This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Restigouche, Quebec, with opening remarks by Rene Dussault and Viola Robinson who explain the goals and purpose of the Commission.

File contains opening remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair, and Commissioner Mary Sillett. Dussault introduces the Co-Commissioners for the Day, Grand Chief Wilson Samms and youth Co-Commissioner Lisa Blandford. Dussault gives a brief talk on the purpose and objectives of the Commission. Mary Sillett introduces the members of the Royal Commission who organized the hearings in St. John's. Sillett notes that this is the Commission's second round of hearings in St. John's, and that when the Commission returns to Newfoundland, they will go to another 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 opening remarks by Sherry Lawson, moderator for the afternoon discussion on youth activities in the Aboriginal Community; the subject of Aboriginal Women; the Orillia Fish Weirs and the subject of the Extinguishment of Treaty Rights.

File contains opening remarks by the Commissioners: Bertha Wilson, Mary Sillett and Allan Blakeney. Wilson explains the purpose and goals of the Commission.

File contains opening remakers by Mary Sillett and Paul Chartrand, Commissioners, and by Joseph Red Thunder Boy, Commissioner for the Day.

File contains opening remarks by Roger Charles, Commissioner for the Day; Mary Sillett, Commissioner and Paul Chartrand, Commissioner. Sillett and Chartrand explain the purpose and goals for the Commission. Chartrand introduces Holly Hughes, Moderator.

File contains opening remarks by Joe Otokiak, Facilitator and by Allan Blakeney and Viola Robinson, Commissioners. The Commissioners explain the purpose and goals of the Commission. John Maksagak, Commissioner for the Day, is introduced.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Viola Robinson and Georges Erasmus who explains the purpose and objectives of the Commission. Erasmus introduces Chief Thomas Archibald, Commissioner for the Day.

Representative of the centre calls on the Commission to ensure further funding for the organization, which serves both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women. Includes question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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.

File contains a presentation by Abbie Crook, Representative, Northwest Territories Friendship Centres. Crook provides a history of the eight Friendship Centres in the Northwest Territories and emphasizes its role as "a major link between Aboriginal people and the majority community, bridging the cultural gap between the two worlds and creating an environment of understanding and appreciation." He calls for increased funding as cutbacks in the 1980s have caused hardship to the people the Friendship Centres seek to help.

File contains a presentation by Acting Chief Stan Thomas that touches on a number of issues - education, hunting and fishing, the environment, housing, economic development and self-government. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Adrian De Groot, past Commissioner of the Northern Manitoba Economic Development Corporation. De Groot discusses the organization's activities with communities in Northern Manitoba; economic enterprises such as wild rice farming, mining, and trapping; sustainable development practices; the organization's mandate and goals. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with De Groot.

File contains a presentation by Agnes Lidstone of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association focusing on education. Lidstone has a number of recommendations, including funding for more community-based programs for Aboriginal peoples in northern Ontario, and establishing one or more Aboriginal post-secondary institutions, also in northern Ontario. She introduces the next speaker, Howard Restoule. He introduces the next speaker, Agnes Lidstone.

File contains a presentation by Alan Maksagak touching on a number of subjects, such as land claims, the future government of Nunavut, economic development and the difficulty in securing loans for businesses in the Cambridge Bay area. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Albert Levi expressing gratitude to the Commissioners for the Royal Commission of Aboriginal People, saying "our call has been answered." He gives a brief history of the Mi'kmaq First Nation and the treaties signed, and calls for Aboriginal self-government in Canada. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney and the two presenters on some of the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by the Alcohol Related Birth Defects Committee by Betsy Jackson and Lorraine Stick. Jackson and Stick discuss FAS/FAE related issues as they pertain to Aboriginal communities in Yukon. They discuss the composition of their committee and its mandate, as well as their activities and contacts with other organizations across Canada and in Alaska. Following their presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with them.

