Rights

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.

The file contains a presentation by Mary Ann Crow Healy. Crow Healy discusses the Indian Act, and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, arguing that both should be abolished. Crow Healy's second recommendation is that the federal government invite Aboriginal people's into Confederation, and claims that this kind of partnership is a necessity to move forward. Presenters Kurtis Eagle Speaker, Amber Flett, Kelly Healy, Kristen Many Bears, and Michelle Spear Chief also contribute comments on this second recommendation.

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.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation by Merle Assance-Beedie of the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC), at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.

File contains a presentation by Michael Cheena and Andy Rickard. Cheena discusses the Constitution, self-governance, and inherent rights. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cheena and Commissioners Dussault and Blakeney on the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Mike Gallant, Native Council of PEI. Gallant discusses the Aboriginal right to hunt and fish as it applies to off-reserve people. Gallant states that the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and Micmac Treaty of 1752 do not distinguish between on and off-reserve Indians and that therefore such distinctions are irrelevant to inherent Aboriginal rights. Following the presentation Gallant discusses some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.

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.

File contains a presentation by Patrick Polchies. Polchies is a member of the Kingsclear First Nation, and voices his views on a variety of topics including the inherent right to self-governance, the importance of Aboriginal inclusion in the Constitutional process, questions about accountability in Aboriginal governance, fishing rights, the Cultural Properties Act, and religious artifacts. Following the presentation is a brief discussion between Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillet, and the presenter followed by the end of the Commission's session for the day.

File contains a presentation by Paul Hogan. Hogan discusses his personal views on a variety of issues facing Aboriginal people. These include education, urban issues, self-governance, governmental relations, land rights, language concerns, and the Indian Act. Following Hogan's presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Peter Haavlik, Director, Treaty Eight Tribal Association. Haavlik discusses his organizations views of Treaty Eight and the ongoing land claims and self-government process its members are engaged in with the Federal government. He makes a series of recommendations to fix problems he sees with the process as it is currently ongoing in British Columbia, one of which is to copy positive aspects of the Saskatchewan government's Treaty Land Entitlement process. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Havlik.

File contains a presentation by Peter Owl. Owl discusses the history of a specific land claim that his Sigma-Anishinabe First Nation is involved in in "the Hudson Bay lands" of the North Shore area of Espanola and Bine River, Ontario. Following his presentation Commissioners Wilson and Sillett discuss the claim with Owl.

File contains a presentation by Phil Fontaine (at the time the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) regarding a wide range of topics including the Commission's mandate, Treaty issues, residential schools, justice reform, self-government, and resources. Following the presentation is a wide ranging discussion between Chief Fontaine and the Commission members on topics raised in the presentation.

File contains a wide ranging presentation by Richard Francis and Darrell Paul of the Kingsclear Maliseet First Nation. The presentation is given on behalf of Chief Stephen Sacobie who was unable to attend due to other commitments. Francis outlines a wide variety of concerns to his people centering around the right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as offering a critique of what he sees as a governmental system driven by greed.

File contains a presentation by Roger Cousins. Cousins speaks on the topic of land claims in the Eastern arctic. He discusses Aboriginal land claims in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and then the Nunavut claim in the Eastern arctic. In answerance to Commissioner Dussault's earlier question on where the Commission should start Cousins states "a good place to start would be to make sure that the Inuit have a land base in their home communities." Following the presentation Commmissioner Dussault discusses the topic with Cousins.

File contains a presentation by Rosa Wright discussing the healing of individual persons, families and communities, and the future of children "coming from dysfunctional homes and living in a dysfunctional society." She briefly discusses other negative issues facing youth and elderly persons, discrimination associated with Bill C-31 and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Rosemarie Kuptana, President, Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. Kuptana discusses the Royal Commission and her organizations hopes for it, as well as some structural concerns they have with it related to incorporating Inuit perspectives. Kuptana discusses the Inuit's experiences with land claims and modern treaty processes, and tells the Commission that there is much that can be learned from it.

File contains a presentation by Saalie Peter, Chairman of the Apex Education Council. Peter describes the history of his people and the challenges they have encountered, particularly the depletion of whale stocks, and the assertion of federal control over Inuit communities in the 1950s. Peter also describes the challenges faced across cultures in education and the issues his organization encounters. Following the presentation is a discussion between Peter and the Commissioners on the issues raised.

