Language

File contains a presentation by Chief Katie Rich detailing the effects of relocation, substance abuse and hopelessness that the Innu of Davis Inlet suffer from. She describes the early history and relocation of Davis Inlet and feels that the only hope for residents is to relocate again, due to the lack of proper housing, sewer and water in their present location. The mortality rate of children is very high, and Rich calls on the Commission to assist Innu people with resources to regain control of their lives through culture, traditions, values and spirituality.

File contains a presentation by Chief Lorne Waditaka of the Wahpeton Dakota First Nation. Waditka discusses the history of his people and its contacts with other Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda groups. He discusses the First Nations participation in both local organizations like the Prince Albert Tribal Council alongside the Cree, and in larger organizations of Dakota people on a province wide, and international basis. Wakitawa also discusses some of the distinctions between "Sioux" peoples and future aspirations for unity.

File contains a presentation by Chief Victor Muse of the St. George's Indian Band Council. Muse discusses the band's history, then goes on to list a variety of concerns. These include: unemployment, illiteracy, the need for education, better social services, revitalization of the Micmac language and culture, infrastructure, self-determination, self-government, and the goal of living in harmony "with Canada and its many people." Following the presentation is a discussion between Muse and Commissioner Erasmus on some of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation Christie Clifton, North Coast Tribal Council Education Centre. Clifton discusses her centre's mandate and operations serving Haida, Tsimshian, and Nisga'a people. Clifton discusses its' range of post-secondary programs, its' success in the community, and its' frustration with current funding arrangements. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Clifton.

File contains a presentation by Dale Awasis, Native Educator. Awasis discusses education, and his general concerns regarding Aboriginal people with Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Darlene Spiedel, Dakota Nations of Canada, Saskatchewan Cultural Centre. Spidel presentes from "two points of view, one from the Dakota/Lakota Nations and the other from the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre."

File contains a presentation made by Darren Deschambeault on Aboriginal language preservation and history preservation in general. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Dawna LeBlanc expressing concern for the acceleratred rate at which Aboriginal languages are becoming extinct. The death of community elders plays a large part in the elimination of languages today. She states that "language has a direct bearing on how we see ourselves as a people and our role in self-government, on land claims and our claim to a distinct society." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Dominic Eshkakogan. Eshkakogan, an Elder from the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, discusses the legacy of residential schools, the need for spiritual healing, the impact of diabetes on Aboriginal people, language issues, problems getting funding to community level programs. Eshkakogan references the personal impact these issues have had on him as a First Nations politician, residential school survivor, and someone dying of diabetes-related illnesses.

This file contains a presentation by Doris Fisher and Jackie Esquimox-Hamelin who are employees of the Gazhaadaawgamik Native School, a daycare for Aboriginal children. The purpose of the daycare is to have urban Aboriginal children retain their native languages and cultural identity in a full immersion setting. The presenters state that Aboriginal political leaders need to lobby for permanent responsibility for Aboriginal child care centres across Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Doug McCrae, President of Keyano College. McCrae discusses his College's operations and its relations to the Aboriginal community as well as area industries such as forestry and oil sands extraction. Following the presentation McCrae discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Marie Battiste, Micmac Cultural Curriculum Coordinator for the Eskasoni School Board. Battiste dicusses Micmac culture, the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation, and the history of educational policy in Canada as it pertains to her people. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Georges Erasmus, Paul Chartrand, and Viola Robinson.

File contains a presentation by the Ducharme Elementary School and Dene High School, Principal Greg Hatch, and Principal Steve Innes. Principal Hatch presents a Dene/English storybook to the Commission, then discusses his school and some of the job issues facing his graduates. Principal Innes discusses the high school, and associated community employment, cultural, and language issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Hatch and Innes.

File contains a presentation by Duncan Awasis, Mark Amy Centre. Awasis gives the first half of his presentation in Cree (English translation is provided in the text) and the second half in English. Awasis stresses the importance of rediscovering the "Indian way" in terms of culture and spirituality to heal the people. Awasis also mentions some of the problems facing the community of Fort McMurrary that he has encountered during his work at the Mark Amy Centre, an alcohol addiction treatment centre.

File contains a presentation by Earl Claxton, Saanich culture teacher at the Saanich Tribal School. Claxton teaches the Saanich tribal language to students in a two-year immersion program. The Commissioners are appalled to learn that out of approximately 3000 Saanich band members, there are only 20 people who can speak the language. Claxton hopes that the Saanich language program continues to be funded as the Saanich language may die out if younger generations do not learn the language. A discussion with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Edward J. Cross whose group's mandate is to preserve, maintain and promote Kanien'kehaka language, culture and tradition and to provide the community with the tools for its survival as a people. After federal government funding for the committee was frozen and eventually cut back over the last five years, Cross calls on the Commission to help establish a renewed relationship with Aboriginal peoples and the federal government, based on mutual respect and a willingness to solve funding concerns.

