Society

The file contains a presentation by Sharon Caudron, Claire-Anne Bouchard, and Jacquie Soroff of the Women's Resource Centre in Hay River, Northwest Territories. The three women present on "condensed information and possible solutions to address generational violence" including family violence and abuse of multiple varieties. The presenters also suggest some possible solutions to the intergenerational cycle of violence, and its' relation to the criminal justice and education systems.

File contains a presentation by Tony John of the Glenwood Indian Band. John discusses the history of his people in Newfoundland, stating that they are not just Micmac but intermarried with the Beothuk and have been systematically neglected by both the federal and provincial governments who claim there are no Aboriginal people on the island. John discusses some of the issues his people face in central Newfoundland, the key one being the need for recognition.

The file contains a presentation by Tyson Yellow Horn. Yellow Horn discusses the condition of youth on the Peigan Reserve from his perspective as a youth worker there.

File contains a presentation by Vern Douglas and Ken Richard of Native Child and Family Services. Douglas discusses the history of the organization in Toronto, and how it came about as a grassroots organization amongst Aboriginal people who had been victims of the Child Welfare system. He discusses the mandate of the organization and the composition of its board which is balanced between several Aboriginal groups. Ken Richards discusses the services the organization provides for Aboriginal children and families, and some of the data involved.

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 made by Mayor Buckley Belanger for the Village of Ile a la Crosse on the topic of self-government. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Violet Monday, Wife of the Chief Councillor of the Ucluelet First Nation for Health Affairs. Monday reads a presentation compiled by the First Nations' family care worker and health worker for the Commission.

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.

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 Wendall Nicholas and Mae Perley on behalf of the Tobique First Nation. Nicholas and Perley discuss ideas and issues related to accommodating and providing services for disabled people on the First Nation's territory. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson and Erasmus make some comments.

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 Children of the Earth School by Mary Courchene 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 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.

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 Elizabeth Metis Settlement by Wilfred Collins concerning education, philosophy and spiritual believes in the Metis community.

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 Mennonite Central Committee of British Columbia by Darryl Klassen and Eric Gilman concerning working to improve agriculture, conservation, health, education and other social needs in the Aboriginal Community. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

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 the Native Homemakers Association of British Columbia by Brenda Wesley and Florence Hackett concerning the economic independence and social justice for the family in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

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 Peavine Metis Settlement by Elmer Anderson concerning transportation and utilities and the area of agriculture in the Metis community.

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 Vancouver Native Housing by Barb Charlie and Fern Chingose concerning the purchase of buildings and the rental of the apartments in those building to the Aboriginal Community in Vancouver. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

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 of the Healthiest Babies Possible Pregnancy Outreach Program by Marlene Thio-Watts concerning access to health care in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

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 of the Nechako Fraser Junction Metis Association by Jim Pavich concerning National and Provincial concerns of the Metis community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

File contains a presentation by Vydal Sands on behalf of the N'Amerind Youth Group of London, Ontario. Sands discusses the activities of his group, alternative schooling for Aboriginal students, and social issues which affect Aboriginal youth. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with Sands.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of British Columbia Federation of Agriculture by Cor Vandermeulen. Vandermeulen discusses his organization's role and view towards the British Columbia treaty negotiation process. Vandermeulen discusses the uncertainty his farmer and rancher constituency experiences when Aboriginal leaders discuss changes in land management practices, and power structures.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Interior Indian Friendship Society by Executive Director Ruth Williams. Williams discusses the organizational structure of the Friendship Centre, its funding, the demographic situation in Kamloops, and some of the issues facing urban Aboriginal populations. Williams also makes a series of recommendations to the Commission with respect to Friendship Centres and urban Aboriginal concerns generally in the economic, social, and cultural spheres. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Williams.

File contains a presentation on behalf of MLA John Todd in letter form read aloud by Mayor Paul Kaludjak. Kaludjak reads the letter which includes best wishes for the Commission and expresses regret that Todd is unable to meet with them due to inclement weather (Todd is in the capital of NWT, Yellowknife). He states that he will send the Commissioners a written submission soon, and Commissioner Robinson states that she looks forward to receiving it.