File contains a presentation by Alex Nelson, Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association of British Columbia. Nelson describes himself as a sports addict and has been involved with coaching sports his entire adult life. He sees the North American Indigenous Games as the pinnacle of Aboriginal sporting achievement, and he hopes that sports funding at the local levels is increased so that Aboriginal youth continue to have the opportunity to play sports. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

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 Alexa McDonough discussing the establishment of a bilateral forum with government and Micmac representatives to develop an understanding of Micmac Aboriginal rights and treaties. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Alfred Beaver that focuses on financial accountability of First Nations governments. He sees young children sleeping in train cars at night on his First Nations and wonders how band councils can ignore this problem. He calls upon the Commission to make First Nations accountable for their finances.

File contains a presentation by Alfred Charlie relating to the valuable role elders play in passing down traditions and language to the youth of his community. He is disappointed that the youth must travel to the south to complete high school and any post-secondary education. Charlie also briefly discusses land claims, oil production and employment. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Alfreda Trudeau that reiterates many of the concerns expressed by Harvey Thunderchild, the previous speaker. She describes specific programs aimed at treating various problems, with the Native Interpersonal Skills Program being the most successful. Trudeau calls for more Aboriginal people to be working in the correctional system and particularly sees the role of elders is very important. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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.

This file contains a presentation by Alisha Point providing the history and statistics for present-day membership and facilities of the Six Nations, the largest First Nations in Canada.

File contains a presentation by Allan Hunter. Hunter is a student from Mushkegowuk Student Services. Hunter discusses the composition of his organization and then introduces the next presenter, Gaby Bird.

File contains a presentation by Allan Shiff. He discusses his perspective on the Commission as a non-Aboriginal man who is concerned for the issues facing Aboriginal Canadians. Shiff discusses the need for the Commission to take action with regards to unacceptable living standards in Aboriginal communities, and states that he thinks most non-Aboriginal people are supportive of such efforts. Shiff also discusses the need for accountability in projects to ensure they maintain public support. Following Shiff's presentation are comments by Blakeney and Wilson with regard to these issues.

File contains a presentation by Eric Joubert, spokesperson of the Alliance autochtone du Quebec. Joubert describes the background of his organization which exists to assist Metis, Non-status, and status off reserve populations in Quebec and its involvement in various programs. Joubert then discusses rights concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Joubert for his suggestion.

This file contains a presentation by Alwyn Morris, Canadian Olympic medal winner in 1984. He sought in 1986 to establish an organization for Aboriginal sport development, but was turned down by the Department of Indian Affairs. Eventually Morris created his own foundation in 1988. He eventually received some funding from Indian Affairs and now calls to the Commission to ensure funding continues for this essential organization for Aboriginal youth. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

Historical note:

File contains a presentation by Amanda Golosky, Counsellor, Keyano College. Golosky discusses Keyano College's programming in local communities, building on the previous presentation by Doug McCrae. Following her presentation Commissioner Chartrand thanks her for her thoughts.

The file contains a presentation by Amber Flett. Flett is a Cree-Ojibway student at Catholic Central School in Lethbridge, Alberta. Flett discusses her experiences with loss of culture and racism in a mixed-culture school setting. Flett discusses how she found a support network in school when she moved to Alberta, and stresses that schools need more Native involvement programs.

This file contains a presentation by Amos Key relating to his organization's recommendations for providing post-secondary education for the people of Six Nations of the Grand River.

File contains a presentation by Anatasia Wheesk, Bertha Metatawabin and Esther Wesley focusing on the four major ongoing programs provided by the Centre, relating to Native languages and education, a library resource centre and media production. The presenters call on the Commission to help acquire continued funding to hire more staff to cover the 181 communities their organization serves. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Andre Duchesne relating to the forestry industry in Quebec. He states that his organization attempts to consult with Aboriginal communities or groups regarding clearing, environmental concerns, land use and employment in round table forums. He also mentions that few Aboriginal persons appear interested in a career in forest management, but his organization would assist those persons financially. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Andre Maltais that begins with a brief retrospective on the Quebec government's approach to the Aboriginal people of Quebec. The speaker lists a number of past measures that are making the lives of Quebec Aboriginal people better. They include the construction of a hospital in Kahnawake, a guaranteed income program of Cree hunters and trappers, construction of a number of airports in Inuit communities, and an Inuit teacher education program at the University of Quebec. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Andrea Currie focusing on working with women and men involved in street prostitution in Halifax. Her organization has teams that work with Aboriginal people who are on the street. Her group also attempts to help those sex workers who have dealings with the law.

