Métis

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples held at the Edmonton Inn, in Edmonton, Alberta on June 11, 1992. The Commissioners explain the mandate and goals of the Commission for the audience in attendance.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand, who explain the purpose and objectives of the Commission. Robert Boucher, Commissioner For the Day, is introduced.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioner Allan Blakeney. He introduces his co-chair, Paul Chartrand, a Metis from Manitoba and also introduces Elder George Lathlin from The Pas.

File contains opening remarks mainly by Chief Lorne Waditaka, Chief of the Wahpeton First Nation. Waditaka discusses national issues such as the Constitution and First Nations place in it, the development of self-governance structures, the need for continued federal responsibilities and the importance of the treaties, the Metis people and their place in Canada, urban aboriginals, justice issues, social issues, and what he hopes will be gained from the hearings of the Royal Commission. Waditaka then introduces Commissioners Bertha Wilson, Paul Chartrand, Rene Dussault, and Mary Sillet.

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.

File contains opening remarks on the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples by Justice Sinclair and Paul Chartrand. Discusses the Commission, its mandate, and the historical significance of Winnipeg as the starting point for the Commission.

The file contains opening remarks by Nelson Mayer, Native Council of Canada. Mayer discusses his organization and thanks the Commission for inviting him to the sitting, as well as the importance of addressing the suicide issue in constituent communities.

File contains opening remarks by Rene Dussault, Viola Robinson and Mary Sillett, who discuss the purpose and goals of the Commission. Dussault introduces Francis Penashue, Commissioner For the Day. Ben Michel is the facilitator.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes opening remarks from Elder Vincent Stogan, Elder Ken Harris and assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

File contains Index of presentations and opening remarks by John Morriseau, Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillett, Charlie Snowshoe, and Allan Blakeney.

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.

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 Paper Tabled by Clifford Morgan concerning Equity Housing Program.

This file contains a brief presentation by Alex Venne relating to the Rural Native Housing Program and its inability to provide adequate housing for Métis people in the southern part of Manitoba. He states that the construction of houses should not be done by outside contractors, but by trained Aboriginal and Métis persons in the community who will eventually occupy them. A lengthy question-and-answer sessions with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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

File contains a presentation by Andy Von Busse, Alberta Fish and Game Association. Von Busse discusses conservation issues in Alberta, specifically with regards to Aboriginal utilization of wildlife. Following the presentation is a discussion between Von Busse regarding Treaty rights to hunt, and jurisdictional questions with regard to wildlife management and land usage.

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 remarks by Bernice Hammersmith, Secretary, Saskatchewan Metis Society. Hammersmith describes some problems facing her organization.

File contains a presentation by Bernice Sheehan expressing concern with status classifications of Aboriginal people: on reserve, off reserve, status, non-status and Metis. Metis as a group are not recognized by the Newfoundland provincial government, and as a result are denied services that recognized Metis receive in other provinces. Sheehan hopes the Commission will recommend provincial recognition to Newfoundland Metis to bring them in line with other groups. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.

File contains a presentation by Betsy Brooks, President, Metis Nation Local 1935. Brooks discusses the Metis local in Fort McMurray and some of its challenges including the lack of an administration building and funding concerns. Following the presentation Betsy discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney.

The file contains a presentation by BillyJo De La Ronde, Labour Canada. De La Ronde discusses his ideas on Metis history, politics, economic development, education, self-governance, and self-determination (between the last two concepts he draws a clear distinction). Following the presentaiton Commissioner Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with De La Ronde.

File contains a presentation by Chairperson Brenda Bernhardt-McNabb of the Northwest Territories Council of Friendship Centres. Bernhardt-McNabb discusses the role of her organization which is to "assist those centres who may have difficulty in funding, managements, role and responsibilities of boards and staff, and so forth" at the territorial level. Bernhardt-McNabb discusses some of the funding challenges faced by Northwest Territories Friendship Centres.

File contains a presentation by Bunt Cranmer, United Native Nations, Local 144. Cranmer discusses his organization which he describes as "part of the B.C. body of the United Native Nations and Ernie Gray is our acting president. And the United Native Nations B.C. body is part of the Native Council of Canada. And these two organizations are the lobbying force for the off-reserve, status, non-status, Inuit and Metis people."

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.

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 Cathy LaValley. LaValley discusses the federal "Pathways to Success" educational and job-training program in Saskatchewan, specifically as it pertains to Metis residents.

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

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Lynn Hagan-Deschamps of the Tawaak Housing Association. Hagan-Deschamps discusses her organizations work in providing urban Aboriginal housing, and recommends that Aboriginal organizations be exempted from government cutbacks to housing funds going on at the time. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss Aboriginal housing and funding concerns with Hagan-Deschamps.

File contains a presentation by Chief Harry Cook, La Ronge Indian Band. Cook welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand to La Ronge, and expresses his solidarity with other Aboriginal peoples such as the Metis. Cook also discusses the importance of Treaties to his people.

