Law & Justice

File contains two presentations, both read by Rose Gregoire. She begins with Raphael Gregoire's presentation that expresses concern with this Commission being irrelevant and its findings being ignored. Raphael Gregoire asks that issues or problems that need to be addressed immmediately should not be delayed until the final report is finished. Rose Gregoire's presentation addresses the treatment of Innu people under the law and discusses her experiences in the justice system, first as a young offender and now as a court worker.

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 the opening prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Wendake, Quebec, on November 18, 1992. File also contains a presentation by Alain Bissonette, Human Rights Centre of the University of Ottawa regarding the encouragement of understanding and harmonious relations between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal societies in Canada. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand engage Bissonette in a discussion on the presentation and how Bissonette's ideas relate to justice system concerns.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand at the first sitting of the Royal Commission in The Pas, Manitoba. Blakeney reflects on the mandate of the Commission and its composition, while Chartrand reflects on the historical significance of The Pas and his own families association with the community.

File contains a panel discussion regarding sovereignty and jurisdiction featuring Terry Nelson, Leonard Nelson, and the assembled Commissioners. The Nelsons discuss sovereignty and jurisdiction matters as they relate to Aboriginal peoples, and particularly to the Ojibway people in Manitoba in the context of international law, economics, and race relations. The assembled Commissioners discuss some of the ideas raised with the Nelsons.

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 short statement by Alain Bissonette, Member of the Human Rights Tribunal of Quebec. He asks preceding presenter Roderick MacDonald about the contents of his written report (en francais), and Roderick responds to his query in English. The topic matter deals with the Access to Justice Commission.

File contains a presentation by Albert Marshall. Marshall lists some of his concerns with the governance system in the Eskasoni area ranging from education, policing, economic development and criminal justice, to taxation.

File contains a presentation by Alfred Scow, B.C. Provincial Court Judge. Judge Scow discusses the detrimental effects of the justice system on Aboriginal peoples, and the Indian Act in particular. Judge Scow also expresses the hope that the Commission will lead to substantive changes in the justice system rather than "window dressing."

File contains a presentation by Alice Kruta and Lorraine Dennis discussing the plight of Aboriginal people trying to negotiate through the Aboriginal system where it is unjust. They state that there are no appeal processes for those who question their Band or First Nations leadership. The women call on the Commission to help make Aboriginal leadership accountable to their own members. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by on behalf of the All Nations Trust Company by General Manager Larry Peeters, and Delphine Terbasket. Peeters introduces Terbasket, who delivers a presentation on the negative effects Canadian taxation policy has had on their financial institution, All Nations Trust. He states that the high tax burden placed on All Nations Trust has made operations extremely difficult. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Terbasket for the presentation and make some comments on the issue.

File contains a presentation by Alphonse Janvier. Janvier discusses Metis justice and social issues in Saskatchewan. Janvier also discusses financial issues.

The file contains a presentation by Andrew Orkin. Orkin, presenting as a concerned citizen from the perspective of a legal professional, discusses his views on the events of the High Arctic Relocation program of the 1950s. Following Orkin's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

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 Annie Napayok on behalf of the Keewatin Legal Aid Society. She discusses justice issues in the Keewatin region, for which she is the only legal aid representative. Among her concerns are culturally insensitive applications of law, a lack of funding, and youth justice concerns. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney discuss some of these issues with Napayok.

File contains a presentation by Arctic Exiles Markoosie Patsauq, Andrew Iquak, Anna Nungak, Patsauq Iqaluk, Samwillie Elijassialuk. These survivors of the High Arctic relocation program which forcibly removed Inuit people in the 1950s to the high arctic recount some of their personal stories of the process. Following the presentations Commissioner Dussault thanks them for presenting to the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Bernd Christmas, Chairman, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto Self-Government Committee. Christmas discusses the historical phenomenon of Aboriginal migration to urban areas, the establishment of clubs and their historical evolution into Friendship Centres, and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Christmas discusses his organizations views on urban self-governance, and the work they have done in this area. Following the presentation is a discussion between Christmas and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus, followed by the closing of the days proceedings.

File contains a presentation by Bob Crawford, Native Liaison Officer, Metro Toronto Police. Crawford discusses Toronto's Aboriginal Peacekeeping Unit and his work with it. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Blakeney, Robinson, and Dussault.

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 Espaniel. Espaniel discusses his groups views on the operation of the Justice System in Canada, and recommends a policy of "aftercare" to rehabilitate Aboriginal offenders. Following the presentation is a discussion between Espaniel and Commissioners Wilson and Blakeney on these issues.

This file contains a presentation by Camille Bolte and Daniele Pion relating to their group's interpretation of the relationship between the Crown and Aboriginal people as being "a political compromise". The group favours a 'delegation' approach that would define self-government in the sense of the powers of a municipality. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Charlotte Hazel and Alenda Dejarlais-Louish, Native Council of Nova Scotia.

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 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 of the Teslin Tlingit Council. Keenan discusses the differences but also the commonalities in values between Aboriginal people and other Canadians. Keenan also discusses the Canadian justice system, over representation in prisons, the need for more resources toward prevention rather than corrections, initiatives his people have taken in the Yukon, and other justice related matters.

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 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 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 Joe Nicholas of the Columbia Lake Indian Band. Nicholas highlights some of his concerns notably in the land management and economic sphere, and argues that First Nations governments must be given direct control over their particular spheres in order for economic and social progress to take place.

File contains a presentation by Chief Josephine Shottana of the Tobacco Plains Indian Band. Shottana discusses self-governance issues including education, health, and justice in a brief presentation entitled "Rebuilding Relationships."