The file contains a presentation by Andrew Kirkness, Indian Council, First Nations of Manitoba, and President Glen McIvor of the Wabowden Treaty Council. Kirkness discusses off-reserve Treaty people's issues including relations with the Department of Indian Affairs, Bill C-31 issues, the Northern Flood Agreement, education funding, economic development, provincial funding, housing, cultural programs, hunting, justice issues, views on the Royal Commission, views on the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, and land issues.

File contains a presentation by Andrew Wesley focusing on issues relating to the placement of Aboriginal children in foster homes, the role of elders in Aboriginal children and youths' lives and the Euro-centric view of Canadian Aboriginal history taught in schools. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Angel Sampson, Pre-School Director, Songhees Band. Sampson recalls her difficulty in receiving funding to finish her final year of childhood education studies, but she eventually did receive it so she could graduate. She calls on the Commission to help establish daycare services for young mothers while completing their education.

This file contains a presentation by Anne-Marie Hodes relating to the Native Health Care Careers Program at the University of Alberta. Hodes examines the barriers affecting admission and retention of Aboriginal students to professional health facilities. The mandate of the Program focuses on encouraging Aboriginal students to consider a career in medicine in order to correct the under-representation of Aboriginal physicians in Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation. Everett Lambert acts as facilitator.

File contains a presentation by Anthony Francis, Former Chief, Big Cove, New Brunswick, discussing the effects of the British North America Act, the Indian Act, the Diamond Jenness Policy and the White Paper have had on Canadian Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Apenam Pone discussing the effects of alcohol abuse on the Innu people. Two-thirds of Innu adults have difficulty with alcohol, caused "by the lack of power and control over their lives, lack of control of education, social services, religion and the justice system." Due to the lack of control, the Innu culture is weakened and people feel they lack power to direct their lives and the lives of their children. Pone calls on the Commission to help end the inadequate funding of treatment centres in terms of wages and programming budgets.

File contains a presentation by Archie Patrick and Linda Prince relating to social programs for the Carrier-Sekani Tribal Council, and to the Yinka Dene Language Institute. Prince discusses health services and Patrick speaks about the operations and funding for the Institute.

This file contains a presentation by Armand Couture, Robert Brunet, Andre Laporte and Mr. Marguillier that analyzes the current climate for project negotiations between Aboriginal groups and Hydro-Quebec.

This file contains a presentation by Arnold Lazare discussing the need for the Kahnawake Youth Centre to continue providing activities and programs for young people. Recently, despite funding cutbacks, the Centre has offered programs for adults as well. Lazare calls on the Commission to ensure funding continues as the Centre now serves adults. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Athelstan Burrows, also a member of the Board of Directors, Quebec Association of Protestant School Boards, and David Daoust that focuses on educational issues relating to Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

File contains a presentation by Augustine Abraham, President of l'Union nationale metisse St-Joseph du Manitoba, in French. Abraham relates the history of her organization, which was founded to represent the francophone and Roman Catholic Metis community of Manitoba in 1887. She discusses how the idea of a seperate Metis government is contrary to Louis Riel's vision, and how her organization would like to see the Metis as partners in Canada. Abraham also discusses land issues, and the then recent Constitutional talks chaired by Joe Clark (the so-called "Canada Round" of negotiations).

File contains an individual presentation by Barbara Becker describing the effects of residential schools, Bill C-31 and discrimination against Aboriginal women have had on her family. She urges Canadian non-Aboriginals to understand their history because without that background, she feels that understanding Aboriginal history is impossible. Becker suggests having Commissioner Viola Robinson lead a closed hearing for Aboriginal women to present their concerns and ideas. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Barry Kennedy. Kennedy, a member of the First Nations Council of Moose Jaw, discusses that organization's history and activities in the economic and social spheres. Kennedy also discusses his organizations relations with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Metis Society of Saskatchewan.

File contains a presentation by Bernard Cleary. Cleary, a Montagnais man, Aboriginal negotiator, advisor to several Aboriginal nations, and journalist, discusses his experiences and belief that the government will not act on Aboriginal issues until the political will develops to do so. Following his presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks him for his submission.