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 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 Bernice Dubec that recommends that the federal and provincial governments develop a more proactive strategy in addressing the needs of Aboriginal people through direct transfer payments to urban councils that would facilitate an effective and efficient community development process. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 an presentation by Bertha Clar representing the recently-opened Athabasca Native Friendship Centre. She speaks about a variety of issues such as minimal funding for Friendship Centres, bingo as an inreliable source of funding, the Canadian Constitution and discrimination against women. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Bertha Dixon, secondary post-graduate student, expressing concern over the lack of Aboriginal teachers in post-secondary educational institutions. She believes that a lack of respect between Aboriginal students and non-Aboriginal teachers creates a poor learning environment. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Bertram Maksagak, Kim Tologanak, Vicky Palviolok and Michelle Gillis relating to the difficulties of keeping the Cambridge Bay youth away from drug and alcohol abuse. The group proposes a recreational facility as the young children and teenagers "have nothing to do and nowhere to go." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Beverly Bunn focusing on the problems created by her organization's limited government funding and shortage of sufficient staff. She expresses frustration with recent cutbanks and states that the "Aboriginal employment service groups are no less important than any other service offered in this community." She introduces colleague Lorraine McKay and they answer questions from the Commissioners after the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Bill Hanson that initially recalls his 30 years of experience in the Aboriginal political movement in Canada. The rest of the presentation addresses a wide range of subjects, including education, land claims and self-government, economic development and poor management of band funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Bill Rogoza and Alanna Downey-Baxter relating to tourism in northern Ontario. The corporation is a non-profit organization formed in 1987 to represent First Nations in the tourism industry. He states that tourism can be a part of an economic development base in northern Ontario, and it is a land-based activity which is culturally appropriate for Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session 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 Vincenette Cook for Akwesasne Adult Education Program on the subject of the educational system in Akwesasne. Questions from assembled Commissioners follow.

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 Rob Cree for the Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education of on the subject of the educational system in Akwesasne.

File contains a presentation by Bob Antoine relating to the Indian Act, Bill C-31 and the acquisition of a land base for Nak'azdli First Nations. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Bob Moore relating to forestry in the Six Nations Confederacy. Moore states that the federal government is not doing enough to protect the forests in the Six Nations area, and states that "successful management of reserve forests would yield social and economic benefits both to the bands and to the federal government.

File contains a presentation by Bob Rosehart focusing on Lakehead University programs that are directed toward Aboriginal students, including language, teacher, nursing, engineering and culture classes. Lakehead University also has a student support system and drop-in centre for Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Bobby Pacco and Loreen Cote focusing on the New Careers program, an education training program that offers training "for Aboriginals and non-Aboriginal people who are structurally barriered into finding good career opportunities." Careers include human service and management administration training. Cote states that in her experience as an Aboriginal student, New Careers has been extremely beneficial in preparing her to enter the workforce. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Boyce Richardson, Author. Richardson discusses his own work with and among Aboriginal people over the preceding forty years, and the views he has developed in the process. Richardson specifically discusses his experiences with the Algonquin people of Barrier Lake, Quebec, as well as across the country and makes a recommendation to the Commission that it tell Canadians that "these days are over.

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.

This file contains a presentation by Brenda Gedeon Miller that first gives a brief history of the Mi'kmaq Nation in Canada, describing Mi'kmaq government and the Mi'kmaq way of life. The presenter's First Nation has recently begun to assert its jurisdiction within their territory and have reorganized the administration of their local government, and also have obtained a mandate from community members to continue to "reassemble our Nation, our governments and our communities." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Brenda Genaille outlining the projected negative effects of program funding cuts by the federal government for 1993-1994. Genaille details some of the programs offered by the Brandon Friendship Centre, including the Adult Basic Literacy Program, a pre-employment training program, drug and alcohol awareness programs, and a human justice court worker program. Genaille introduces Richard Chaske, President of Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres, who takes part in the question-and-answer session with the Commissioners after the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by members of the Aboriginal Student Council at the University of Alberta. Among their concerns is the hiring of a non-Aboriginal as Director of Native Student Services, funding cuts to Aboriginal post-secondary education in Alberta, and the necessity for a Native Student Centre. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 Brian Henderson that brings greetings to the Commission on behalf of Hon. James McCrae, Minister of Justice for Manitoba. He discusses the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry Report and how his department is attempting to fulfill the myriad of recommendations at the provincial government level. He also mentions the valuable role of elders within the justice system.

File contains a presentation by Brian Lee relating primarily to the Canadian Constitution process and to present-day concerns on the Ermineskin First Nation at Hobbema. Lee introduces Carol Wildcat.

This file contains a presentation by Brian MacDonald that reiterates the previous speaker's concerns about the production of wild rice in the Buffalo Narrows area. His major point is having government officials tour the wild rice growing areas before they make policies that hinder the development of that industry. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Brian Thorne relating to the destruction of the Aboriginal family and how to restore pride in family and in one's self. Thorne believes that the restoration of Aboriginal culture, values and beliefs are essential is Aboriginal self-government is to succeed.

File contains a presentation by Brian Tootoosis and Lawrence Sweeney, Councilors, Poundmaker Band. Tootoosis discusses his peoples views towards the Canadian Federation, the Treaties, the Indian Act, questions of self-governance, Bill C-31, and the contribution of his people to Canada. Sweeney, a veteran, discusses his organization the Saskatchewan Indian Veterans Association and how status Indian veterans were not given the benefits awarded to Non-Aboriginal and Metis veterans.

