Rights

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 Bernard Gordon concerning the provision of Treaty Rights to the Aboriginal Community on and off reserves. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

The file contains a presentation by Billy Day of the Inuvialuit Communications Society.

File contains a presentation by Bob Bromley. Bromley discusses "the dialogue and relationship that can occur between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people." He makes his presentation as an individual and discusses cultural and rights issues of a pan-Canadian nature. Following the presentation Bromley discusses some of the issues raised in his presentation with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Sibbeston discussing four areas of concern: having educational facilities closer to home, alcohol and the negative effects on families, more health care facilities in settlements, and land claims and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Keenan, Teslin Tlingit Nation, Yukon. He provides a brief history of the Teslin Tlingit people, discussing the Clan system of government and the negative effects of European contact. Keenan notes that Teslin Tlingit Nation is one of the few Canadian First Nations that have a constitution based not on the Indian Act, but on Teslin Tlingit traditional values. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Antoine on behalf of the Deh Cho Regional Council. The presentation was prepared by Rene Lamothe and Betty Hardisty, who consulted with Elders, band members, Metis locals and municipal council of the Deh Cho Region. Visitations in the Deh Cho Region generated feedback regarding the Canadian Constitution and a discussion of the existing constitutional revisions in Canada. Briefly listed are statements of positions by members of the various local councils.

File contains a presentation by Chief Hammond Dick relating to land claims and self-government for the Kaska Nation. He states that the Kaskas would agree only to an offer that provides exclusive control over lands selected for use by their people. The Kaskas also want to play a significant role in the management of renewable and non-renewable resources on their traditional lands. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Harold Turner discussing seven issues that affect First Nations people: self-government, treaties, natural resources and Aboriginal title to land, economic development, taxation, education and First Nations government financial concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

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 opening remarks from Elder Vincent Stogan and moderator Lou Desmarais. Also included in this portion is a presentation by Chief Russell Kwasistak concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus during the first public meeting of said Commission. Erasmus spoke about how Chief Thunderchild viewed the need to hold on to Aboriginal land rights, and how this was still important in the nineteen-nineties.

File contains a presentation by Colleen Nadjiwon-Johnson. Nadjiwon-Johnson, a small business owner from the Walpole Island First Nation, discusses a "number of issues affecting myself and other Native small business owners." These include taxation, economic development initiatives, caisse populaires (credit unions), janitorial and personal services, Aboriginal rights (treaty, hunting, fishing, etc.) advocacy, and human resources issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Nadjiwon-Johnson.

The file contains a presentation by Dan Soberman. Soberman, an academic and lawyer, discusses a variety of evidence pertaining to both the intent and implementation of the High Arctic Relocation program. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the contents and some of the issues raised with Soberman.

This file contains a presentation by Denis Tardif, George Ares and Lynn Lemieux that focuses on two issues; the need to dialogue on issues of importance to Canada, and the question of social harmony within the Canadian society or within the Canadian context.

File contains a presentation by Dennis Thorne. Thorne, whose Oglala Lakota (Sioux) name is Tungan Cikala, speaks on the topic of "Protection of Traditional Spiritual Beliefs." Included in his presentation are problems with the Canadian border and the guards measures there against Aboriginal holy people (Thorne argues that the Jay Treaty enshrines freedom of movement for Aboriginal people across the Canada-U.S.

File contains a presentation by Doris Young of the Indigenous Women's Collective regarding Aboriginal women's issues/views in the realm of the justice system, schools, the Indian Act, training and employment, political systems, and self-governance. Young also stresses the need for Aboriginal women's participation in the establishment of a Charter of Rights for Aboriginal People should such legislation be enacted.

File contains a presentation by Earl Magnusson, Director of Urban Development, Federation of Saskatchewan Indians. Magnusson speaks on the issues facing urban Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan. He discusses Treaty rights, self-governance, and municipal service delivery. Following the presentation is a discussion between Magnusson and Commissioners Wilson, Chartrand, and Erasmus on these issues as well as the "portability" of Aboriginal rights.

File contains a presentation by Ed Isaac. Isaac, a Potawatomi man from Walpole Island First Nation, discusses jurisdictional, policing, international border, hunting, and fishing issues at Walpole Island. Following Isaac's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him. After this the Commissioners make some closing remarks, followed by a closing ceremony and travel song which ends the day's sitting of the Royal Commission.

File contains a presentation by Eric Morris describing the negative effects on his community of generations-old social issues and states that his community is now mainly alcohol- and drug-free. He states that the traditional Clan system of government and the tribal justice system in place at Teslin has been working effectively with non-Aboriginal government and justice systems and feels this co-operative effort could be duplicated on every First Nation in Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Eric Robinson, President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. Robinson discusses his organizations purpose, and mainly focuses on the problems facing the urban Status and Treaty people in Winnipeg, and across Canada. He stresses the need for the Federal government to take action on behalf of Treaty people who live off reserve to alleviate poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to services. Following the presentation, Robinson introduces Mary Guilbeault's (also fo the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg) presentation.

