File contains a presentation by Mary Rose Maksagak discussing the lack of recreation facilities, housing and educational opportunities in Cambridge Bay. She hopes that Grades 11 and 12 will be offered soon as students must leave home to finish high school in Yellowknife. She calls on the Commission to help with proposed funding for a new building that would hold Grades 9-12 under one roof. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Mary Roulette stating that an "Aboriginal justice system would provide justice equitably to all Aboriginal people in Canada in terms that are authentic, efficient, productive and, most importantly, less costly if measured in success in a broad social and economic sense than the existing system." Her organization is the only Aboriginal-controlled unit in Manitoba and believes that more Aboriginal-controlled justice organizations would help Aboriginals more.

File contains a presentation by Mary Veltri focusing on the delivery of Aboriginal legal services in the District of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Veltri's organization has been very successful in assisting Aboriginal people with legal issues, and believes that other communities in northern Ontario could benefit from the same services her organization provides. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File includes a presentation by Mathilda Fontaine on behalf of the Maliotenam School Parents Committee. Fontaine discusses concerns with money being allocated for education not necessarily being spent on it, and also with the recognition of Montagnais teaching certificates. Following her presentation Commissioner Dussault and Wilson discuss these issues with her, while Commissioner Chartrand thanks her for her presentation.

File contains a presentation by Matt Vickers discussing the downsizing of the Hazelton, British Columbia district office of the Department of Indian Affairs and the adverse effect upon the Aboriginal people it serves. He also discusses Bill C-31 and what he believes is inadequate alternative funding arrangements offered by the Canadian government.

File contains a presentation by Matt Vickers focusing on the impact of the imposed political, educational, social and religious systems on North American Aboriginal peoples. He lists statistics for offences committed in the Kispiox area and calls on the Commission to ensure that "immediate steps are taken to ensure that documented cases of dysfunctional relations that are mostly a result of the residential school systems receive immediate assistance regarding their recovery process. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Maureen Thomas relating to the history of the Stoney Creek First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Mavis Henry, social worker for the [Pauquachin] Band. Her presentation illustrates the need for better housing, mental health services and increased personal safety on First Nations. Henry states to the Commissioners that without basic security in one's own home, children grow up "victimized as there is no support from the local community or from the justice system." She hopes the Commission will ensure that "our people become powerful, healthy and strong again."

File contains a presentation by Maxine Noel. Noel, a professional artist, discusses the difficulties for female Aboriginal artists, and lauds the Canadian Native Arts Foundation for its endeavours and assistance to artists. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Erasmus, Dussault, and Chartrand for Noel. Following this are brief remarks by John Kim Bell on behalf of the Canadian Native Arts Foundation.

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.

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 Presentation by members of the All Nations Youth Council, Author Thomas, Jolene Lalonde, Tracy Peters, Wanda Willier, Chris Brett, Jason Thomas, April Prince, Pearl Morgan, George Chapman, Carla Aubichon, Karen Aubichon and Dave Norbert concerning activities of youth in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

This file contains a presentation by Merv Pedlow focusing on the Human Resources Opportunity Program, whose purpose is to attempt to respond to the high level of unemployment and high level of social assistance required in those communities. One service provided is procuring funding for students wanting a post-secondary education and Pedlow's organization helps students negotiate through federal, provincial and local government criteria and restrictions to receive funding. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation made by Brian Favel for the Metis Society, Local 21 on the topics of the justice system, 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 Betty Thomas and Jean Clayton of the Metro United Way (Halifax). Thomas and Clayton discuss their organizational history and their Multicultralism/Anti-Racism Program. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus discusses the program with them.

