File contains a presentation on behalf of the Val d'Or Friendship Centre by Executive Director Edith Cloutier, Vice-President Lucy Louttit, Council Member Johanne Lacasse, and Secretary Alain Kistabish. The representatives discuss urbanization amongst Aboriginal peoples in the area, research their organization has conducted amongst these peoples (including Algonquin, Inuit, Metis, and Cree respondents), service delivery, self-governance in the urban context, building relations with the non-Aboriginal community and other matters.

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 Theresa Cole on the subject of the Akwesasne Native Teachers Association.

File contains a presentation by Theresa Neegan. Neegan discusses what she sees as the discrepancy between the views of the Aboriginal political leadership with regards to their views towards women, and the reality at home in the communities. Following her presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss her presentation and the other three preceding presenters which dealt with women's issues (Grace Delaney, Karen Pine-Cheechoo, and Brenda Small) regarding the issues raised in their presentations.

File contains a presentation by Thomas Loft. Loft, presenting as an individual, discusses his views on the Commission and its work. Loft argues that the problems facing Aboriginal peoples have been over studied in the past with few concrete results, and analyzes a speech by former Prime Minister Trudeau with regard to First Nations issues, and particularly with reference to citizenship issues. Loft also emphasizes the need for the Commission to talk to individual Aboriginal people, rather than just political or organization officials.

File contains a presentation by Tom George focusing on the lack of funding for drug and alcohol recovery programs for Aboriginals in Canada. Lack of employment, recreation facilities, and shelter for women and children are problems George's group faces. He calls on the Commission to help secure funding for his organization. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Tom Nepetayo of the Indian Council of First Nations. Nepetayo addresses the Commission, and Commissioner Blakeney in particular, with regards to Aboriginal self-governance and intergovernmental affairs in this context. Blakeney addresses the points raised by Mr. Nepetayo, and following this a discussion occurs between the two Commissioners and the three presenters from the Indian Council of First Nations (Chief Andrew Kirkness, Rod Martin and Tom Nepetaypo) on a variety of issues raised in their presentations.

This file contains a presentation by Tom Uvloriak expressing frustration with the inability of his group to secure substantial funding to continue selling crafts made by local artists. Uvloriak seeks assistance with locating the proper government department for arts funding.

File contains a presentation by Tom Wesley, Coach, First Nations Running Club. Wesley, an Ojibway from the Lac Sioux Reserve in Northern Ontario, gives a brief history of Native running, and a brief history of the First Nations Running Club. Following the presentation are remarks by Commissioner Chartrand and Dussault on its contents and the closing of the day's proceedings.

This file contains a presentation by Tony Andersen beginning with the history of the Torngat Regional Housing Association. Single parents and elders are particularly affected by the poor quality and lack of proper housing and Andersen calls on the Commission to help address the housing problem for Inuit people in Labrador. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Treaty Eight Tribal Council representatives Reg Whiten, and Chief Stewart Cameron. The Tribal Council's presentation includes video excerpts (not included in the transcript) and an oral presentation dealing with issues of concern to it. Foremost amongst these are concerns with resource development interfering with traditional lifestyles and spiritual areas, and pollution. The presenters also discuss the difficulties they have experienced in working with various levels of government.

File contains a presentation by Treena Miller of the North East Native Advancing Society. Miller discusses her organization's Board of Directors who form the governing body responsible for "the program development, program delivery and the funding allocation to meet the training needs of the Aboriginal people in North East B.C." Miller then discusses the educational training issues which her organization has identified through their experiences with programs in the North East. These include funding, staffing, and cultural concerns.

File contains a presentation by Trustee Heather Maloney, School District Liaison Committee. Maloney discusses how the liaison committee between the District No. 70 School Board (British Columbia) and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council operates. Following her presentation are a series of remarks by the two preceding presenters, Denny Grisdale, and Donna Brett, also from the School District, on programs and policies they have implemented with relation to Nuu-Chah-Nulth students.

File contains a brief presentation by an unidentified female speaker who believes that before larger issues can be solved, "We need to take care of the people at home first." The speaker says the childhood abuse she suffered made her stronger as an adult, but more adult role models and more child services programs are required to help children before abuse occurs.

File contains a presentation by an unidentified male speaker, a director on the British Columbia Indian Housing Council. Statistics provided show 6000 new homes required on British Columbia First Nations, and the speaker recommends increasing government housing subsidies to meet this need.

File contains a discussion between an unidentified teacher at the Northern Lights secondary school in Moosonee, Ontario and Commissioner Georges Erasmus. The teacher asks a question of Erasmus for an unidentified student who wishes to know why the Assembly of First Nations doesn't have students needs as its number one priority. Following this query is a discussion between Erasmus and the student via the teacher on youth issues, and then on the Commissions work with the Metis people.