File contains a presentation by Eileen Koe. Koe is a civil servant and proclaims herself to be both a Gwich'in, and a proud Canadian. Koe discusses her views on social issues and housing in the community. She discusses residential schools and the loss of the Gwich'in language, and the detrimental effect this has had on her people. Koe discusses alcoholism, housing programs, trapping, and the need for better job training programs.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Elizabeth Francis for the Department of Social Development and Health, Mohawk Council of Akwasasne on the subjects of the education system and preservation of the Mohawk language and culture.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation by Ernie Sandy of Christian Island, at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government. Also included are questions and comments made by the assembled Commissioners, Mary Sillett and Bertha Wilson.

This file contains a presentation by Eva Johnson and Elizabeth Beauvais that describes four "touchstones for change: A new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, self-determination, self-sufficiency, and healing." Beauvais reads from an unidentified document "that was presented to the governments in 1985" which expresses the wishes of the Five Nations Confederacy.

File contains a presentation by Garfield Warren suggesting that "justice demands the recognition and preservation of the integrity of the Aboriginal nations." Warren seeks middle ground between the Canadian government and Aboriginal leaders relating to land claims and self-government and hopes the Commission can influence this issue. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.

File contains a presentation by Gary Baikie. Baikie discusses the Torngasok Cultural Centre in Nain, Labrador, and the cultural programming it provides. Included is his account of Inuktitut language courses, and traditional carving courses, and the positive results of such programming in the community.

This file contains a presentation by Gary Baikie focusing on a number of services his organization offers, including Inuktitut interpreter/translator programs, Inuktitut immersion and literacy programs, elders' conferences, arts and crafts funding. Baikie calls on the Commission to help secure increased funding to allow those programs to continue. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Gary Tautenhan. He discusses "a circumpolar perspective on northern Aboriginal people, language and culture, peace in Denendeh and Nunavut and working together." Tautenhan stresses the Aboriginal nature of the Nunavut claim in the context of Dene-Inuit relations, and discusses Greenland and the importance of language to the people there. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus thanks Tautenhan for his contribution.

File contains a presentation by Gerald Thom stating that Metis organizations are finally, in the 1990s, becoming involved in government policymaking. Thom believes that "in order to attain our goals we must support decentralization of powers from the federal and provincial government, and we must have a say on what policies and issues arise through decentralization. He discusses briefly education, language, and employment concerns relating to the Metis. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Mr. Gerard Webb, Federation of Newfoundland Indians. Webb discusses the history of the organization and its court and policy challenges with relation to the federal and provincial governments. Webb also discusses some of the socioeconomic issues facing his constituents such as housing and cultural concerns. The assembled Commissioners engage Mr. Webb in a conversation on some of the points raised. Following this the day's proceedings are adjourned with a Closing Prayer.

This file contains a presentation by Gisele Maheux, Jean-Pierre Marquis and Gerald McKenzie relating to schools in Ivujivik and Povungnituk, two of 14 Inuit communities in Nouveau-Quebec where educational services are provided by the Kativik school board. The presentation relates to the training of Inuit people to become teachers and school administrators. An agreement was made in 1984 with the University of Quebec and the two schools to develop an Inuit teacher and administrator training program. Courses are given in Inuktitut, while communication between students and teachers is in English.

File contains a presentation by Gregory Penashue expressing frustration with his years of "futile activism" on behalf of the Innu people of Labrador. He protests yearly funding cuts for a multitude of programs in Sheshatshiu and other neghboring communities that would keep Innu culture and language from extinction. He calls on the Commission to consider Innu culture and language important enough to preserve through proper funding. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Howard Sark with regards to teaching youth the Micmac language, alcoholism, schools, and status issues.

File contains a presentation by Huguette Bouchard and Micheline Blanchette focusing on the Universite du Quebec a Chichoutimi's programs that trains Amerindians in the educational field for the past 20 years. The university's original two programs were a certificate program in education sciences, Amerindian stream; and a certificate program in Aboriginal technolinguistics. In 1990 a centre for Amerindian studies was created.

File contains a presentation made by Garnet Angconeb for the Independent First Nations Alliance on the topic of the Canadian Justice System pertaining to Aboriginals in general as well as personal remarks referring to the Anishnawbe and their community identity and language. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners. Comments of the Commissioner-of-the-Day are translated to English from his own language.

