File contains an individual presentation by Leo Marcellous. He states that the Aboriginal way of life has been lost due to colonization and compares the Ten Commandments to the four circles once taught to Aboriginals - 'I' (yourself), family, community and nation (all peoples). He states that elders speak of this time in the past where "the old way of our people, our forefathers, the way they used to think, the way their values were of life" would be essential in helping Aboriginal people to heal themselves. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Leon Sock, Economic Development Officer, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock says that "the failure of deal seriously with the question of Indian economics in Canada can be rated as one of the greatest failures in our national policy." He lists obstacles the Canadian government must overcome to work with Aboriginal leaders and proposes the reorganization of the defunct Big Cove Economic Development Program to start the process on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Leona Shandruk and Arvin Landry on behalf of the High Level Friendship Centre. Shandruk discusses her concern for continued support for Friendship Centres across the country for the good work they do helping bridge the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Arvin Landry, the Youth Worker, presents on the needs of youth in the community and some of the programming he has been involved with to help young people.

File contains a presentation by Leonard Matthew regarding a number of issues relating to the James Bay area. He discusses his group's wish to help in the preservation of "our land, our culture and traditional way of life, and also with our language." Matthew states that more Aboriginals are completing post-secondary education but there are no jobs for them in their home communities. He calls on the Commission to help with funding and employment in the James Bay area. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Leonie Rivers that focuses on Aboriginal women's issues. Her presentation highlights the role and position of Aboriginal women under existing social conditions of Aboriginal government. She describes discrimination against Aboriginal women as "massive" and believes that Aboriginal self-government must ensure rights for Aboriginal women as well. She then introduces the next speaker, Jill Harris.

File contains a presentation by Lewis Debassige discussing Aboriginal control over Aboriginal education. His organization has made improvements with curriculum and school facilities without corresponding rises in funding from the Canadian government. Debassige calls on the Commission to gather information where other groups in Canada are attempting to rectify these and numerous other problems to pass on to Debassige. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Lily Sutherland focusing on child and family welfare issues. Sutherland discusses the need for more training of public health officers on First Nations and for workshops on parenting and substance abuse prevention. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Linda Andersen focusing on legal resources for Aboriginal people in Labrador. She provides a history of her organization and states its purpose is to assist Aboriginal people in their dealings with the justice system. Andersen calls upon the Commission to ensure that funding from the Native Court Worker Program continues so that her organization can establish programs for young offenders to attempt to lower the rate of recidivism. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Linda Hill George expressing concern with her organization's lack of funding from the Canadian government and the resulting lack of programs and services for Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people. She cites statistics of monies provided for similar organizations in British Columbia and calls on the Commission to help increase funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Linda Pinch focusing on the Westman WomenÂ’s Shelter in Brandon. The shelter provides safe and temporary accommodation to women and their children who have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused. Pinch also discusses the YWCA Residence Program, a halfway house facility serving people on federal and provincial people, and those needing post-mental health and post-addiction treatment.

This file contains a presentation by Linda Staats and Vivian Bomberry relating to the need for a national public education strategy to initiate much-needed changes for Aboriginals in the education system. Staats states that cross-cultural education and anti-racist education is needed at all educational levels, along with revision of curriculum and teaching resources. She calls on the Commission to help fund a high school for Aboriginal students in Hagersville.

The file contains brief presentations by Linda Vandenburg, representative, Cowichan Band and Wilson Bob, band member of an affiliate band to the South Island Tribal Council. The file also contains closing remarks by the assembled Commissioners. Vandenburg reiterated statements made by an earlier speaker relating to non-enforcement of the Indian Act regulations pertaining to waste management.

File contains a presentation by Lindberg Louttit that covers a number of topics, including residential schools, hydro projects, river pollution and economic development. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Lionel Whiteduck, Director, Health and Social Services, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Whiteduck discusses his personal experiences with health delivery across the country, gives a brief historical background to health delivery in traditional society, discusses the need to integrate traditional ideas with modern technologies, discusses some of the social and health issues facing Aboriginal communities such as high suicide rates, the importance of self esteem, funding and juridisdicitonal concerns.

This file contains a presentation by Lisa Maracle focusing on taxation of Aboriginal people. She states that the Indian Act directs that there be no taxation for Aboriginal people, yet the federal government is taxing Aboriginals. Maracle also says that the current federal government anti-racism program that advertises on radio, television and in print has not been successful in combating racism. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 by Lorna Standingready concerning the access to higher education by the Aboriginal Community and Urban Indian rights. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

File contains a presentation by Lorraine Land, Harry Kitts, of Citizens for Public Justice. Land and Kitts discuss their organizations recently released book entitled "Nation to Nation, Aboriginal Sovereignty and the Future of Canada." Land describes how the book is pertinent to the Commission in attempting to "look at the challenges of arising from discord and mistrust between our peoples toward a relationship that is based more on reconciliation and respect for one another."