This file contains a presentation by members of the Coalition Against First Nations Genocide, a group representing the grassroots of First Nations across Canada.

The file contains a presentation by Shelagh Grant. Grant discusses the issue of Canadian sovereignty with relation to the High Arctic Relocation program of the 1950s. Following Grant's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with her, after which Commissioner Dussault delivers closing remarks and concludes the day's sitting of the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Ted Harlson. Harlson discusses individual rights and why he thinks they must be absolute for a successful application of self-governance to Aboriginal peoples. Harlson presents a philosophical paper outlining why individual rights are important, and what he views as the dangers of collectivism. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault.

File contains a presentation by the Abitibiwinni Band (Pikogan), Chief Harry McDougal and Edward Kistabish. The Band representatives discuss their land claim, and their unique position as the only Algonquin band in the area who are signatories to Treaty 9. In addition to this they discuss how some members of their communities are subject to the James Bay agreement, which makes for a complex legal situation for their people. Following the presentation the two presenters discuss some of these issues with the assembled Commissioners.

File includes a presentation by the Most Reverend Henri Goudreault, Bishop of the diocese of Labrador City-Schefferville. Goudreault discusses his views on Aboriginal people and how he thinks that legally entrenching their rights, providing an adequate land base, and promoting the idea of self-determination are key to their cultural and political renewal. Following his presentation Commissioner Dussault questions him on Church policy, and how he sees his ideas working with relation to social problems.

The file contains a presentation by the Nisga'a First Nation by Herbert Morven, Reg Percival, Peter Squires, and Tommy Dennis. Herbert Morven introduces the other presenters; Reg Percival speaks on behalf of the Gitlakdamix Band Council and the Tribal Council, Peter Squires speaks on behlaf of the Health Board, and Tommy Dennis makes a presentation on behalf of the Nisga'a Nation's urban locals.

File contains a presentation by Tobique Women's Group. The group's representatives who include Caroline Innis, Karen Perley, Marina Moulton, and Bet-te Paul make a series of recommendations to the Commission which they think will improve the lives and representation of Aboriginal women across Canada.

File contains a presentation by Toby Andersen, Labrador Inuit Association. Andersen addresses the issue of the Inuit land claims agreement for northern Labrador which he has been involved with negotiating for several years. Andersen gives his own views on the process and the agreement (including discussion of tourism and fisheries issues), and asks that the Commission intervene on his organization's behalf. Following the presentation is a discussion between Andersen and Commissioners Dussault and Sillett.

The file contains a presentation by Tony Hall, Professor of Native American Studies Education, University of Lethbridge. Hall discusses his interpretation of the Commission's role and powers, Treaty right issues (particularly as they pertain to Treaty 7), International law, Federal-Provincial-Aboriginal governmental relations, the Oldman River dispute between the Peigan and the Canadian and Alberta governments, and a host of related issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Hall.

File contains a presentation by Vernon Roote, Deputy Grand Chief of the Union of Ontario Indians. Roote's presentation topic if "Building a Nation" and he discusses "the big topic of nationhood and sovereignty." Roote highlights some of the opinions gathered from a conference the past August held in Garden River, Ontario from the viewpoints of "the political people right down to the grassroots people" concerned with the topic of Anishnabek nationhood.

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 a presentation by Vice-Chief John McDonald, Prince Albert Tribal Council. McDonald discusses his problems with the Nunavut settlement and requests that "the Royal Commmission on Aboriginal Peoples...undertake a review of the impact of the Nunavut Settlement Agreement on the treaty and aboriginal rights of the Athabasca Denesuline Bands and this review, including recommendations, be completed by the fall of 1992."

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 Micmac Wallace Libillois. Libillois discusses the history of colonization and his people in Canada, the commonalities between indigenous people across the country in their relationship with the state, residential schooling, proseltization, Aboriginal fishing rights, threats to Aboriginal people's rights, an indigenous view of resource use, the Aboriginal roots of many European democratic concepts, and the importance of Constitutional recognition and inclusion for Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

The file contains a presentation by Walter Manitowabi. Manitowabi, a business development adviser with Waubetek Business Development Corporation of Birch Island, discusses his "small business development which strengthens Aboriginal business.

