This file contains an individual presentation by Carl Curotte that covers a wide range of topics, including self-government, depleted fishing grounds in Newfoundland and British Columbia, and "the reality of Aboriginals not sharing in the prosperity of Canada as non-Aboriginals do."

File contains an individual presentation by Charles Wagamese stating that the federal government has not fulfilled their treaty obligations and must fulfil them as representatives of the Queen. He calls for an end to patriarchy and for more input from elders relating to political leadership. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Norm Wesley stating that Aboriginal peoples are bound together by a sense of togetherness, family, equality and sharing, which was given to Aboriginals by the Creator. Elders must work with youth to give them a sense of the past and parents must instill in their children respect for others and themselves.

This file contains an individual presentation by Claude Bisonnette, a non-Aboriginal who is a certified life insurer in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. He began working with the citizens of Kahnawake in 1987, to the surprise of his co-workers. Bisonnette had to assure them that "(I)f I was having problems with the Mohawks I simply wouldn't go back there." He tells the Commissioners that he is often shocked at the negative attention minor incidents in Kahnawake are given and says the media doesn't help.

File contains an individual presentation by Cliff Gladue, who, despite involvement in a number of federal and provincial Metis organizations, is representing himself. Gladue's presentation discusses the principles and parameters of Aboriginal self-government. He sees three self-government agreements being negotiated with the federal and provincial governments: the treaty self-government agreeement, the Inuit self-government agreement and the Metis self-government agreement. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Danny Kasi focusing on self-government and and the ways that First Nations may achieve it - through First Ministers conferences, the Supreme Court of Canada and "the world court." Kasi also briefly discusses education and the lack of housing in his community. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by David Martin and read by Doris Saunders. It focuses on mobility rights of Aboriginal peoples.

File contains an individual presentation by Don Imbeau, a non-Aboriginal man that describes his introduction and appreciation for the power of the medicine wheel and for "the four symbolic races; white, red, yellow and black, who are all are brothers and sisters living on the same Mother Earth." He offers his interpretation of Aboriginal self-government and his vision of "First Nations together developing a unique charter which would apply exclusively to the Indian, Métis and Inuit peoples within a Canadian co-federation." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Co

File contains a presentation by Doris Saunders that details the histories of Happy Valley and Goose Bay communities, their amalgmation in 1974, and the services provided today.

File contains an individual presentation by Eli Chilton relating to social issues from a youth perspective. He states that these problems have originated since colonization, but Aboriginal people must now take responsibility for their own lives.

File contains a presentation by Emile Bell relating to the negative effects of residential schools and the impact of AIDS on Aboriginal people in Canada. Bell, a co-founder of Joe Duquette High School in Saskatoon, works with street people in Saskatoon where the majority are Aboriginal. He calls on the Commission to help provide financial compensation for survivors of residential school abuse, and funding for a shelter for those living on the streets. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Emile Nakogee stating that Aboriginal peoples should "conserve our lifestyles, our culture, our languages and follow what our Creator created for us within the lands." He is concerned for the problems facing Aboriginal youth and states that parents need to involve elders and the community in raising children.

File contains an individual presentation by Ernie Rickard that briefly discusses a number of issues, including education, justice, economic development on reserves, and self-government. He relates his experience when interviewing for a justice of the peace position with the Canadian government and how his interpretation of the job did not match the government's interpretation.

File contains an individual presentation by Gordon Sinclair that touches on many issues such as scrip and Indian Registration, relocation of burial grounds, pollution, spirituality, band elections and elders' rights. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Hank Shouse, businessman and former mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He states that Labrador is not served well politically by having only 4 of 52 members of the Provincial House of Assembly, the rest being Newfoundlanders. The control of Labrador is held in St. John's, Newfoundland, and Shouse believes that the Inuit, Innu, Metis, non-Aboriginals and other groups should form their own territorial House of Assembly. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Helen Charlie focusing on education in Old Crow. She states the elementary school teaches students how to sew, cook, fish, hunt, trap and numerous other traditional ways of the Vuntut Gwich'in First Nation. She calls on the Commission to help secure a high school in Old Crow, which she feels would encourage students to remain in school and hopefully lead to post-secondary education. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Ian Hinksman focusing on the lack of services and programs available for disabled Aboriginal people, both on- and off-reserve, in Canada. Hinksman answers questions from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus and Commissioner for the Day Norman Evans.