File contains a presentation by Jacob Feenstra of the Summer Institute of Linguistics. He discusses his perspectives on Aboriginal languages in Canada. Feenstra is a Dutch (Friesien) student who works in the NWT, and draws parallels to minority language situations in Europe and Canada. He discusses his work preparing a Dogrib dictionary, and shares his ideas on language promotion and usage. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by James Panioyak that initially describes a harsh life in the bush for Inuit children pre-contact, but a fulfilling one as children learned to respect their parents, their elders and the land. By a person's late teens, survival skills had been learned and upon marriage, a man was capable of fishing and trapping to feed his family and a woman was able to make and repair clothing and to prepare and cook food. Panioyak hopes the Inuktitut language will not die out and believes that elders should be utilized to teach children and youth the old ways and language.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Joe Karetak, Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. Karetak discusses programs to deal with suicide issues in the Keewatin Region of the Northwest Territories (now Nunavut). Karetak also discusses some of the language difficulties involved with operating the Keewatin Crisis Line, participation of elders, and costs.

The file contains a presentation by John Steckley. Steckley, Assistant Professor from the Department of Native Studies, University of Sudbury, states that "the Canadian Federal Government go at least as far as the government of the United States in giving Native languages 'official status'" and what he means by this. Commissioners Sillett and Dussault discuss some of the issues raised by Steckley with him.

File contains a presentation by Jeremiah McKay and Abe Kakepitum of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak/Northern Chiefs Council. McKay introduces Kakepitum who delivers an address on environmental concerns, traditional resource use, self-governance concerns, Treaty agreements, problems with federal and provincial policies, the Charlottetown referendum, health care concerns, and language issues. McKay then concludes the presentation by discussing the organization's written submission, and thanking the Commission.

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 Kevin Scofield, director of Wawatay News. Scofield gives his views on world events, and how he thinks the new Canadian Constitution is a positive development for Aboriginal peoples. Scofield also discusses his experiences with racism and discrimination in Canada.

This file contains a presentation by Kim Fraser and Cathy Bomberry focusing on the self-esteem of Aboriginal youth. The youth need to learn about their culture and classes could be offered in Aboriginal culture, history and language. Fraser also suggests that if high schools and post-secondary education institutions be built on First Nations to less the cultural shock that the youth suffer when leaving their families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 Lawrence Martin. Martin, the mayor of Sioux Lookout, Ontario, and the Executive Director of Wawatay. Martin is a Cree man originally from Moose Factory, who now lives in a predominately Ojibway community. Martin discusses three primary concerns that he hopes to see the Royal Commission make recommendations on: education, communications (media), and language.

File contains a presentation by Leo Williams, St. Mary's Indian Band. Williams discusses his personal experiences as a veteran, and his thoughts on the importance of language and culture to people. Following his presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Williams for his remarks.

This file contains a presentation by Linda Staats and Vivian Bomberry relating to the need for a national public education strategy to initiate much-needed changes for Aboriginals in the education system. Staats states that cross-cultural education and anti-racist education is needed at all educational levels, along with revision of curriculum and teaching resources. She calls on the Commission to help fund a high school for Aboriginal students in Hagersville.

File contains a presentation by Wilfred Jacobs on the historical background of the Lower Kootenay Indian Band, followed by opening remarks for the sitting of the Commission at Cranbrook, British Columbia, on November 3, 1992 by Commissioners Rene Dussault, Paul Chartrand, and Commissioner for the day Lexine Phillips. Jacobs discusses traditional territories, food sources, contact with Europeans, and the desire among his people to continue pushing for self-governance despite the recent failure of the Charlottetown Accord referendum.

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 Mayor Lawrence Martin on behalf of the town of Sioux Lookout. Martin discusses his position as an Aboriginal person and Mayor, the changing demographics of the town, his personal background, the Wataway Native Communications Society, self-governance issues, education and the difficulty of separating non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal issues in a mixed town like Sioux Lookout, cultural education and race relations, the local friendship centre, Aboriginal language curriculum.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation by Merle Assance-Beedie of the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC), at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.

This file contains a presentation by Michael J. Diabo and Edward J. Cross that first provides a history of the Kahnawake education system. Their organization seeks more self-sufficiency in education in Kahnawake to continue providing education programs and resources and qualified staffing. Cross notes that the Kanien'kehaka language is spoken by only 10 percent of the Kahnawake community and calls upon the Commission to ensure funding continues for language immersion programs. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.