the inequality of bargaining power between Canada and the First Nations; constitutional protection for self-government; repayment of the loan funding for negotiations; implementation planning funding; and time lines for completing a Yukon land claim settlement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer discussion with the Commissioners, Gingell, Henry, and Chief David Keenan.

File contains a presentation by Katherine Fournier, United Church Native Solidarity Circle. Fournier discusses her organizations views on issues facing Aboriginal people including the need to educate non-Aboriginal people about the history of injustice towards their counterparts, the neccessity for the Federal government to deal with land claims and self-governance issues despite the defeat of the Charlottetown Accord via referendum, and that groups like the Solidarity circle can be supportive but not set the agenda: in their view that is something Aboriginal people must do themselves.

File contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon. Chiefmoon discusses racism "as it pertains here today" with a focus on off-reserve life. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the city of Lethbridge in the employment, post-secondary, and provincial government services. Chiefmoon also discusses what he deems discriminatory law enforcement practices, and Aboriginal over-representation in prisons. Chiefmoon also makes recommendations about languages, land claims, political representation in the federal parliament, and the need for an "off-reserve Indian government."

File contains a presentation by Kelvin Ng whose organization deal with political, economic and social issues at the regional level. Their goal is to lobby for changes which will benefit all residents of the region. Subjects discussed are education, economic development, the establishment of a financial institution that would serve area residents, a housing shortage and high rates of employment. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Ken Goodwill of the White Cap First Nation. Goodwill discusses the importance of Treaty and the government's (both Britain and Canada's) obligations to the Dakota people. He discusses the concessions he feels his people have made, and asks that the government deliver the just rights of the Dakota to their people. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and previous presenter Calvin McArthur specifically addressing the historical disspossession of his people's reserve land.

File contains a presentation by Ken Noskiye whose organization in 1989 signed the Metis Settlements Accord with the Alberta government. The Accord established principles for a partnership for Metis self-determination, giving the Metis a land base within to govern themselves in the legislative framework for governance. Noskiye calls for the Commission to ensure the Metis are not left out of government negotiations in the future. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Regina Friendship Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes a presentation made by Ken Thomas of the Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture Program, concerning treaty rights in agriculture, investment in Indian Farm Units and distribution of treaty land entitlement. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included.

File contains a presentation by Kenneth Emberley. Emberley briefly discusses the Oka Crisis, then presents on the connection between being an administered people and many of the social ills plaguing Aboriginal communities. Emberley then presents a series of ideas on imping the Land Claim process, preserving Aboriginal rights, the need for a whistle-blower's law, and dealing with the legacy of residential schools. The remainder of the presentation deals with world affairs and resource use as the presenter thinks they pertain to the goals of Aboriginal peoples.

File contains a presentation by Kenny St. Jacques. St. Jacques, a political science student from the community, discusses his views on self-governance and the need to end the mode of dependency he views his people as being in. St. Jacques views the lack of a land base as a significant problem holding back Aboriginal people's development of self-governance. Following his presentation are closing remarks for the day's sitting by Commissioners Erasmsu and Robinson, followed by a closing prayer.

File contains a presentation by Kirk Lethbridge discussing his views of Aboriginal self-government and the "inevitability of self-determination." He feels he may not see it in his lifetime, but says his children will. Lethbridge calls on the Commission to ensure that "soon all Aboriginal people in Labrador, and in Canada, will be under the same flag."

File contains a presentation by Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Whiteduck discusses a variety of issues concerns, foremost of which are land and land claims. Whiteduck also discusses hunting and fishing rights, past exploitation of resources, Bill C-31, education (including post-secondary) concerns, language loss and assimilation, health services, and justice issues (including courts, Native courts, and policing). Following the presentation Whiteduck discusses some of these issues with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Lexine Phillips, Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council, Land and Resources Department. Phillips discusses Constitutional issues, particularly with reference to self-governance and the "no" vote in the nationwide Charlottetown Accord referendum. Phillips then makes a series of recommendations to the Commission with respect to land rights, assistance, education, and associated economic concerns.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Westbank Indian Band by Larry Derrickson, Micha Menczer, and Gary Swite. Derrickson, a Band Councillor, gives a demographic overview and brief history of the First Nation, its three reserves, economic activities, by-laws, motions towards self-governance, justice issues, B.C. treaty making, resources and funding concerns. Micha Menczer, Legal Advisor to the Band, discusses self-government and land issues, jurisdictional confusion in social services, the Constitution, and the B.C. treaty making process.

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.

File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Al Day. Day, Chief of Onayataka, an Oneida First Nation, discusses the need to dismantle Indian Affairs, self-governance and nation to nation affairs, land claims, jurisdictional issues, education, justice concerns, and self-determination. Following the presentation Chief Day discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

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 Louie Cardinal and James Alook that begins by detailing the history of the Peerless Lake community. Their presentation touches on a number of issues, such as access to funds from the local Improvement District, land claims and inadequate health care for the Peerless Lake community. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Louis-Edmond Hamelin, Specialist on Aboriginal Matters. Hamelin discusses the concept and the history of the term "aboriginal" in the English and French languages. Hamelin then discusses Aboriginal culture and land claims processes. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Hamelin. Page 152 is missing.

File contains a presentation by Marcelle Sinclair of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. Sinclair discusses his organization's background, its mandate, and goals. Sinclair discusses the general historical, cultural, and economic position of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Sinclair states that "self government without land is something impossible.

File contains a presentation by Margaret King and Donna Renneberg offering six recommendations, including an off-reserve driven process recognized by all levels of government for full and equal participation of all constituents regarding matters that directly them, and that this process develop options of self-government for off-reserve people which can be ratified by off-reserve treaty people. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Margaret Donovan, Vice-President of the Gwich'in Tribal Council. Donovan discusses the history of the Gwich'in people including the signing of Treaty 11 in 1921; land claim issues; language rights and recognition; self-governance and intergovernmental relations; cultural, educational, and quality of life concerns.

This file contains a presentation by Martha Waite touching on a number of subjects, including unemployment, health care and substance abuse, proper training for meaningful employment and land claims. After the presentation, other attendees, along with Waite, offer their comments in a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Mary Ellen Turpel, Professor, Dalhousie University, Constitutional Advisor to the Assembly of First Nations. Turpel discusses her own background, her work with land claims, and gives a critique of some of the fundamental concepts behind Canadian law.

File contains a presentation by Maureen Larkin containing some general impressions on the Commission and the issues it faces. Larkin discusses racism, education, self-government, land claims, and external representations, as well as her hopes for the Commission.

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.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Mike Garson, Split Lake Cree First Nation. Garson discusses self-governance and self-determination; land and resources; colonization and government paternalism; water; Treaty rights; and hydro development. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Garson.

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.

This file consists of a presentation by Monte Hummel relating to conservation objectives in Canada. The World Wildlife Fund of Canada (WWF) believes that government policies regarding parks and protected areas must recognize the moral legitimacy and the legal reality of Aboriginal title, self-government, treaty rights and outstanding land claims. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains a presentation by Nancy Scanie. Scanie discusses her experiences as a Non-Status woman, and her views on the situation of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with her including reconciling Special Status with Equality, and a gradual transition to self-governance. Following this discussion the day's proceedings are adjourned.

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.