File contains a presentation by Ethel Lamothe, Social Services worker, Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. She believes that dealing with Inuit social issues from a European perspective rather than the traditional way has harmed the Inuit people. Lamothe also discusses the need to record oral histories of the elders and to preserve the history of the Dene people. As a territorial government employee, she believes that control of funding should be undertaken by people familiar with northern life, not by bureaucrats. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Eva Johnson and Elizabeth Beauvais that describes four "touchstones for change: A new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, self-determination, self-sufficiency, and healing." Beauvais reads from an unidentified document "that was presented to the governments in 1985" which expresses the wishes of the Five Nations Confederacy.

File contains a presentation by Evelyn Webster, Vice-President, Indigenous Women's Collective to the Commission. Webster provides a brief historical overview of her organization, and its mandate to address the social, economic, and political issues confronting Aboriginal women in Manitoba. Webster then goes on to discuss the traditional role of women in Aboriginal societies, and traditional Aboriginal values.

File contains a presentation by Francois Paulette. He discusses his background as a Dene Chief and residential school student, his work with addictions, and his ideas on Treaty 11 and what it means for the Dene people in terms of rights and responsibilities. Paulette also discusses the federal government's extinguishment policy and his interpretation of it. Following the presentation Paulette discusses some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a brief presentation by Frank Saligo, Mayor, Teslin, Yukon. He provides hand-out materials for the Commission and briefly mentions the need for agreements relating to community needs and infrastructure, and for continued talks relating to land claims and self-government. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer swith the Commissioners and Chief David Keenan.

File contains a presentation by Gabe Hardisty, Councillor, Wrigley Dene Band. He speaks of life in the North pre-contact and states that "we had our own government in the past...if we didn't have our own government, we wouldn't be here today." Hardisty hopes that this Commission will listen to Aboriginal people and act on its recommendations. He then introduces his uncle, Mr. Antoch, who was alive at the time of the signing of Treaty 11 in 1921. Mr. Antoch's father, Eli Antonche, was involved in the treaty negotiations. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

The file contains presentations by Ron Zong, Gail Watson, and Jerry McNeil, of the Manitoba Association of School Trustees. The presenters discuss their philosophy of education, the struggle for Aboriginal rights, the need for Aboriginal perspectives and local control over education, building trust between communities, the legacy of residential schools in Canada, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

This file contains a presentation by Gary Metallic that continues with the history of the Mi'kmaq Nation in Canada. He advises the Commission that he "must caution Canadian Governments against continuing to prosecute our people in your courts for exercising their treaty rights." Metallic also states that civil law is incompatible with Mi'kmaq law, as civil law is based on individual rights and Mi'kmaq is based on collective rights. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Grace Menconse, Vice-President of Native Mediation Inc. Menconse, a Bill C-31 person, discusses her groups problems with an undefined self-government, jurisdictional issues, with lack of accountability and transparency in Band politics, and the need to apply the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Status Indians. Menconse also discusses electoral fraud and serious human rights abuses which she accuses Aboriginal leadership of being complicit in.

File contains a presentation by the Grand Falls Band, Exploits Native Band Council. Rosemary Francis Williams and Board of Directors, Ignatius Paul. Williams delivers the first half of the presentation which covers concerns facing the Band including recognition by the Federal and Provincial governments, justice concerns, financial concerns, self-governance, cultural concerns, and Indian Act concerns. Paul relates a personal story to highlight the treatment his people have received from government and to ask that their Aboriginal rights with regard to economic pursuits be recognized.

The file contains a presentation by Herb Nabigon. Nabigon, a professor at Laurentian University in the Native Human Services, discusses self-government and "reclaiming the spirit." Nabigon discusses his people's relationship with the federal and provincial governments, rights and responsibilities, and traditional Ojibwa governance concepts. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with Nabigon.

File contains a presentation by Ineaq Korgak, executive assistant for the Baffin Regional Health Board. Korgak discusses many of the social issues facing the Inuit people of Baffin Island, including high mortality rates, low life expectancy, drug abuse, AIDS, alcoholism, gambling, poor nutrition, and a lack of economic opportunities. He also discusses midwifery and makes some suggestions on how these subjects can be addressed in a productive manner. Following the presentation Korgak discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Dussault.

File contains a presentation by John Harker, Canadian representative of the International Labour Organization. The International Labour Office is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Harker delivers an international perspective on the issues faced by indigenous peoples, and discusses how his organization seeks to promote the human rights of indigenous peoples and enchancing their position within national societies. Harker also discusses some of the legal history of indigenous issues within the United Nations, and actions taken by his group.

