File contains a presentation by Peter Brook, Executive Director of the Prince Albert Tribal Council. Brooks asks the Commission if it is prepared to undertake a special investigation into ongoing land claims disputes involving three Dene nations in northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories which the Prince Albert Tribal Council represents.

File contains a presentation by Peter Gull whose corporation's objective is to create local employment in the forestry industry and to bring economic opportunities to the community. He believes that non-fulfilment of the government's obligations with the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement "creates more damage and greater hardship to the individual." Gull calls upon the Commission to pressure the government to respect their obligations according to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Peter Nakogee. Nakogee gives a demographic overview of the community of Moosonee, and discusses the composition of the Moosonee Development Board (a system of local governance) of which he is a part. Commissioner Erasmus discusses this governance model with him following the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Peter Sackeney and Holly Kowtook Holopainen relating to the importance of the Native Criminal Court Worker program provided at their Friendship Centre. Despite decreasing funding, their services include translation and after-court assistance. The presenters call on the Commission to ensure funding for the hiring of Aboriginal court workers to continue serving the urban Aboriginal community in Timmins. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Phil Hall, Skowkale Reserve, Chillwack, British Columbia. Hall feels that social issues for Aboriginal people must be given priority over other issues such as land claims and self-government. He acknowledges that he is a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and believes the Canadian government should "take a look at our own backdoor" and address social issues among Aboriginal and also non-Aboriginal people as well. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Philip Goulais relating to the mandate of the Indian Commission of Ontario: To provide a forum for the negotiation of Aboriginal land claims and self-government; and to assist in the resolution of any other issue of mutual concern to Canada or the First Nations in the Province of Ontario. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Phillip Sinclair with translator, representing the Shoal River Indian Reserve. It focuses on the water pollution found in the Swan River Valley area and other rivers and creeks that are connected to Shoal River and flow into Lake Winnipegosis. He believes that farmers upstream are using Shoal River as a disposal site and seeks compensation from the Canadian government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Phyllis Fisher relating to the use of violence towards Canada's First Peoples, historical and present day. The Canadian Friends Service Committee, a Quakers committee, have previously assisted the Innu in Labrador, the Lubicon in Alberta and were present at the Oka Crisis. The presenters make numerous recommendations, including the establishment of an environmental process that will adequately protect the land, environment and wildlife; and that public policy and funding must give preference to renewable resource development over non-renewable resources.

File contains a presentation by Charlie Thompson, President of hte Port Alberni Friendship Centre. Thompson tells the history of his people, the problems caused by colonialism and the government's approach, his personal experience with residential schools, some issues of self-governance, and the story of his particular Friendship Centre. Following the presentation is a discussion between Thompson and Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson on the challenges facing urban Aboriginals.

File contains a presentation made by Frank Morin for the Protectors of Mother Earth on environmental issues pertaining to Northern Saskatchewan communities and the lack of proper government representation. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Ralph Tooktoshina and Alex Saunders, whose organization represents fishermen from the Upper Lake Melville area of Labrador. Tooktoshina discusses the lack of advancement opportunities for Aboriginal fishermen. Saunders discusses the new fish plant in Makkovik, Labrador, despite fish depletion at that settlement. Following the discussion is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Randy Tindale, Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes. Tindale discusses the composition of his organization, its structure and mandate. He then goes on to relate difficulties it has experienced with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and what he describes as a minority of government bureaucrats with prejudicial attitudes towards Aboriginal organizations. Tindale reccomends that the federal government appoint an ombudsman to look into such concerns.

File contains a presentation by Ray Fox relating to a the establishment of an Aboriginal communications system in Canada. Fox is also president of the National Aboriginal Communications Society and he states that an Aboriginal communications system "must be non-political and protected from politicians" for it to work. A discussion with the Commissioners regarding Friendship Centres and CRTC policies follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Rebecca Johnson that acknowledges the need to work with Aboriginal businesspeople. She believes that changes to the Indian Act would permit Aboriginals to be more involved in business, and that GST makes accounting practices difficult for Aboriginal businesspeople. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Reed Gauthier in French. The presentation relating to the Canadian government's "systematic destruction of the cultures of Aboriginal peoples." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners in English.

File contains a presentation by Regena Crowchild, President of the Indian Association of Alberta. Crowchild discusses Aboriginal lands in Canada, and argues that the Canadian government uses a racist approach to land claims questions based on the outdated notion of terra nulius. To ameliorate this, Crowchild suggests the Canadian government must recognize "Indigenous ownership to lands and resources." Crowchild then discusses Treaties and the need to discuss the benefits that non-Aboriginal people enjoy from the Treaty relationship.