This file contains a presentation by Lorraine McKay focusing on Aboriginals living off-reserve in Brandon. She states that large numbers of Aboriginals are moving to larger centres and are finding it difficult to find housing and gain employment. The speaker calls on the Commission to secure funding for more programs for Aboriginals living in Brandon. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Louie Cardinal and James Alook that begins by detailing the history of the Peerless Lake community. Their presentation touches on a number of issues, such as access to funds from the local Improvement District, land claims and inadequate health care for the Peerless Lake community. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Lucassie Arragutainaq, Vice-President, Arctic Co-operatives Limited. Arragutainaq discusses the Co-operative movement in the North, its principles, function, and history across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. He discusses its importance to Inuit and Dene people, and the need for government policies that are helpful to this kind of community development, particularly in the finanical sector (Credit Unions).

File contains a presentation by Luke Novoligak whose organization was established in 1959 and serves Cambridge Bay and area. The store is essential for supplies and in addition, the Co-op also runs a hotel and a commercial fishing venture. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 Maffat Makuto, who is also speaking on behalf of the Regional Multicultural Youth Council, an organization affiliated with the Multicultural Association. Makuto speaks of the indifference shown by Aboriginal high school principals in northern Ontario when given the opportunity to use relevant and educational videos provided for free by his Association. Eventually the Youth Council lobbied to have them shown in the classroom.

File contains a presentation by Maggie Hodgeson discussing the Nechi Institute's purpose and goals. In the last 18 years this Aboriginal training institute has trained 2500 counsellors to work in the 15 Aboriginal treatment programs and 30 prevention programs in Alberta. Hodgeson calls for the Commission to ensure funding for the Nechi Institute continues because its graduates are contributing to the decline of substance abuse among Aboriginals in Alberta.

File contains a presentation by Manny Chalifoux that begins with the history of Northland School Division No. 61, headquartered in Peace River, Alberta. This school division serves a predominantly Aboriginal population. Chalifoux recommends that Aboriginal language programs, in-school cultural programs, curriculum development projects, training of all staff on cross-cultural issues and training of Aboriginal people to become teachers must be supported. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Marc Leclair, Spokesperson, Metis National Council. Leclair discusses his organizations participation in the 1992 Canadian Constitutional talks, and its efforts to have the federal responsibility for Metis people recognized alongside the provincial premiers. Leclair also discusses his organizations efforts to form a central registry of descendent's of the historic Metis nation, land and resource concerns, self-governance, and his views on his organization's relations with the Commission and its mandate.

File contains a presentation by Marcelle Sinclair of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. Sinclair discusses his organization's background, its mandate, and goals. Sinclair discusses the general historical, cultural, and economic position of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Sinclair states that "self government without land is something impossible.

File contains a presentation by Margaret King and Donna Renneberg offering six recommendations, including an off-reserve driven process recognized by all levels of government for full and equal participation of all constituents regarding matters that directly them, and that this process develop options of self-government for off-reserve people which can be ratified by off-reserve treaty people. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 the Committee to Promote and Monitor Human Rights in Kahnawake and the Neighboring Communities relating to the 1990 Oka Crisis and the current joint SQ-RCMP patrols from Kahnawake territory. A question-and-answer session in English with the Commissioners is located in RCAP112-8.

This file contains a presentation by Marie Mumford, Sandra Laronde and Elaine Bomberry relating to Aboriginal people in Canada involved in the arts and culture. A number of Aboriginal organizations and schools involved in art, dance, theater and music exist in Canada and most could benefit from government funding. Some students who cannot afford to pay tuition are sometimes funded by their First Nations or through family and relatives, but the presenters feel that Aboriginal art and culture would thrive if more financial assistance was available for students.

File contains a presentation by Marilyn Fontaine, Spokesperson, Aboriginal Women's Unity Coalition. Fontaine discusses her organizations history, and the issues it deals with including sexism, violence, abuse, lack of political representation, self-government talks, and the environment.

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 Marion Lindsay discussing the substandard housing conditions that are commonplace in the Umpherville settlement. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners. She calls for the repair of the local community hall, hub of activity in the settlement. She introduces Mrs. MacKenzie, member.