File contains a presentation by John Cheechou relating his experiences as an Aboriginal student from the Moose Factory, Ontario area in the non-Aboriginal educational world. He states that "there is no plausible reason why our First Nations cannot help develop a customized school year calendar which could be quite different from the current calendar, and to develop an appropriate learning environment." Cheechou calls on the Commission to help in the establishment of Aboriginal elementary, high school and post-secondary education facilities in northern Ontario.

File contains an individual presentation by John Hart relating to existing affirmative action programs, particularly the Saskatchewan program and the federal program. The goal of affirmative action is to bring Aboriginal people into the workforce equivalent to the numbers in the total population. Hart concludes his presentation by saying affirmative action in Saskatchewan and Canada is not working and calls on the Commission to help make employers aware of it. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains an individual presentation by June Deslisle, a member of the Bear Clan who has been involved with Aboriginal health care in Quebec for 40 years. She discusses a number of topics, including the establishment of a school in an old pool hall in Kahnawake, her involvement as a volunteer with the Kateri Memorial Hospital since 1955 and ending in 1991, and self-government. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Larry Gilbert discussing the recurring problem of discrimination against Aboriginal women and their children and the policies and practices at Indian Affairs which are designed and succeed in frustrating the legitimate claims to entitlement.

File contains a brief presentation by Lawrence Standing-On-The-Road that touches on economic development, treaty rights, land claims and self-government.

This file contains an individual presentation by Lisa Maracle discussing a number of topics, including on- and off-reserve life, Canada's role as a model of human rights, racism and discrimination, Bill C-31, the Oka Crisis of 1990, and the speaker's perceived ineffectiveness towards the Six Nations Confederacy leadership. An exchange with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains an individual presentation by Lloyd Augustine discussing Aboriginal land claims and self-government. Augustine states that "(I)f a new relationship with Canada is to exist, then there must be some way that will obligate Canada to honour and respect our people and our original institutions, our agreements and our treaties, our rights as nations and to honour that status fully." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Lyla Andrew, a non-Aboriginal woman raised in Toronto and a resident of Sheshatsiu for 15 years. She acknowledged in her an unconscious discrimination toward Innu people and the Innu would be better served if they "would aspire to be more like me." Andrew shares stories of her experience living among the Innu and calls on the Commission to have the Canadian government "recognize the value in their growth and development as a separate and distinct culture." Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Marion Nukon focusing on the ineffective alcohol ban in Old Crow. She states the ban cannot work if there are no youth workers, organized sports programs and community activities for adults. Nukon believes unemployment is a large contributing factors to the social problems in Old Crow. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Marvin Assinewai relating to Aboriginal post-secondary education. He recommends that the Canadian government recognize that all levels of education is an Aboriginal and treaty right, and that funding for post-secondary education increase so that each First Nation community could establish their own post-secondary policy. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Mavis Gillie focusing on "the idea of a moral and spiritual dimension to the right of Aboriginal peoples to be distinct peoples, to have an adequate land base and to be self-governing." Gillie works within the Anglican Church of Canada and describes her frustration with politicians who are unfamiliar with Aboriginal issues.

File contains an individual presentation by Michael Voisey who seeks information on the land claims deal involving Sango Bay, Labrador. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Nellie Carlson, founder of the Aboriginal women's group 'Indian Rights for Indian Women' in the early 1970s. She reads a letter from 30 April 1992 that was sent to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney outlining concerns with land claims and discrimination relating to Aboriginal women, and with the overall negative effects of Bill C-31 on Aboriginal women. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Peter Penashue focusing on Innu self-government. He provides a brief history of the Innu people in Labrador and the effects on the Innu when Newfoundland entered Confederation in 1949. He refers to the framework negotiations with the federal and provincial governments and hopes these negotiations lead to self-government that will help revive Innu culture, customs and language. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Rae Stephensen relating to education, health and housing problems in Old Crow, Yukon. He focuses on education and the need for more high schools and post-secondary institutions in northern Yukon. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Randy Nepoose relating to social issues, off-reserve Aboriginals, natural resources, and the justice system. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Raymond Cutknife that questions how effective the Commission and its findings will be.