File contains a presentation by Chris Axworthy relating to his constituency that encompasses a large Aboriginal population made up of status Indians living off-reserve, as well as non-status Indians and Metis people. He is aware of the feeling of disfranchisement of urban Aboriginal people, the need for self-government, and for more funding for Aboriginal post-secondary education. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Claire Riddle, Vice-President, Winnipeg Region of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Riddle mainly discusses economic matters including education, assistance for entrepreneurs, affirmative action, small business, and self-government for Metis people. She also discusses some Metis history making the assertion that "traditionally the Metis were a commercial nation whose entrepreneurs pursued ventures in national and international trade." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding its contents.

File contains a presentation by Claude Petit expressing frustration with the ability of his organization to offer services and organize events for Aboriginal veterans without funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clem Chartier of the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan. Chartier relays the regrets of President Gerald Morin who was unable to attend the sitting, introduces some of the participants in attendance, then discusses Metis land title and land rights issues, hunting rights, economic concerns, self-government and self-determination, policy ideas, personal and collective healing, racism and discrimination, intergovernmental relations, and the Metis Nation Accord in order to "give a holistic view of our organization."

File contains an individual presentation by Clifford Trapper. Trapper is a Metis man presenting on behalf of his grandfather, a Metis elder of the James Bay area. Trapper's presentation discusses uniqueness of Aboriginal culture and the need for government help with the decline of the traditional economy. It also touches on issues like pollution and self-governance.

File contains a presentation by Clint Buehler, Executive Director, Metis Nation of Alberta. Buehler outlines the steps the MNA has taken towards self-governance both in terms of consultation within its membership and negotiations with the provincial and federal governments.

File contains a presentation by Counsellor Cy Standing of the Wahpeton First Nation. After some introductory remarks in Dakota (not provided), Standing gives a brief summary of his personal history.

File contains a presentation by Dave Barron of the Pacific Metis Federation. Barron discusses the story of his people, their neglect by government, his views on Bill C-31 and how the government has divided Aboriginal peoples starting at the family level. Barron concludes by recommending that "some form of legislation be enacted within the near future to release our people from the bonds of Bill C-31, if they should desire." Following the presentation is a discussion between Barron and Commissioner Erasmus on the ideas raised in the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by David Chartrand and Pat Harper of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Chartrand and Harper, representing the Winnipeg Region of the Federation, discuss a brief history of their organization as an urban based entity, Metis membership's issues from an urban perspective, self-determination and self-governance in an urban setting, education and training issues, employment issues, economic development issues, family issues, cultural issues, child care, and cultural issues.

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 contains a presentation by Denis Tardif that begins with a brief history of Aboriginal and Francophone relations in Alberta. He states that "Canadian society consists of three major national communities; the native national community, the Francophone national community and the anglophone national community." These groups must work together "to succeed in the great goal of building a just Canadian society." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Denise Thomas, Southeast Region of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Thomas discusses the need for Métis economic development in her region of Manitoba, and highlights some ways she thinks this can be done through financial and educational infrastructure measures. Following the presentation Thomas engages in a brief discussion with Commissioner Sillet on women's business issues, followed by a comment on the presentation by Commissioner Chartrand.

File contains remarks by Diane Delaronde of the Pas Region, Manitoba Metis Federation. Delaronde welcomes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba on behalf of her organization.

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 Donald Thompson regarding treatment of Metis with hunting and land laws. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Anne Anderson. Anderson's presentation entitled "The history of the Metis nation." The presentation gives a general overview of Metis history from Anderson's own personal perspective and what she thinks is its relevance.

File contains a presentation by Elmer Herman. Herman discusses his work for the Metis Nation in Alberta as an advising counsellor, his views on Bill C-31, and the need for a Metis landbase. Following his presentation Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand discuss the issues raised therein with Herman and previous presenter Betsy Brooks.

File contains a presentation by Fred Shore, President, Aboriginal Staff, Student Network, University of Manitoba. Shore discusses suggestions to enhance and improve Aboriginal experiences and participation in post-secondary institutions. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Garth Wallbridge. Wallbridge, a Métis man, presenting as an individual, raises a wide variety of concerns. These include Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal relations, government policy, the Commission itself, educational issues, self-governance, languages, Métis issues, and others. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Wallbridge.

File contains a presentation by Gerald Morin, MIchele Harding and Clem Chartier covering a wide range of topics, including the aftermath of the Charlottetown Accord, the Metis Nation Accord, land claims and self-government. Harding also represents the Education and Employment Women's Working Agenda group. Her brief presentation discusses adult basic education and the high dropout rate of Aboriginal and Metis youth in high school. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gerald Thom, Senior Vice-President of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Thom thanks the Commission and introduces several MNA officials, then makes a few general remarks on the political situation for the Metis, Alberta, and Canada. To conclude his presentation he introduces the next presenter Thelma Chalifoux, Senator Co-Chair of the Metis Nation of Alberta.

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.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes a presentation given by the Honourable Bob Mitchell, Marv Hendrickson and Marlee Rasmussen concerned with the relationship of the Province of Saskatchewan Government with the Aboriginal Community of of the province.