Language

File contains a presentation by Mildred Milliea, teacher of the Mi'kmaq language. Milliea provides a brief history of native languages in Canada and describes her experience teaching the Mi'kmaq language beginning in 1969. She concludes by saying that "native languages and culture should be implemented in the Constitution." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Nancy Gaudon, Port-au-Port Band. She discusses how the band has no economic base since the fishery collapsed, and lists a variety of concerns including housing, social needs, language issues, economic development, self-determination for off-reserve and Non-status Indians, Education and Historical Identity. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with Gaudon.

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 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 Bill Nothing and Isaac Beaulieu of the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council. Nothing, Executive Director of the Council, discusses his work with the people of the Nishnawbe-Aski area for the past twenty years. It expresses his personal views as well as those of the Education Council.

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.

File contains a presentation by Paul Hogan. Hogan discusses his personal views on a variety of issues facing Aboriginal people. These include education, urban issues, self-governance, governmental relations, land rights, language concerns, and the Indian Act. Following Hogan's presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with him.

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 by Peter Efimoff. Efimoff, a student at Prince Rupert Senior School, discusses his personal views on Aboriginal culture, languages, and relations with other cultures.

File contains a presentation by Peter Sackeney and Holly Kowtook Holopainen relating to the importance of the Native Criminal Court Worker program provided at their Friendship Centre. Despite decreasing funding, their services include translation and after-court assistance. The presenters call on the Commission to ensure funding for the hiring of Aboriginal court workers to continue serving the urban Aboriginal community in Timmins. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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.

This file contains a presentation by Reverends Douglas Crosby, OMI, Marc Lortie, OMI and Achiel Peelman, OMI. Their presentation makes a number of points, including recognition and implementation of Aboriginal self-government, Aboriginal input concerning decisions about Aboriginal lands leading to self-sufficiency, and the federal government's recognition of its fiduciary responsible to on- and off-reserve Aboriginals, Metis, non-status and registered Aboriginal people. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Mr. Ron Nadeau of Native Communications Inc. Nadeau discusses the history of his organization and the importance of Aboriginal broadcasting, government funding, broadcasting in the Cree language, and their relationship with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Following the presentation is a discussion between Nadeau and Commissioner Blakeney and Paul Chartrand on broadcasting in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

File contains a presentation by Sara Jerome. Jerome, (sometimes speaking in Gwich'in which is provided in English translation) discusses her experiences with the education system (post-secondary), and her views regarding the culture and language of the Gwich'in people. She expresses frustration with Commissions visiting the Western Arctic in the past which lead to no changes. She also discusses her frustration with the Canada 125th birthday celebrations which ignored aboriginal peoples languages but put a high emphasis on English and French.

File contains a presentation by Sarah Anala. Anala is an Innu woman originally from Labrador, a member of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples' Council, and a board member of the New Brunswick Native Indian Women's Council Inc. Anala relates her personal, spiritual, and cultural background.

The file contains a presentation by Schuyler Webster. Webster discusses matters related to First Nation partnerships and promoting educational opportunities from his position as Coordinator of Human Native Services at the School of Social Work, Laurentian University.

File contains a presentation by Shirley Cook. Cook, an aboriginal student enrolled in a television production course at the Native Communications Society in Yellowknife, discusses the role she thinks television can play in Aboriginal communities and culture. Cook also discusses the importance of the North to Canada, and the importance of telling the stories of the people there. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Cook.

The file contains a presentation by Abbey Crook of the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre. Crook, Executive Director of the Centre, makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on behalf of Northwest Territories Friendship Centres. These include culture and language recommendations; education recommendations; justice recommendations; social recommendations (in terms of delivery of social services); and economic recommendations all based on a survey conducted by the Friendship Centres of their constituencies.

File contains a presentation by Tat Tatoosh, Linguistic Graduate, University of Victoria. Tatoosh discusses Nuu-Chah-Nulth language programs for children within the British Columbia School District No. 70/Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council area. Tatoosh discusses the Nuu-Chah-Nulth language, its importance to the culture, Euro-Canadians difficulty in learning it, and curriculum development. Following the presentation is a discussion on language and culture issues in education between Commissioner Georges Erasmus, Commissioner Viola Robinson, Tatoosh, and previous presenter Denny Grisdale.

The file contains a presentation by Donna Harrison of the Hay River Council for Persons with Disabilities. Director Harrison discusses learning disabilities, and their effect on both children and adults in the community. Harrison recommends that the government make learning disabilities a higher priority, makes specific recommendations pertaining to the situation in the Northwest Territories. Following the presentation Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand thank Harrison and discuss some of the issues raised with her.

File contains a presentation by the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Government of the Northwest Territories, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs.

The file contains a presentation by the Honourable Richard Nerysoo, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Government of the Northwest Territories.

The file contains a presentation by Tobias Provost. Provost discusses his ideas on Peigan youth, and what can be done to empower them and stop negative behaviours. Provost proposes returning to traditional Peigan culture and language to build self-esteem, as well as discussing the positive results of the Nation's Youth Program.

File contains a presentation by Waldo Berg, Instructor of Northlands College. Berg discusses problems with the adult education system from his perspective as an instructor. Berg higlights four areas: language issues, childcare issues, alcohol issues, and cultural disparity issues. Berg suggests that a vareity of steps be taken to educate southern educators heading to job placements in the north about language and cultural concerns. Berg then discusses the Mennonite people's relation to Aboriginal Canadians and the issues they face.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This portion is of a presentation for Nishga Education Project by Jacob McKay preceding the Round Table discussion on education.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This is a presentation of a Model of an Aboriginal Education Initiative: Saskatchewan Indian Federated College by Dr. Eber Hampton.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This is a presentation of an Aboriginal Education Initiative by Dorothy Lazore, a Mohawk language teacher, Tyendinaga territory. Questions of the presenter follow.