File contains a presentation by Valerie Firth and Raymond Evans, employees of the Halifax Main Line Needle Exchange Program that has been in operation for the last six months. The program provides a needle exchange service for IV drug users as well as condoms for street youth. The program is a stepping-stone for IV drug users to receive treatment, and as well the program assists street youth. The presenters call on the Commission to ensure funding continues for this vital service. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Vice Chief Alphonse Bird of the Prince Albert Tribal Council. On behalf of the Tribal Council (which represented 12 First Nations at the time), Bird welcomes the Royal Commission to the area and discusses how his organization will be making a more comprehensive presentation on areas of concern to them in La Ronge, Saskatchewan on May 28th. Areas of concern to be highlighted include Treaty Rights, the Constitution, housing, poverty, northern food costs, employment, resource revenue sharing, taxation, infrastructure, health and justice issues.

File contains an presentation by Vicki Wilson and Kula Ellison focusing on the inability of Aboriginal women's group to be heard and believes that "it is no secret that our women in this province and our sisters elsewhere in this country are presently too busy fighting our own leaders for the recognition of women's rights to be including in moulding and governing of Aboriginal communities and nations." They also state that all levels of government, including First Nations governments, must prioritize family violence as the country's foremost social problems.

File contains a presentation by Violet Gellenbeck focusing on the role her organization plays in the economic development of her community. She provides a brief history of her organization and states that its goals include assisting in the initiation, expansion, improvement and promotion of viable business opportunities for the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people, and to pursue federal, provincial and other sources of funding to assist Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people in achieving individual economic independence. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by students from the Alberta Vocational Centre (AVC) in Slave Lake. It discusses difficulties finding housing in Slave Lake and questions why no student housing is available on the AVC campus. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Virginia Alexander focusing on the lack of government funding for social services programs involving family support, adult in-home care, a future long-term care facility for elders, and child care. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file consists of a presentation by Wally McKay focusing on policing by First Nations men and women on reserves. McKay describes traditional Aboriginal policing models being based on peacemaking and peacekeeping.

File contains a presentation by Wally Samuel concerning how off-reserve Aboriginals "are treated by our own people because of the Indian Act." When off-reserve Aboriginals try to access programs on-reserve, they are denied. Samuel calls for more funding to help those off-reserve people recover and retain their culture. He introduces the next speaker, Wilfred Price.

File contains a brief individual presentation by Walter Davis, a [retired health care worker] who, years ago, travelled by boat doing health education work along the coast of Labrador. He apologizes, as a non-Native, for his ancestors who "exploited your resources for all they were worth." He believes that attitudes are changing, but notes that only two years earlier [1990], there was no government support at any level regarding a proposed commemorative tablet in the Peace Park in honour of the Beothuk people. In closing, Davis thanks the Commission for their work.

File contains a presentation by Walter Madonick who states that past educational policies destroyed generations of Aboriginals, and that "education being a right to Aboriginal peoples has to be constitutionally protected." He also briefly mentions the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry.

This file contains a presentation by Walter Madonick touching on a number of problems he has encountered as a student at Brandon University, including difficulty obtaining student loans, limited funding to move from home reserves to Brandon, and limited support services such as child care and counsellling. A brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Warner Goodvoice, Social Development Administrator, Wahpeton Band. Goodvoice discusses self governance, funding and bureaucratic issues particualarly with regard to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Goodvoice argues that it is neccessary to get more grassroots engagement and funding into these structures. Following the presentation Comissioner Wilson questions Goodvoice on what he thinks self-governance would mean in pratice and he answers here.

File contains a presentation by Warren Williams of the Nicola Valley Tribal Council Family and Children's Services Advisory Board. Williams discusses the Tribal Councils efforts to develop a First Nations Child and Family Services agency and model. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Williams, and Commissioner Chartrand converses with Williams about some of the topics raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Wayne David and Art Alexis focusing on education and several agreements signed between the public and Catholic schools boards. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Wayne Helgason and Linda Keeper, Indian and Metis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg. Helgason, President of the Centre, and Keeper, a Board member, discuss the history and composition of the Friendship Centre, program and service delivery, Aboriginal urbanization issues, federal-provincial funding disputes, self-determination, and views on the Commission and its' work. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Wayne Helgason, Director, Mamawewitchta Tonta Centre. Helgason discusses his organization in Winnipeg and its mandate to provide Aboriginal people with child and family services, as well as some of the issues he has encountered in such a capacity over the years. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding both his and Marilyn Fontaine's presentations.