This file contains an individual presentation by Raynald Vachon on employment and salary inequities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers. Vachon recommends that an organization be established that could be called "the Association of Aboriginal Workers in Quebec." The association could bring together all the Aboriginal communities in Quebec.

File contains an individual presentation by Richard Greene that touches on a number of topics, including Aboriginal urban housing, dismantling the Indian Act, and Aboriginal over-representation in the correctional system. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Richard Kelly that touches on a number of subjects, including the Indian Act, land claims and self-government, and the meaning of drum ceremonies and tobacco. Following the presentation are brief remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Rodney Louie, who comes from the Lillooet, British Columbia area where a tribal police force is being formed. He sees policing of Aboriginal communities as being more productive and proactive when done by tribal police, rather than having the RCMP "reacting, then dealing with something after it has happened." Following the presentation is a discussion with Louie and past presenters Leonie Rivers, Robert Michel and Jill Harris and the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Sam Sinclair focusing on environmental issues, lack of employment for local Aboriginal people with logging and oil companies working in the Slave Lake area, and land claims. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Sharon that recommendes that "within the Aboriginal self-government infrastructure within the constitution of Canada, there should be an Aboriginal copyright law or a mechanism parallel to the Canadian copyright law." Its intent would be to protect Aboriginal culture.

File contains an individual presentation by Shawn Bruce focusing on the necessity of teaching the Vuntut Gwitch'in language to youth to ensure it does not become extinct. Bruce is frustrated with the division in his family due to Bill C-31 and rulings by the Old Crow council that have determined the speaker's sisters to be Indian and one brother as non-status. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains an individual presentation by Shirley Gamble focusing on her life as an Aboriginal woman in an urban society. She would like to see "positive changes to the status of Aboriginal women living off-reserve and to create a better living plan formulating around the financial benefit we are deprived of." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains an individual presentation by Solome Jararuse expressing his frustration with the inadequate and improperly-built house he has lived in for years. He has received no help at the local or provincial government level and calls on the Commission to assist him in getting his house properly repaired. A brief question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Stan Wesley, a 19-year-old man from Moose Factory, focusing on the loss of Aboriginal culture as detrimental to Aboriginal youth in Canada. He feels that youth who leave reserves for the city have no resources to succeed, and reserve youth are lost in the shuffle of bureaucracy as well. Wesley says his generation are the next leaders and they must have complete understanding of their culture. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners and Eli Chilton and Stan Wesley, previous speakers.

File contains an individual presentation by Suzanne McCarthy, consultant on language and literacy issues for the Anglican Diocese of Moosonee, Ontario. Her focus is on Cree Syllabics that "deeply reflects Cree values, culture and social patterns. She calls on the Commission to ensure that Cree Syllabics are a protected aspect of Canadian culture. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by an unidentified speaker that touches on a number of issues, including the justice system, the environment, education, land claims and self-government and residential schools.

File contains an individual presentation by Vickey Josie relating to alcohol and drug abuse in Old Crow, Yukon. She states that the youth of her community are unable to view adults as role models when a significant portion of the adult population has substance abuse problems. Josie believes the community ban on alcohol is not working and calls on the Commission for help to battle these social problems. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains introductions of the 11 attendees of a sitting for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Restigouche, Quebec.

This file contains the introduction of this session's attendees and opening remarks by Co-Chair Rene Dussault and Commissioner Mary Sillett. The attendees are: Rick Cummings, Tammy Saulis, Brad Michael, Angela Slaughter, Dwayne Docken, Fred Wien, Michael Lazore, Marie Symes Grenham and Irv Hudyma, serving in various capacities at the session.

File contains introductory remarks by Treffrey Yellow Old Woman, representative, Siksika Nation. She describes in brief the issues her group hopes to cover, primarily relating to self-government, community development and Aboriginal women. She then introduces Robert Michel as the first speaker.