This file contains a presentation by four members of the Indian Association of Alberta. The first speaker, Regena Crowchild, expresses disappointment with the Royal Commission's recommendation that "the right to self-determination is to 'pursue self-government within the structure of Confederation to join in the process of building a country that derives its strength from the contributions of all its peoples' is to misconstrue the meaning of the right of self-determination." Chowchild believes that "states have a duty to accommodate the aspirations of Indigenous peoples.

This file contains a presentation by Remi Kurtness and Alain Nepton relating to Aboriginal self-government. Among the recommendations: "(T)he right to self-government beyond the restrictive federal policy which still reflects a paternalistic federal responsibility; and the implementation of an authentic formula for self-government that gives political effect to what we consider was won in Charlottetown." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Reverend Walter Edmunds of the Moravian Church of Labrador. He provides a brief history of the Moravian Church in Labrador and discusses the overlapping land claims of the Moravian Church and the Labrador Inuit Association. Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Reverends Douglas Crosby, OMI, Marc Lortie, OMI and Achiel Peelman, OMI. Their presentation makes a number of points, including recognition and implementation of Aboriginal self-government, Aboriginal input concerning decisions about Aboriginal lands leading to self-sufficiency, and the federal government's recognition of its fiduciary responsible to on- and off-reserve Aboriginals, Metis, non-status and registered Aboriginal people. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes presentation by Rhea Joseph of the British Columbia Native Brotherhood concerning the health care system and social issues in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Rheena Diabo and Keith Leclair outlining the committee's goals, which include improving community participation in the planning, evaluation and administration of health and social services; providing training for health promotion and prevention; and participating in the close relationship between health services and social services. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Rhonda Alain discussing her group's research project that identifies concerns and issues that impact on the lives of Aboriginal youth and finding solutions to those concerns. She calls for Canada-wide Aboriginal youth groups; school curricula to include an accurate history of Aboriginal peoples; healing circles that include involvement of elders; and recreation programs that promote positive self-image for Aboriginal youth. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Rhoda Fiander, social worker at Waterford Hospital, St. John's, Newfoundland. Waterford Hospital has the only psychiatric facility in Newfoundland. She presents five recommendations to assist in the treatment of mental health issues for Aboriginal people, including improved access to interpreting services, training of social work staff that includes Aboriginal culture issues, and support and advocacy must be given to Aboriginal peoples' desire to heal themselves. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Richard Chaske, President of the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres. He discusses the history and role of Friendship Centres in assisting urban aboriginal peoples in Manitoba, believing that more government resources should be available to implement programs to ease the transition from reserve life to urban life. Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand provide questions and comments.

File contains a presentation by Richard Long that examines concerns of the off-reserve Aboriginal person. Long states that off-reserve Aboriginal persons feel they have no political or financial power and he questions who will govern urban Aboriginals in the larger centres. He introduces Nora Houle, representative of the Native Council of Canada Board of Directors.

File contains a presentation by Richard Mills and Evelyn Buffalo focusing on the approach Aboriginals have toward health care: the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects. The two presenters state that an Aboriginal health centre is required as non-Aboriginal health care workers do not understand the Aboriginal approach to health care. They anticipate the new health centre to be open in 1993.

File contains a presentation by Ricki Schock, Native Outreach Coordinator, Native Council PEI. Schock's presentation deals with a federal program called Pathways, and is intended to "point out that it is not only a bad policy, and entirely inconsistent with native self-government, but...also an example of the kind of thing you should be advising the government not to do." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Rivard Larouche and Jean-Benoit Gagnon that first provides a history of the organization. The presentation focuses on the cultural, sociological and economic aspects of trapping activity in Quebec. Trapping is vital for survival for some trappers; it is also culturally significant with generations of trappers in families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Rix Rogers relating to his experiences traveling to a number of rural and remote First Nations in Canada and speaking with Aboriginal leaders about child welfare and family violence. People cannot heal themselves when they live in a threatening environment, so creating a new social climate is essential before dealing with patterns of violence. Rogers states that if there is to be a restoration of the full richness of Aboriginal culture, it likely will occur because of the efforts of women.