File contains a presentation by Brian Williams focusing on social issues in education. He states that each Aboriginal community must have an economic base that provides adequate training that results in jobs and financial security for its residents. He also believes that each community's land base must be acknowledged by the Canadian and British Columbia governments and calls on the Commission to ensure continuing funding to ensure the preservation of the Gitksan culture and language, and all Aboriginal languages.

File contains a presentation by Bud White Eye and Daniel Smoke of the Native News Network. White Eye discusses his organization, the state of Aboriginal news media in Canada, problems with misrepresentation and ignorance of Aboriginal peoples and issues in the mainstream media, and some suggestions to improve the situation. Smoke gives a brief structural overview of the Native News Network. Following the presentation Commissioners Sillet, Blakeney, and Wilson discuss some of these issues with the presenters.

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 brief presentation by Calvin Claxton, Band Administrator, Sachem Band, focusing on band funding, especially for small bands such as Sachem. He states that he is primarily an observer for the Sachem Band and is grateful for the opportunity to speak before the Commission.

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 Cara Currie focusing on proposed Aboriginal self-government. Currie states that Aboriginal people do not want to be assimilated into society, and that self-government should be defined by Aboriginal people, not the Canadian government. She introduces the next speaker, Violet Soosay.

File contains a presntation by Carol Gauthier relating to post-secondary education. She calls for more funding for Aboriginal post-education and in particular, for more comprehensive graduate studies. Gauthier briefly discusses the "Indian residential school syndrome" and also calls for funding and resources to 'complete the healing process in overcoming the devastating effects this syndrome has had within our community." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Carol Wildcat discussing a variety of issues with the Ermineskin First Nations, including the high drop-out rate of high school students, lack of housing, life skills, violence against women and children and unemployment. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners and Wildcat, Brian Lee and Jim Minde.

This file contains a presentation by Caroline Solomon focusing on the establishment of Ecotivik, a proposed home for battered women and their children, to be located in Nain. She calls on the Commission to help secure funding for this much-needed facility. The next speaker, Silpa Edmunds, is introduced.

File contains a presentation by Elder Catherine Cooper believing the Elder Council and the Youth Council should work together to ensure the youth learn about their culture and history. She briefly discusses health care problems and hunting and fishing rights.

File contains a presentation by Cathy Adcock focusing on troubled Aboriginal youth who move to Thunder Bay from reserves without a support system. These youth may have experienced hardship in their family life and are on their own once they arrive in the city, looking for employment, continuing with their education or leaving a troubled family situation. Adcock calls on the Commission to help secure more funding for programs and services to assist youth in the transition from reserve life to city life. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cecil Currie, an elder from the Montana Band that focuses on Aboriginal self-government. He introduces the next speaker, Cara Currie.

File contains a presentation by Charles Morris of Tikinagan Child and Family Services. Morris discusses the operations, mandate, and goals of his Aboriginal service organization. Morris also discusses some of the pressing social problems the organization encounters such as jurisdictional problems, substance abuse (sniffing), suicide, chronic depression and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Morris.

File contains a presentation by Charlie Evalik that first describes the life of the Inuit in the Cambridge Bay area beginning in the 1950s, where the Inuit were forced to adapt to a more permanent home life in settlements, rather than continue with their nomadic way of life. He discusses some issues that are affecting Cambridge Bay residents, such as lack of post-secondary opportunities, employment, lack of proper housing, and a high rate of residents on welfare. A lengthy 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 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 Cheryl Ogram and Cal Albright relating to the Aboriginal Relations Subcommittee, part of the Race Relations Committee. A number of recommendations are offered, including policies and programs affecting Aboriginal people be reviewed for systemic racism as well as cultural sensitivity and appropriateness, after consultation with Aboriginal people. Also recommended is all municipalities consulting with the Aboriginal community on any new policies that affect the community. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Starr whose organization working in conjunction with the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Prevention Program. She is a strong advocate of the numerous Aboriginal youth conferences happening more frequently in Saskatchewan and Canada, and feels this forum is critical for youth to speak for themselves and lobby for positive changes affecting them and their families. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Allan Happyjack and Jack Blacksmith that first provides a brief history of Waswanipi. Their presentation covers a wide range of issues, including the justice system and policing, hunting and trapping, the environment and health care. The speakers believe that the Canadian and Quebec governments have either ignored, set aside or in breach of major sections of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Andrew Thomas addressing the toxic waste located on the Esquimalt Reserve and asking why it are no toxic waste disposal facilities in all of British Columbia. Thomas is also chairman of the Land Claims Committee for the First Nations of South Island, British Columbia. He reads briefly from a report from that committee documenting the history of the Douglas Treaties and states that the Fisheries Act trumps all fishing rights negotiated during the Douglas Treaties signings.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bernard Meneen, Narcisse Moberly, Chief Johnson Sewegaham, Francis Meneen, Gabe Meneen, Cliff Kazony, and Harold Cardinal, High Level Tribal Council. The file consists of two formal presentations by the Tribal Council and a dialogue between the representatives and the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by four members of the Talka Lake Band addressing a wide range of issues affecting their community, including the Indian Act, land claims and self-government, free trade, Aboriginal war veterans and Aboriginal youth.

File contains a presentation by Chief Carl Quinn focusing on Aboriginal self-government and self-determination. He states that the government should act by repealing the Indian Act and its amendments, abolishing the Department of Indian Affairs, set up a treaty-trust commission, abolish secret agreements between the federal and provincial governments, among other recommendations. He introduces the next speaker, Eric J. Large of the Saddle Lake First Nation.