Métis

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.

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 Irma White-Pattmore, founder and president of the National Urban Aboriginal League (NUAL). NUAL's goal is to "provide a co-existing solution that supports the need for an adequate and comfortable relationship between Aboriginal peoples, the Canadian government and the non-Aboriginals of Canada. She calls for an Aboriginal Embassy in Canada that would provide programs and assistance to Aboriginal women, on-reserve people, Metis people, off-reserve people and Inuit.

File contains a presentation by Isabelle Impey. Impey discusses the Gabriel Dumont Institute: its' mandate, guiding principles, organizational structure, and relation to self-government. Impey also discusses some of the Insitute's programs, post-secondary education financing issues, and projects it is involved with. Following brief comments by Commissioner Dussault, Impey delivers the second part of her presentation which deals with Metis women's concerns.

File contains a presentation by Jackie Adams on behalf of herself and a group of Aboriginal woman. Adams discusses some of the issues facing Aboriginal women in her community and explains why she thinks it is neccessary to have a community centre and treatment programs geared specifically towards Aboriginal women's issues. There is also a discussion between Adams and Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Viola Robinson regarding her presentation and the issues raised therein.

This file contains a presentation by Jan Reimer, Mayor of Edmonton, Alberta, who first provides the Commissioners with a recent issue of a publication titled Tracking the Trends. The publication provides an overview of socio-demographic information and monitors significant trends that will affect the delivery of human services in Edmonton. A recent issue featured Edmonton's Aboriginal population. Reimer lists a number of Aboriginal groups and organizations in Edmonton who attempt to help Aboriginals adjust to urban life and states that more work needs to be done.

File contains a presentation by Jennifer Scott relating to her organization, whose mandate is to provide services to adults with disabilities in order to assist them to become contributing and participating members of their communities. The association provides two non-facility based programs, the first being an outreach program designed to assist disabled persons acquire skills to live independently.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Jim Penton, Metis Senator. Penton discusses racism in southern Alberta, his solidarity with the Peigan people in their struggles with respect to the Oldman River dam, issues of Metis identity, decolonization, Constitutional rights, urban concerns, education concerns, justice concerns, and general Metis issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus and Jim Penton discuss the definition of Metis people.

File contains a presentation by Joe Major of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association focusing on health and justice issues and sport and recreation. He introduces the next speaker, Agnes Lidstone.

The file contains a presentation by Joey Hamelin, Metis National Council. Hamelin discusses funding issues for the Metis, some examples of suicides that occurred amongst that community in Alberta, and the role of the Metis Services Organization, and Native Brotherhood in Alberta.

File contains a presentation by John Corbiere relating to the constitutional and legal position of the Metis and off-reserve Aboriginals. He states that on his First Nations, "The present elected band leadership is denying our off-reserve members the opportunity to vote on the basic things that have a crucial effect on their lives. Those members are being excluded from the social and political prosperity of the band.

File contains a presentation by John Crisp. Crisp discusses the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement, its establishment, history, and socioeconomic condition. Crisp relates problems with the Federal government whose census refuses to acknowledge Paddle Prairie's existence as a Metis Settlement, and a variety of health care, social services, and education concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Crisp and Commissioners Barb Beaulieu and Rene Dussault on these topics.

File contains a presentation by the Gabriel Dumont Institute Research and Development Team relating to their proposed research project entitled "Metis Family Literacy and Youth Education Strategy." The project aims to develop recommendations for action in the areas of policy, programs and strategies for K-12 students to meet the literacy needs of the Metis and non-status Indian people in Canada. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Stewart. Stewart, a member of the Youth Justice Committee, discusses youth justice concerns particularly with regard to young Metis children. Stewart asks that funding be provided to treat these children in the community rather than sending them away to jails. Following Stewart's presentation is a discussion between Stewart, Chief Tony Mercredi, and Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney on youth justice issues.

File contains a presentation by Joseph Sagutch. Sagutch discusses his artistic contribution to the Commission in designing its offical logo. Sagutch goes over the cultural significance of the different aspects of the logo in his own view as designer.

File contains a presentation by Joyce Racette. Racette, a member of the Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan, discusses that organization's programs, philosophy, and relation to other organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous. Following Racette's presentation Clem Chartier makes some comments on the provincial Metis Housing Corporation.

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.