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.

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.

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 Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement by Mike Sigurdur concerning the health system, services and programs of the Metis community.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re: Chiefs Memorial 1910 by Chief Nathan Matthew, Chief Antoine Archie, Chief Lenny Sellars, and Bob Manuel.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Resource Management. Fred Fortier and David Moore, both of the Shuswap Nation Fisheries Commission, discuss declining salmon and steelhead populations, mismanagement of fish stocks, the B.C. Fishermen's Survival Coalition's "racially-oriented campaign against the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy," and recommendations to deal with these problems. Chief Lenny Sellars, Caribou Tribal Council, discusses enviornmental protection, land stewardship, and co-management.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Coalition Against First Nations Genocide by Stewart Phillip and Pierre Kruger. Phillip discusses the organization's demographic composition and mandate which involves pressuring federal and provincial governments to ensure their policies are involve "credible processes of community level consultations" and "full and complete democratic participation and decision-making based on informed consent."

File contains a presentation by Henry Zoe, MLA, on behalf of the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council. Zoe outlines some of the problems facing the Treaty 11 Council and presents solutions on settling their land claim, institutions of self-governance, and regional economic development. The Treaty 11 Council represents the communities of Rae/Edzo, Lac la Martre, Rae Lakes, and Snare Lake. Following Zoe's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Inuvik Community Corporation by Vice-Chairman Pauline Gordon and Chairman Glenna Hanson.

File contains a presentation by Mark French on behalf of the Seven Bands Community Futures Committee. French discusses the history of Aboriginal-European relations in Canada, colonization, assimilation, and his own ideas on self-determination and self-governance. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the ideas raised with French.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Shuswap Okanagan Metis Association by Greg Mazur and Tim Low. Mazur, Vice-President of the Shuswap Okanagan Metis Organization, discusses the composition of his organization which represents approximately 650 Metis citizens as part of the larger Pacific Metis Federation. Mazur discusses the definition of Metis. Tim Low, Director of the SOMA, delivers a brief history of the Metis Nation.

File contains a presentation by President Clem Paul of the Yellowknife Métis Council. He discusses problems faced by the Northwest Territories Métis generally, and the Yellowknife Métis specifically. He argues that the government has created problems by funding the Dene organizations but not the Métis councils. Paul also discusses rights issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Paul.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation made on the topic of the Extinguishment of Treaty Rights by Roger Obonsawin. Also included are remarks made by Sherry Lawson, moderator and the Commissioners Bertha Wilson ans Mary Sillett.

The file contains presentations by Allana Dams, First Nations Confederacy, and Rod Young, West Tribal Council, First Nations Confederacy. Dams, a policy analyst, discusses concerns with the Chartered Land Act, Bill C-103, Treaty and inherent Aboriginal rights. Young discusses the organizational history of his tribal council, justice issues, Treaty and other Aboriginal rights issues, economic issues, natural resources and revenue sharing.

File contains presentations by Damon Johnson, Chief, Andrew Kirkness, Grand Chief, Donna Glover, Indian Council of First Nations of Manitoba.

File contains a presentation by Tom Dockstader, N'Amerind Friendship Centre. Dockstader discusses N'Amerind's history as one of the oldest Friendship Centres in Canada. Dockstader discusses the mandate and goals of the Centre. Dockstader delivers comments on four areas of interest to the Commission: healing, self-determination, self-government, and relationships between natives and non-natives. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Dockstader, after which the Commission conclude's its' sitting for the day.

This file contains recommendations by Ruth Norton that offers 33 recommendations of primary elements of suicide prevention for Aboriginal youth and adults. These include learning about Aboriginal culture, traditions, languages and spirituality; acknowledging the role of women as bearers of language and culture; encouraging youth to have a prominent role in their communities; and having the ability to trust someone, as caring and encouragement are primary ways of preventing suicide.

File contains opening remarks by Alfred Genaille of Chelan, Saskatchewan. Genaille discusses his two hopes for the Commission which are the return of Metis hunting rights, and a land base for the Metis people.

File contains remarks by three previous presenters that were missed in their initial presentation. Issues addressed include Inuit adoption, the Goods and Services Tax, and poaching of archaeological sites in the North.