File contains a presentation by Jaypeetie Akpallaluk, Mayor, Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories, who begins by comparing the "qallunaaq" (European) way of life and the Inuit way of life and how the two do not work together well. He states that Inuit culture is being lost and that the wisdom and knowledge of elders is not being utilized by younger generations. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will provide more funding to allow the creation of much-needed cultural, educational and family programs in Pangnirtung.

File contains a presentation by Jean Koning. Koning discusses her views as a Canadian citizen and member of the Anglican Church of Canada on Aboriginal issues. Amongst the issues she raises are history curricula, rights struggles, and cultural concerns. Following her presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with Koning.

File contains a presentation by Jeannette Boivin, Director of the General Council of Atikamekw Women. Boivin delivers a presentation on democracy, self-governance, the need for consultation, decentralization, and enhanced powers for elected represetnatives. Boivin also discusses the importance of establishing an appeal system in the form of a parity system or ombudsman's office, and training and education concerns.

The file contains a presentation by Mary Guilbeault and Jennifer Wood of the Winnipeg First Nations Tribal Council. Guilbeault and Wood discuss their organization's mandate, composition, and operations in Manitoba. Specifically they address concerns such as employment, off-reserve people's reasons for leaving, rights issues, overrepresentation in prisons, racism and discrimination, funding concerns, and identity issues. Following the presentation Commsisioner Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Jeremy Weber, Faculty of Law, McGill University. Weber presents a paper which is a response to "many common Native objections to parallel systems of Aboriginal justice, especially objections expressed by Non-Aboriginal Canadians." Much of Weber's presentation deals with differing conceptions of cultural, and individual vs. collective rights.

File contains a presentation by John Andersen. Andersen dscusses recreation, schools, youth, and related community issues. Following the presentation is a brief discussion between Andersen and Commissioner Dussault.

The file contains a presentation by John Moore. Moore discusses his conviction for murder under a repealed section of the criminal code of Canada, how he is innocent and feels his conviction contradicted his rights as an Aboriginal person, and how he would like to be exonerated. Moore also references several other high profile cases of wrongful conviction in Canada. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault comments on the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Judy Gingell, Chair, Council of Yukon Indians. She introduces George Henry, also representing the Council. She offers several recommendations to the Commission: address the inequality of bargaining power between Canada and the First Nations; constitutional protection for self-government; repayment of the loan funding for negotiations; implementation planning funding; and time lines for completing a Yukon land claim settlement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer discussion with the Commissioners, Gingell, Henry, and Chief David Keenan.

The file contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon on social housing. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the Lethbridge rental market, homelessness, and Aboriginal student's housing needs. Chiefmoon also discusses the exclusion of the disabled from on-reserve housing programs at the Blood Reserve. Chiefmoon makes recommendations regarding emergency housing, the establishment of an urban Indian housing program, the establishment of a student housing program, and the need for Aboriginal representation on the city's Landlord-Tenant Board.

File contains a presentation by Ken Goodwill of the White Cap First Nation. Goodwill discusses the importance of Treaty and the government's (both Britain and Canada's) obligations to the Dakota people. He discusses the concessions he feels his people have made, and asks that the government deliver the just rights of the Dakota to their people. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and previous presenter Calvin McArthur specifically addressing the historical disspossession of his people's reserve land.

File contains a presentation by Kenneth Emberley. Emberley briefly discusses the Oka Crisis, then presents on the connection between being an administered people and many of the social ills plaguing Aboriginal communities. Emberley then presents a series of ideas on imping the Land Claim process, preserving Aboriginal rights, the need for a whistle-blower's law, and dealing with the legacy of residential schools. The remainder of the presentation deals with world affairs and resource use as the presenter thinks they pertain to the goals of Aboriginal peoples.

This file contains a presentation by Kim Gernack and Shirley Bigney McHugh focusing on the rights and self-determination of Aboriginal disabled people. Areas of concerns are accessible living facilities, transportation in reserve and rural settings, and sufficient medical services and supplies. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by President Paul Labreque, and Executive Director Jacques Fortin l'Association des cadres scolaires du Quebec. The presenters put forth the Association's views on self-governance and related issues, arguing for a political interpretation of the concept. They discuss the implications of self-governance as it relates to education in the province, and argue for a co-operative harmonization of standards, and an approach that will integrate First Nations cultural and educational aspirations while still maintaining universal and reciprocal goals.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Westbank Indian Band by Larry Derrickson, Micha Menczer, and Gary Swite. Derrickson, a Band Councillor, gives a demographic overview and brief history of the First Nation, its three reserves, economic activities, by-laws, motions towards self-governance, justice issues, B.C. treaty making, resources and funding concerns. Micha Menczer, Legal Advisor to the Band, discusses self-government and land issues, jurisdictional confusion in social services, the Constitution, and the B.C. treaty making process.

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 Livina Lightbrown concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow 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.

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.

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.