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 Lee Ann Hilsen. Hilsen, a Metis student, gives her views on the Education system and why she thinks it is substandard and ineffective for Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a discussion between Hilsen and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Leon McAuley, Director, Provincial Metis Housing Authority. McAuley describes the problems facing Metis communities in the North, and advocates a new level of government (a Metis local government) to facilitate self-governance, as well as discusing economic development and a land base. Following the presentation a brief discussion on the definition of the Metis people takes place between Commissioner Chartrand and McAuley.

File contains a presentation by Leonard Morin, Regional Representative, Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Morin gives a demographic overview of northern Saskatchewan, relates some of the issues faced by northerners, then gives a beif overview of Metis history. Morin stresses the importance of gaining a Metis land base, and discusses possibilities for Metis self-governance. Morin then speaks on an issue of importance to his home community of Cumberland House, the construction of a traffic bridge connecting the community with the mainland across the river.

File contains a presentation by Lyle Boland. Boland, representing the SaskNative Economic Development Corporation, discusses a variety of issues pertained to the Metis economy in Saskatchewan. Foremost amongst these is the need to "level the playing field" for Metis people with comparison to Status Indians.

File contains a presentation by Madeline Rizzoli, representing the Alberta Trappers Association. She states that trapping has and is an ongoing occupation that residents rely for survival. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners regarding leghold traps.

File contains a presentation by Marge Friedel. Friedel presents on behalf of the Women of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Friedel addresses the exclusion of women from the Canadian Constitutional process, and the struggle for inclusion within Metis political organizations. Friedel also discusses self-government and critiques the Metis National Council for not, in her view, representing the concerns of Metis women. Following the presentation is a discussion between Friedel and the Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney on the issues contained therein.

This file contains a presentation by Marguerite Cardin and Pierre Taillon relating to their group that represents Aboriginal people living off-reserve and Metis in Quebec. Cardin states that these persons suffer with a lack of identity and cites multiple examples of this problems. She also states that Aboriginal women need to fight to improve conditions for themselves, as Aboriginal male leaders "appear not to be interested" in being involved in the struggle for Aboriginal women's rights. The Commissioners provide questions for the presenters during the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Mario Paradis and Rene Boileau whose organization "brings together Metis and non-status Indians of Quebec, to have their status concretely recognized; to study, promote, protect and develop the material, cultural, social, economic and political interests of its members in every way possible; and to maintain a permanent secretariat in order to develop links among the members. The speakers also address the difficulty of determining the origin of the Canadian Metis.

File contains a presentation by Mary Wiegers, President, Provincial Metis Women of Saskatchewan. Wiegers highlights her concerns with the notion of Metis self-governance in Saskatchewan. She is highly critical of how Metis institutions have been functioning in the province, and argues that self-governance as things are currently consituted will lead to abuses by the Metis leadership. Wiegers highlights examples of electoral fraud, and undemocratic behaviour within the Saskatchewan Metis organization.

File contains a presentation by Max Morin, Metis Society of Saskatchewan, Regional Director - Chairman, Gabriel Dumont Institute. Morin discusses the problems faced by the Metis people in northern Saskatchewan, and complains that multinational corporations have more rights to the land than its rightful owners (the Metis themselves). Morin also discusses how wealth has been extracted from the region with no benefit to the people living there, who have actually gone into debt. Morin sees the way forward for the Metis as dependent upon good education for his people.

This file contains a presentation by Melanie Omeniho that first describes her organization's mandate as being a political activist group that continues to develop and/or improve social structures to meet the needs of Metis women. The group assists in developing economic bases for Metis women, as well as developing educational and culturally sensitive opportunities to better the lives of Metis women.

File contains a presentation by Armand Murray of the La Loche Local of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Murray discusses the need for recognition of Aboriginal rights on the part of government, land issues, a lack of capital in the community for utilizing resources, a conflict with the provincial government over Clearwater River park, fisheries issues, forestry issues, tourism and guiding, and related issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Murray.

File contains a presentation by Mike Mercredi, Director of Athabasca Native Development Corporation. Mercredi describes the mandate and goals of his organization which represents Metis and First Nations people throughout Northern Alberta, and works to provide economic opportunity for them. Mercredi discusses some of the challenges his organization has faced, and some of the structural problems confronting northern economic development. Following the presentation are some remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand.