This file contains a presentation by Mark LaForme relating to his experiences in negotiations with First Nations, Ontario and the federal governments in the area of self-government. He refers to not the overall governance of a community, but with specific matters such as policing agreements for First Nations, and joint stewardship of resources immediately adjacent to First Nations communities. The First Nations negotiations that LaForme has been involved with look for practical, realistic solutions to problems that face Aboriginal people every day.

This file consists of a presentation by Mark Taylor describing his organization's efforts in assisting Aboriginal persons affected by substance abuse. Services offered include a toll-free information number about alcohol and drug abuse, and public information brochures translated into Cree. The organization is also co-hosting the Fifth Annual Conference on the Reduction of Drug Related Harm, a major international conference. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Mark Wedge of the Yukon Indian Development Corporation. Wedge discusses his views on education and how different cultures have different basic definitions of the concept. Wedge discusses some traditional Tlingit and Hopi views, as well as educational legislation and constitutional issues. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners engage Wedge in a discussion on the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Marlene Antoniow discussing the prevalence of addiction issues among Aboriginal people and the shortage of Aboriginal social workers to treat them. She is also concerned about poor health care that elders receive relating to waiting lists and lack of transportation. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by members of the Calgary Aboriginal Awareness Society, a non-profit organization that takes direction from an elected board of Directors. The society consists of a number of committees that represent education, social issues, arts and culture, business and all aspects of the Aboriginal community. The Society promotes goodwill and understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. The Society holds a yearly Native Awareness Week, a celebration of Aboriginal culture and traditions.

File contains a presentation by Marlene Pierre and Bernadette Cook focusing on Aboriginal women in politics and they must be included in the decision-making process. She describes the clan system of government and how the benefits of that system could be used in an "Aboriginal Charter," a form of self-government established by Aboriginal women on paper. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Marlene Poitras expressing her frustration with poor housing and living conditions for Aboriginals. She states those conditions are directly related to the rate of illness and disease among Aboriginals. She says that off-reserve Aboriginals particularly suffer with poor housing conditions. Poitras calls on the Commission to ensure that adequate funding is given to lifestyle and health programs for all Aboriginals. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Martha Waite touching on a number of subjects, including unemployment, health care and substance abuse, proper training for meaningful employment and land claims. After the presentation, other attendees, along with Waite, offer their comments in a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Marty Snelling and Mary Kelleher focusing on the YMCA and the Pre-Employment Program, which "assists the severely employment disadvantaged to find success both in the workplace and in daily living." Kelleher hopes that this program will become a permanent employment training centre in Brandon. Snelling briefly mentions the Stay In School Program that serves students who are considered at risk of dropping out of school. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Marvin Frost that begins with a brief biographical sketch of Grafton Njootli, longtime political leader with the Vuntut Gwitch'in First Nation. Frost touches on a number of issues, including justice, alcohol abuse, taxation, unfulfilled treaty obligations and health problems. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Marvin Sampson focusing on the social problems caused by residential schools, forms of abuse, and alcohol and drug abuse. Sampson states the programs in place in his community are under-funded and under-staffed, resulting in broken families and individuals. He states that self-government is ineffective if Aboriginal people are unable to recover from negative events in their past. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair.

File contains a presentation by Mary Charleson of Victoria, British Columbia, via sign language interpreter. Charleson attended the Jericho Hill School for the Deaf in Vancouver where there were few Aboriginal people. She would like to see a program for assisting hearing-impaired Aboriginal people who want to return to their reserve. A discussion with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Mary Desmoulin providing a brief history of the Sault Ste. Marie Friendship Centre. She describes the Friendship Centre's goal as "improving the quality of life for Aboriginal people in an urban environment by supporting self-determined activities which encourage both equal access to partnership in Canadian society and in Aboriginal culture. Desmoulin also expresses concern for children, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, with recent government cutbacks on child care.

File contains a presentation by Mary Jane Moses relating to health services in Old Crow. Because of the high turnover of nurses, Moses suggests shorter rotations for nurses in the district to prevent burnout. Moses also recommends that courses on Aboriginal and Inuit culture be included in the education of nurses who work in the North. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Mary Moore, Margaret Bernard, Barbara Bernard and Laura Bernard relating to the lack of input by Aboriginal women relating to future decisions about Aboriginal self-determination and self-government. The presenters also state that no shelter exists for women and children in crisis in Prince Edward Island, and the group is working towards funding a shelter and training Aboriginal staff to operate it. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 by Mary Pitananakwat concerning the employment of Aboriginals in the Community and human rights. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.