This file contains a presentation by Rob Bomberry and Glen Foster relating to Aboriginals and the criminal justice system. Bomberry feels that if Aboriginal youth are educated in their culture and traditional ways, perhaps that could help them avoid criminal activity. The speakers feel that elders have been under-utilized to the detriment of the youth. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Robert Beaudin focusing on special education, as defined as a refinement of existing programs offered to children. He believes that the funding methodology used by the Department of Indian Affairs Canada should be re-evaluated to accommodate First Nations in meeting and satisfying the terms and conditions of the Department's funding arrangements. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Chief Robert Bone that begins with a history of Dakota people by Reverend Donald Pratt, also of the Sioux Valley Reserve. Bone focuses on the government red tape needed to negotiate through the Intervenor Participation Program and on a larger scale, through the self-government and land claims process. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Robert Bruce Jr. that touches on a number of subjects, including preservation of Aboriginal culture, economic development, women's rights, lack of employment and funding for a local youth camp. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Robert Doucette that begins with the history of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan and its locals. He states that Metis people need to have control over education, natural resources, relocation, hunting and trapping, taxation, trade, among other numerous issues. He feels that Metis people deserve the funding allocated to Aboriginal and Inuit people and calls to the Commission to help restore rights and funding to the Metis peoples. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Robert Gambler that states that the Jean-Baptiste Gambler Reserve has been under the rule of the Bigstone Cree Nation. He expresses dissatisfaction with the Bigstone Cree Nation's governance and wonders how the Gambler Reserve fell under the jurisdiction of the Bigstone Cree Nation.

File contains a presentation by Robert Kanateuat focusing on the adverse effects of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement on his and other First Nations in the James Bay area.

File contains a brief presentation by Robert Michel relating to the history of Aboriginal self-government. He cites the Indian Act as a policy that has "taken away the natural and economic resource base which is necessary for Aboriginal people to remain self-sufficient." He then introduces the next speaker, Desmond Peters.

File contains a presentation by Robert Sam, Councillor from the Songhees Band. Sam has five areas of concern: employment equality, child protection, Treaty rights, justice reform and education. Sam answers questions from Co-Commissioner for the Day Chief David Paul and from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus.

This file contains a presentation by Robert Vachon that focuses on Quebecois geographer Louis-Edmond Hamelin's assertion that non-Aboriginal people have not accepted the hypothesis that Aboriginal peoples have a political culture or tradition whose expressions and presuppositions could be radically different from the Western ones.

File contains a presentation by Robin Dupuis relating to the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse in Labrador. Dupuis provides a history of his organization and states that alcohol and drug abuse is the major problem facing Aboriginal people in Labrador. Once the 28-day treatment program is completed, after-treatment programs are not in place to assist people with their rehabiliation, therefore they relapse and continue to use alcohol or drugs. Dupuis calls on the Commission to ensure adequate funding for after-treatment programs.

The file contains a presentation by Robin Weasel Bear. Weasel Bear discusses his support for the youth programs going on at the Peigan Reserve, and his participation in these programs. Weasel Bear tells the Commission that a lot more of these programs should be "set up on every reserve, and even in cities."

File contains presentations by Rodney Gold, Tribal Chief, and Eric Burt, Executive Director, of the Confederation of Tribal Nations. Gold presents on self-governance and self-determination issues, specifically with regard to placing them within the context of the treaty relationship. Following this, Eric Burt delivers a presentation on the Canada Round talks leading to the Charlottetown Accord with reference to self-governance, and explains how he views those developments going forth in the aftermath of its rejection via referendum.

This file contains a presentation by Roger Obonsawin relating to problems faced by Aboriginal communities and individuals. He offers a number of solutions, including recognizing Aboriginal and treaty rights to form the basis for strong, self-sufficient Aboriginal communities; initiating economic development that focuses on small business development; and that Indian and Northern Affairs Canada be relieved of its responsibility for implementing and negotiating self-government initiatives. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a brief presentation by Romeo Saganash echoing the opinion of the previous presenter, Robert Kanateuat, regarding the fulfillment of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.

This file contains a presentation by Ron Abreira focusing on economic opportunities for the Kahnawake community. Kahnawake residents are involved in construction, restaurants, arts and crafts and automotive services, and Abreira is leading his organization's diversification into new markets. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation made by Ron Caisse on the topic of youth in the Metis community. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Ron Eldridge, Vice-President, NORTEP Student Association. Eldridge asks "how are we to be self-governing if we cannot educate ourselves?" He discusses the NORTEP program, and highlights his major concern of funding cuts to it.

This file contains a presentation by Ron George and Bob Groves focusing on self-determination for Aboriginal peoples in Canada's larger urban centres. The presenters state that nearly half of Canada's Aboriginal peoples live in large urban centres and feel that the Indian Act has left out people who do not live on reserves. Their group was involved in the Royal Commission's National Round Table on urban issues last year and the presenters state their presentation reinforces their concerns from last year's Round Table.

File contains a presentation by Ron George, President of the Native Council of Canada. George discusses the situation of his constituency (non-status and Metis people of Canada) at length, and also discusses his views on Status Indians and the government's dealings with them. Georges presentation covers a wide range of topics including self-governance as it pertains to off-reserve populations, and Canadian Constitutional issues.