This file contains a presentation by Michael J. Diabo and Edward J. Cross that first provides a history of the Kahnawake education system. Their organization seeks more self-sufficiency in education in Kahnawake to continue providing education programs and resources and qualified staffing. Cross notes that the Kanien'kehaka language is spoken by only 10 percent of the Kahnawake community and calls upon the Commission to ensure funding continues for language immersion programs. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Michael L. Rice that first provides a history of the Kahnawake business community and the Caisse Populaire Kahnawake. His organization was involved in the "establishment and implementation of the trust deed arrangement - loan security system." This system allows Aboriginals to use their land and their buildings as security on loans for commercial and housing purposes. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Michelle Swenarchuk that describes her organization as both an environmental group and a legal aid clinic under the Ontario Legal Aid Plan. She states there is a history of misuse of Aboriginal lands for dumping waste, which may pose serious health issues for those Aboriginals living near these dumping sites. The speaker discusses the potential negative impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Aboriginal lands and Aboriginal government. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Director Gordon King of the Micmac Native Friendship Centre (Halifax, NS). King discusses the role Friendship Centres play in communities, their non-political nature, and the success they have had working with urban Aboriginal populations. King introduces the days presenters from the Friendship Centre and states to the Commissioners that they "have the powers to start the process for change to ensure a better life for Aboriginal peoples residing in urban areas.

File contains a presentation by Mike Cardinal. Cardinal, who is area supervisor for Native Counselling Services in High Level, discusses what his organization is and relates its history. Cardinal then discusses the organizations programming, particularly with relation to the justice system. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cardinal, Robinson, Dussault, and Beaulieu with regard to Native Counselling Services.

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 a presentation by Mildred Milliea, teacher of the Mi'kmaq language. Milliea provides a brief history of native languages in Canada and describes her experience teaching the Mi'kmaq language beginning in 1969. She concludes by saying that "native languages and culture should be implemented in the Constitution." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Miranda Prosper, a grade 6 student from the Wahpeton Reserve School. Prosper discusses changes she would like to see on the Wahpeton Reserve. These include more policing, an alochol ban, more funding for roads, a Dakota language immersion program for young children, a better firehall, and a safer bus stop.

File contains a presentation by Laurent Gagnon of Moral Rearmament. Moral Rearmament (now Initiatives of Change International) is an international moral and spiritual movement that, in 1938, grew out of the Reverend Frank N. D. Buchman's Oxford Group. Gagnon discusses the personal development of his changing views as someone from a Quebecois farming background towards the province's Aboriginal people. Gagnon discusses how his organization has worked to build dialogue and partnerships between communities in conflict worldwide, and the parallels between the Aboriginal and Quebecois experience.

This file contains a presentation by Morris Merick that first provides a history of the past practices of the federal and Manitoba governments in relation to First Nations child welfare services, particularly with the fostering and adoption of Aboriginal children. He states that "Canada has failed to meet its obligations as a member of the United Nations to defend the human rights of all citizens" and calls for Aboriginal control over fostering and adoption of Aboriginal children. Merick then introduces Mary Roulette, Director, Dakota Ojibway Probation Services.

File contains a presentation by Mosesee Nuvaqik, regarding six areas related to lack of funding, including the inability of Pangnirtung and other Co-Ops to meet annually in Winnipeg, high transportation costs of items and insufficient training for Co-Op employees.

This file contains a presentation by Mr. Patton and Curtis Nelson that addresses the symbolism of the Two-Row Wampum, increasing environmental pollution, and the Oka Crisis of 1990. Nelson states that the "Crown must find ways to provide resources for our original government so that fairness can be achieved, so that we may reverse centuries of colonialism and we can one day become self-sufficient without compromising our integrity as a nation." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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.

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 Namerind Housing Corporation given by Christopher LaFontaine and Sterling Brass concerned with the independence of the an Aboriginal Housing Corporation. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

File contains a presentation by Nancy Louis regarding the transfer of responsibility for administering the funding of Aboriginal peoples and the government's inability to fulfill its treaty obligations. Following the presentation is a lively question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Naomi Tuglavina and Michelle Kinney that begins with a brief history of the group home dedicated to young offenders between ages 12-18 whose custody orders from Youth Court determine they must go to a correctional facility. Nain's young offenders remain in the community and receive counselling, some schooling and serve their open custody orders. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File includes a presentation by Director General John Memanskum, and Advisor Paul Wilkinson of the Naskapi Band of Quebec. Memanskum discusses the relocation of the Naskapi-Montagnais people and the history of their band, as well as the James Bay agreement in Northern Quebec, the Indian Act, self-government models and related matters. Following the presentation Memanskum engages Commissioner Dussault in a discussion of the issues raised. After this Commissioner Dussault concludes the day's sitting of the Commission and thanks the days participants.