File contains remarks by Morgan McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. McLeod discusses his concerns with drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, child abuse and neglect in his community. He relates how the Metis youth have started a youth centre at Stanley Mission to deal with these problems, but need support on the provincial level to help provide information and recreational facilities.

File contains a presentation by Mrs. MacKenzie, president of the Umpherville, MB Women's Group. Translating is Marion Lindsay. Mrs. MacKenzie asks the Commission to have the federal government "ask the people what they want first, no what the government wants for the people to do." A discussion with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 Nelson Sanderson regarding the need to connect Metis youth and the general public with the history and culture of the Metis people. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding these issues.

File contains a presentation by John Novak of the North Bay Chapter of the Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association (which represents Metis and Non-Status people). Novak discusses the difficulty for his people in obtaining resources, their difference from Status Indian people, a lack of educational assistance, a request for "some kind of structure that we would be able to get our own funding," the desire for a land base, economic concerns, hunting and fishing rights, racism and discrimination concerns, the problem sustaining the organization's locals, and housing concerns.

File contains a presentation by Noble Shanks focusing on his organization's work in the development of justice services for Metis people in Saskatchewan. He discusses unfair legal representation for Metis people, establishing a Metis court worker program, the poor relationship with the RCMP and Metis people, and the northern fly-in court process. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 made by Rick Laliberte and Harold Schultz for the Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) and the Northern Professional Access College (NORPAC) on the topics of the the Royal Commission's mandate, the education opportunities for northern communities, economic development and self-government in Aboriginal communities. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Olie Schell. Schell is the manager of Career Development and Employment for the Government of Alberta. Schell discusses programs which Alberta Career Development and Employment have been involved with in the area around Fort McMurray. Following the presentation is a discussion between Schell and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of these programs.

File contains a presentation by Pat Harper, representative of Metis Women of Manitoba. The topics she covers include representation, housing, education and training, economic development, family services and culture. Following this is a discussion between Harper and the Commissioners on the topics covered.

File contains a presentation by Pearl Calahasen, MLA for the Lesser Slave Lake constituency in Alberta. She begins her presentation by acknowledging she is speaking as an Aboriginal person, not as MLA. She describes her personal experiences with racism when entering high school in a large city, with post-secondary educational institutions, and with her campaign to run for MLA. Calahasen discusses education, economic development, and fishing, hunting and trapping issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Peter Ponich that believes the School Division as not doing enough to keep Aboriginal and Metis students in schools. He offers a number of initiatives that may combat that problems, including engendering pride in the language and culture of the student, providing Aboriginal role models in a variety of jobs, providing students with a better understanding of the value of education, and encouraging Aboriginal students to complete secondary education. He calls on the Commission to help secure funding for these proposed initiatives.

File contains a presentation by President Jim Evoy, Northwest Territories Federation of Labour. Evoy discusses Aboriginal employment and labour unions as a vehicle for social change. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Evoy.

File contains a presentation by Raymond Laliberte, Metis Addictions Council. Raymond discusses his organization which aids all people with addictions regardless of legal status, including Status Indians and Non-Aboriginals. Laliberte discusses the disorganized state of Metis youth, his views on the Canadian Constitution and makes some specific recommendations for facilities to help address some of the social problems afflicting Aboriginal people.

File contains a presentation by Rene Tenasco, Councillor of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Tenasco delivers an address on Aboriginal history in Canada, and his opinion on the ongoing move towards reconciliation of which the Royal Commission is a part. Following the statement Commissioner Dussault thanks Tenasco, and Commissioner Robinson discusses Indian Act concerns with Tenasco.

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 Robert Doucette. Doucette discusses conditions for Metis people within the City of Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan generally. Doucette highlights problems of institutional racism, access to education, ignorance of Aboriginal identity and issues in the general population, migration to urban centres, and related issues. Doucette also discusses the need for a Metis land base and the differences in the way the government addresses Metis and Treaty people's issues.

File contains a presentation by Robert Mercredi of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Mercredi discusses his organization, and the problems facing his people. He describes the Metis as Canada's forgotten people, and while offering support for the "Canada clause" of the Constitution stresses the need for the Metis to be recognized on an equitable level with their Indian and Inuit brothers and sisters. He bemoans the lack of a land base for the Metis people of Saskatchewan, and the lack of resources neccessary for basic governmental functioning.