File contains a presentation by Curtis Hopkins on behalf of the Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre. Hopkins discusses urban and cultural concerns as they pertain to friendship centres. Hopkins also discusses language, criminal justice, and education issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Hopkins.

File contains a presentation by Elder Dorothy Day on behalf of the N'Amerind Elders Group of London, Ontario. Elder Day discusses Aboriginal history, colonization, education, reserve life, government policy, and crime concerns. Following Elder Day's presentation Commissioner Erasmus thanks her for sharing her views with the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Commissioner Betty Harnum of the Northwest Territories Language Commissioner Office. Harnum discusses official languages status and other Aboriginal language issues. Harnum discusses the NWT unique classification of six Aboriginal languages (in addition to English and French) as official languages, and a variety of language concerns dealing with the country as a whole. Following Harnum's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss language concerns with her.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Yellowknives Dene Band Council by Chief Jonas Sangris and Chief Darrell Beaulieu, as well as a closing prayer which concludes the days sitting of the Commission. The two Chiefs welcome the Commission to the community and then discuss health and social issues, job training, community development, education, culture and languages. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Chiefs and assembled Commissioners on some of the issues raised, followed by the adjournment of the days proceedings and a closing prayer.

File contains a presentation by Jerome Kennedy and Tara Johnson of the Urban Native Parents Association. Kennedy discusses the historical background of Aboriginal-Non-Aboriginal relations in Canada and related educational concerns. Johnson discusses the importance of Aboriginal language rights and education. Following the presentations Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

The file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation by Valerie Monague and Lenore Monague concerning the plight of Senior and/or Disabled Citizens in the Aboriginal Community.

The file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation by Isadore Talouse concerning the Retention of Native languages.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This is a presentation on model of an Aboriginal Education Initiative: Arctic College by Don Couch, Director of the Nunatta Campus, Arctic College.

File contains a presentation by President Georges Druwe of the Societe Franco-Manitobaine (the Franco-Manitoban Society). Presentation begins in French then switches to English translation. President Druwe discusses his organization which represents French speakers in Manitoba, its' interest in the proceedings of the Commission, and its' view that "First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities have reached a critical turning point in their history." Druwe goes on to discuss cross-cultural solidarity and shared concerns.

File contains a presentation re culture by Peter Atkinson of the Cultural Education Program, and Councillor Charlie Nelson. Atkinson discusses Treaties, language, self-government, the need for a land base, and cross-cultural mutual understanding. Councillor Nelson discusses the Anishnabe culture, its society, and history. Nelson also discusses the significance of Treaty and social problems.

The file contains spresentation by Cheryl Pascal, Gwich'in Youth and Eugene Pascal, Chief, Aklavik Indian Band. Cheryl Pascal discusses Gwich'in language; cultural; post-secondary education; and general youth concerns.

This file contains presentations by eight students from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School in Brandon, Manitoba. The students are: Dennis Peters, Sandy Bunn, Russell Beaulieu, Verna McDougall, Sam Gott, Trena Raven, Marcelline Mason and Lorne Bunn. The presentations focus on issues such as Aboriginal-controlled schools on reserves, loss of Aboriginal culture and language, learning from elders as part of their daily curriculum, prejudice and racism in urban schools, and hopelessness and substance abuse among Aboriginal youth.

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 several presentations made on behalf of youth groups. Given by Veronica Sandy, Stephanie King, Naomi Walser, David Forget, Laura Forget and Erica Louittit concerning activities of youth in the Aboriginal Community.

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 several presentations made on the topic of Aboriginal Women. Given by Dawn Sillaby-Smith, Martha Francis, Joan Simcoe, Shelley Essance-Lamarche, Brenda Black and Gloria Louittit concerning the role of women in the Aboriginal community.

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 questions and comments from the audience and the assembled commissioners, Mary Sillett and Bertha Wilson, regarding the presentation of the United Indian Councils given by Vice-Chief Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux; Greer Atkinson; Laurie Flynn; Chief Jeff Monague and Vice-Chief Mel Jacobs, at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.

The file contains remarks by Georges Erasmus. Commissioner Erasmus discusses the importance to the Commission of hearing from Aboriginal youth. Erasmus discusses some of the issues faced by Aboriginal youth, and argues that Aboriginal people must take action on their own to address historical wrongs. Erasmus also thanks the participants in the day's youth circle for coming forward and sharing their stories.

This file contains a transcript of part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes the opening remarks of Leo Herbert, moderator, and Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair of the Commission. The remarks are of an introductory nature as they outline the purpose and mandate of the Commission and outline the manner for the day's proceedings.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation given by Chief Norman Stinson at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community. This presentation is followed by the two Commissioners present, Mary Sillett and Bertha Wilson.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation given by Cynthia Wesley-Esquamaux at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation given by Lorraine McRae at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation given by Matilda Snache at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation by John Charlton at the Round Table discussion on Relationship issues with "ourselves, our families and our community."

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes questions and comments by the assembled Commissioners, Mary Sillitt and Bertha Wilson regarding the presentations given at the Round Table discussion on Self-Sufficiency issues and economic development in the Aboriginal Community.