File contains a presentation by the Native Outpatient Centre: Meysncut Counselling Centre by Sara Williams and Jane Caprion. Sara Williams begins with a presentation giving an overview of their organization, and its work dealing with abuse and education in the community. Williams also makes a variety of organizational and funding recommendations to the Commission related to the organization's work. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand engage Williams and Caprion in a discussion on the issues raised, and the activities of the Centre.

This file contains a presentation by Neil Perley focusing on restrictions placed upon Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneuers because of federal government policy. Perley states that First Nations governments and organizations must be given the authority to make decision and disperse funds which will benefit their communities and people. He also says that economic development should be viewed as the cure to the social problems which occur on every First Nations. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Nellie Beardy and Janet Gordon of the [Sioux Lookout] Aboriginal Health Authority. Beardy discusses the health situation in the area particularly with regard to infrastructure, service delivery, disease and injury problems. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Beardy.

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 Elder Noah Eagle relating his experiences growing up in bush country in the 1920s. He compares his childhood to the childhood of some residents on his First Nation and he expresses sorrow that the culture of his ancestors is disappearing.

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 by Donna Roundhead of Nodin Counselling Services. Roundhead discusses the high suicide rate in Nishnawbe-Aski communities, calls for a federal inquiry into the high suicide rate, discusses the need for Aboriginal mental health consultants, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Roundhead.

File contains a presentation by Norman Quinney and Joe Houle, war veterans whose organization, founded in 1982, had to disband because of no funding. The speakers call for the Commission to ensure continuing funding for the association so it can fight for the rights that Aboriginal veterans were denied upon return of service.

File contains a presentation by Bill Butler and Lynn Bennett of the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre. The presenters discuss housing, employment, child care, and other urban issues. Bennett also discusses the Low Income People's Involvement agency, or LIPI, and some of the advocacy work it does. Following the presentation Butler and Lynn discuss some of the issues raised with Commissioners Wilson and Sillett.

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 made by Donald Favel, member of the Métis Addiction Council, for the Northwest Drug and Alcohol Abuse Centre on the topic of social development. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Paul Stevens, Wallace Belleau and Bob Pelletier of the Ojibwe Peacekeepers Society. Stevens briefly explains the history of the Society as an organization of concerned Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal persons who are dedicated to the pursuit and the advancement of Aboriginal issues. The society acts as an advocacy group to ensure that treaties are adhered to. The Peacekeepers also peacefully protects citizens in their own land from outside forces if so requested by that tribal government or that particular First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Ovide Mercredi, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations. Mercredi discusses his view of the Royal Commission and its goals, his organizations participation in Constitutional talks, and the importance of self-governance and self-determination to Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mercredi and Commissioners Erasmus, Sillet, Wilson, Dussault and Blakeney.

File contains a presentation by Paul Gull expressing frustration with the lack of funding for Waswanipi School and its programs. Gull calls upon the Commmission to ensure that programs such as the elder-student mentor program, Cree immersion and residential school survivor support groups continue. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners and a previous speaker, Peter Gull.

File contains a presentation by Paul Nadjiwan expressing concern with the failure rate of Aboriginals entering a 12-step recovery program based on English-language, non-Aboriginal values. He also expresses concern with the Fort William treatment centre not being able to use government funding where it is most needed, and not where the government instructs the funding to be spent. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Paul Shay and Michele Audette focusing on the Aboriginal youth who participate in the Canada World Youth program. Audette recalls her positive experience as a participant living and working in different countries in South America. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Paul Turmel, General Manager of the Native Para-Judicial Services of Quebec. Turmel discusses the history and mandate of his organization, and its goal of getting more Aboriginal people involved with the justice system, establishing justice institutions based on the cultural values of Aboriginal nations, and helping Aboriginal accused. Following Turmel's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the organization's activities and justice issues generally with him.

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 Peggy Sinclair focusing on recent cuts in funding and the resulting loss in programs and services at the Slave Lake Friendship Centre and at other Friendship Centres in northern Alberta. She provides statistics for funding cuts throughout the 1980s and calls on the Commission to help secure funding for essential programs. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.