File contains a presentation by Chief Robert Pasco of the Nlaka'pamux Tribal Council. Pasco, Chief of the Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band, discusses the history of his Nlaka'pamux Nation and its efforts to create a strong centralized government in the 1870s, as well as the suppression of this movement by the federal government. Pasco goes on to relate the desire of his people to have a written Constitution based on their traditions and to engage in a government to government relationship with the federal government. Pasco also discusses ongoing land claims and fisheries disputes.

This file contains a presentation given by Chief Strator Crowfoot relating to Aboriginal self-government and the Alternative Funding Arrangement Agreement. Crowfoot asks the Commission to look at different ways of approaching how government deals with First Nations and how they can bring together the resources on a global basis to work with Aboriginal groups. Crowfoot introduces the next speaker, Fred Breaker, Councillor, Siksika Nation.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Merritt City Council by Councillor Rick Typusiak. He welcomes the Commission to Merritt. Following this, he delivers a presentation discussing the relations between First Nations and municipal governments, and the City's views and concerns regarding Aboriginal self-government. Typusiak discusses economic issues, and expresses the desire of the Council that the Department of Indian Affairs and the Indian Act both be abolished. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Erasmus thank Typusiak and make some comments on his presentation.

File contains a presentation by the Nicola Valley Native Community Law Office, Merritt Legal Services, by Cliff Thorstenson. He discusses his observations on Aboriginal people and the Canadian justice system, particularly with regards to the local situation. Thorstenson offers a critique of justice institutions, and recommends a more culturally appropriate approach to community justice issues. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault on justice concerns.

File contains a presentation by Corinne Chappell, a Micmac woman. Chappell describes the effect of Bill C-31 on Aboriginal people who have married outside their community, and argues that all succeeding generations should retain their status. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners on this issue.

File contains a presentation by Councillor Wayne Nicholas, of the Tobique First Nation. Nicholas discusses the history of his people and offers his opinion that self-government and self-determination are essential goals today. Following his presentation is a discussion between Nicholas and Commissioner Erasmus on the Tobique land claim.

File contains a presentation by Darrell Bretton, First Nations Freedom Network. Bretton discusses his organization which he says is "a unique agency which deals with the transition from incarceration to reintegration of our people into overall society...developing a network of aboriginal groups and professionals to address the widespread societal problem of aboriginal recidivism."

File contains a presentation by the Dave Courchene, Jr. of the Mother Earth Spiritual Camp, and closing remarks for the Commission's sitting by Chief Jerry Fontaine. Courchene's presentation deals with his historical perspective on "the spirit of indigenous people," and the need to return to traditional spirituality to heal Aboriginal communities of their social ills. Courchene then delivers his views on the importance of self-governance and Aboriginal sovereignty. Following the presentation is a discussion between Courchene and Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the issues raised therein.

File contains a presentation by Debra Hanley. Hanley gives a summary and follow-up of eight commission and inquiry reports on Aboriginal justice issues. These include federally: "Creating Choices, the Task Force on Federally Sentenced Women"; "A Law Refrom Commission Report on Aboriginal People and Criminal Justice"; and, "The Indian Policing Task Force" provincially: "The Marshall Inquiry"; "The Manitoba Justice Inquiry"; "The Saskatchewan Indian and Metis Justice Review Committees"; and "The Alberta Causy (PH) Commission".

File includes a presentation by Dennis Perron, MNA for Duplessis, and Opposition (Parti Quebecois) Critic on Aboriginal Affairs. Perron delivers an address on the relationship of the province of Quebec, and particularly past PQ governments to the Aboriginal peoples of the province. Perron stresses the importance of good relations, and claims that Quebec has the best record in Canada with regard to the treatment of Aboriginal peoples. Perron also discusses land rights and cultural questions.

File contains a wide-ranging presentation by Dennis Gedeon, New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples' Council, with brief remarks by Carol Wortman of the same organization. Gedeon discusses the history of his organization, its aims, his views on the Constitution, intergovernmental relations, non-status Indians, self-governance, economic development, the Indian Act, Bill C31, Justice and Education issues.

File contains a presentation by Doris Young of the Indigenous Women's Collective regarding Aboriginal women's issues/views in the realm of the justice system, schools, the Indian Act, training and employment, political systems, and self-governance. Young also stresses the need for Aboriginal women's participation in the establishment of a Charter of Rights for Aboriginal People should such legislation be enacted.

File contains a presentation by Elijah Harper regarding a wide variety of issues including self-governance, the Constitution of Canada, previous Royal Commissions, Justice, and some of his personal experiences. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

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 Ontario Provincial Police Inspector Ernie Houghton and Chief of Police Brian David, on the subject of the Akwesasne court system. As well as questions from the assembled Commissioners to this presentation and those made previously.

File contains a presentation by Gabe Mentouck, a member of Native Mediation Inc. Mentouck relates why he opposes inherent Indian self-government, and tells a personal story of persecution and abuse by the Chief on his reserve. Mentouck highlights problems with a lack of accountability in Status Indian leadership, a lack of respect for individual rights on reserve, gangsterism and threatening behaviour towards those who opposse the status quo, and unfair treatment of himself from the wider Canadian legal system. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Mr.

This file contains a presentation by Gary Metallic that continues with the history of the Mi'kmaq Nation in Canada. He advises the Commission that he "must caution Canadian Governments against continuing to prosecute our people in your courts for exercising their treaty rights." Metallic also states that civil law is incompatible with Mi'kmaq law, as civil law is based on individual rights and Mi'kmaq is based on collective rights. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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.

File contains a presentation by Gloria Christmas, Native Justice Court Worker. Christmas, after a brief description of her job, makes a series of recommendations to the Commission on hiring Aboriginal interpreters, Aboriginal court workers, and Aboriginal corrections personnel, in the justice system.