This file contains a presentation by Wayne Taylor illustrating the numerous barriers Aboriginal people face in seeking involvement in small business and economic development in Canada. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce has recognized challenges such as lack of skills, lack of direct linkages with the business community, and prohibitive government policy that impedes the progress of Aboriginals becoming small business owners.

File contains a presentation by Wilbert McLeod. McLeod represents the Moose Factory Claimant Group, whose grandparents were "arbitrarily exluded from Treaty No. 9 in 1905 by the Treaty Commissioners." McLeod lays out his organizations claim and discusses how the ancestors of his organization were left out of Treaty 9, and how that Treaty was negotiated in an arbitrary manner by officials who did not consider how the people defined themselves.

File contains a presentation by Wilfred Price discussing self-government and he states that "70 percent of our people who are living off-reserve do not get proper representation." He presents the idea that having a small group of people from a population of tens of thousands of Aboriginal people in BC elect a select few to represent them is wrong. He wants self-government where all are involved, not just a few. Comments from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by William Anderson III pertaining mainly to a submission made to the Commission regarding a Government of Newfoundland and Labrador discussion paper, dated November 1991, on an accelerated approach to Aboriginal land claims in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This file contains a presentation by William Andersen III focusing primarily on land claims of the Labrador Inuit. Andersen expresses disappointment with the Commissioners being unable to "intervene in difficulties between any individual organization and the governments that it has to deal with." Andersen has been involved with land claims negotiations in the past and is frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations.

This file contains a presentation by Wilson Belbin discussing teacher recruitment and retention of Aboriginal staff. He states that student activities and sports are fundamental to keeping youth in school and suggests a 24 hour youth centre would prevent substance abuse, violence and suicide in his community. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Wilson Okeymaw, executive director of an additions facility on Ermineskin First Nation. He addresses the problem of addictions among Canada's Aboriginal peoples and speaks of his own struggle with alcohol. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Frank McKay, Gerry Wesley, and Elder Jowin Quequish of Windigo First Nations. McKay discusses how the Windigo First Nations Council represents the First Nations of Sachigo Lake, Bearskin Lake, North Caribou Lake, Cat Lake, New Slate Falls, and New Saugeen in Northwestern Ontario.

File contains a presentation by Winnifred Felker, Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. Felker discusses the activities and programming of the Friendship Centre, and protests that the National Association of Friendship Centres was only granted 17% of a funding request, when these Centres do work dealing with 15 of the Commission's 16 points of mandate. Following Felker's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Yance Sheehan and Lisa Blandford, Aboriginal youths concerned with education (particularly the teaching of Metis history and culture) and the lack of recreational facilities for Aboriginal youth. They suggest that the Royal Commission plan a session only for Aboriginal youth to hear their ideas. Following the presentation are comments made by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Yvon Allard, Member of the Manitoba Metis Federation regarding Employment Equity for Aboriginal Peoples and Post-Secondary Institutions. In particular Allard discusses discrimination in employment, and the promotion and protection of Aboriginal cultural identity in educational institutions.

File contains a presentation by Yvonne Myers, Pathways Co-ordinator for Newfoundland and Labrador. Pathways works with other educational institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador to provide the necessary services for Aboriginal people to secure employment. Myers requests that government funding not be cut. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission.

Portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples held in Vancouver, British Columbia dealing with treatment of HIV and AIDS; includes questions from George Erasmus.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This portion is of a presentation for Nishga Education Project by Jacob McKay preceding the Round Table discussion on education.

File contains a presentation by the St. Basil First Nation, Floyd Bernard on behalf of Chief Richard Wallace. Bernard discusses many of the problems of his small community, mainly a lack of adequate infrastructure and service (such as Police and Fire services) provisions. File also contains a conversation between Erasmus and Bernard on these issues, as well as the purpose of the Royal Commission.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes a presentation for the First Nations Tribal Justice Institute by Jim Maloney, Joan Phillip and Doug Farenholtz concerning experiences and issues of the Aboriginal Community in the Canadian Justice System. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes a presentation for the Fishing Lake Metis Settlement by Randy Parenteau, Clifford Calliou and Wayne Daniels concerning the self-government and economic development of the Metis community.

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 for the Louis Riel Metis Association by Tom Lalonde, Lyle Letendre, Fraser Hall and Derwin Calliou concerning rural and urban housing for the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow 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 a presentation for the Native Brotherhood of British Columbia and the Native Fishing Association by Art Jackson, Alvin Dickson and Simon Lucas concerning the historic reasoning for economic independence of the Aboriginal fishing industry in the British Columbia. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.