File contains a presentation by Elder Dorothy Day on behalf of the N'Amerind Elders Group of London, Ontario. Elder Day discusses Aboriginal history, colonization, education, reserve life, government policy, and crime concerns. Following Elder Day's presentation Commissioner Erasmus thanks her for sharing her views with the Commission.

File contains a presentation by President Bernice Ireland and student Roly Williams on behalf of the Nokee Kwe Adult Education Centre. President Ireland discusses the unique needs of Aboriginal adult students, the centre's history and mandate. Williams discusses funding cutbacks, racism and discrimination, cultural concerns, and self-governance issues. Following the presentations the two presenters discuss some of the issues raised with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Okanagan First Nation by Donna Goodwater. Councillor Goodwater discusses her disappointment with the federal programs available for First Nations people with disabilities and makes recommendations to improve it. Goodwater also delivers a video presentation to the Commission (transcript not included). Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett thanks Goodwater and discusses some of the issues raised with her.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Economic Development. Presenters Willie Alphonse, Bob Manuel and Lana Jones discuss the need for economic development in Secwepemc communities, problems with decreased funding and assistance levels, demographic data, and entrepreneurship.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Gonzaga University and Secwepemc Cultural Education Society. Elizabeth Pete, John Hart, and Chief Nathan Matthew discuss the programs available at the University, and the role of Secwepemc Cultural Education Society in Secwepemc communities. Commissioner Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with Pete, Chief Matthew, and Hart.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Housing by Bruce Mack. Mack discusses two main problems with regard to Secwepemc housing: a lack of funding and a lack of resources. Mack also makes a recommendation to the Commission regarding housing.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Taxation. Presenter Chief Manny Jules discusses First Nations taxation issues, specifically with respect to the situation around Kamloops, relevant federal and provincial legislation, property tax and land issues, sales tax, income tax, corporate tax, the Charlottetown Accord, and infrastructure. Bob Manuel, an entrepreneur, discusses business taxation. Andre Ledressay discusses the Shuswap contribution to tax coffers. Commissioner Sillett and Moderator Chief Matthew also discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Ska-hiish Holdings Limited by Arthur Manuel. Manuel discusses the company which is owned and operated by his extended and immediate family. Manuel discusses land, taxation, and start-up capital issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Manuel, after which a closing prayer concludes the day's sitting of the Royal Commission.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Sto:lo Tribal Council by Chief Clarence Pennier. Chief Pennier gives an overview of his organization's composition and activities representing 11 of the 24 Sto:lo Bands. Chief Pennier discusses the importance of culture to the Sto:lo, historical wrongs committed by the Canadian government upon them, problems with the Indian Act elections structure, and explains the traditional Sto:lo governance principles.

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 Mayor Paul Kaludjak on behalf of the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet. He discusses education, health care, justice, self-governance, and alcohol and drug problems in the North. Following his presentation Commissioner Robinson thanks Kaludjak, and Commissioner Blakeney discusses the different municipal categories and funding frameworks in operation in the Northwest Territories.

File contains a presentation by Lynda Powless and Dan Smoke on behalf of the Native Journalists Association. The presenters discuss the composition and mandate of their organization which is national in scope, its' history, and upcoming founding convention. They also discuss some of the journalistic work their members have done. Following the presentation the presenters discuss some of the issues raised with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Commissioner Betty Harnum of the Northwest Territories Language Commissioner Office. Harnum discusses official languages status and other Aboriginal language issues. Harnum discusses the NWT unique classification of six Aboriginal languages (in addition to English and French) as official languages, and a variety of language concerns dealing with the country as a whole. Following Harnum's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss language concerns with her.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Student Association of Arctic College by President Georgina Franki, Maureen O'Hagan, and Vice-President Daniel Oteiza. The three presenters lay out their perspectives on the Native Studies program at Arctic College and why they think it is an important to have as preparation for self-governance. O'Hagan presents from the perspective of the only non-Aboriginal student in the program, while the other two are leaders of the student body. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the Native Studies program with the presenters.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Westbank Indian Band by Tom Lindley. Lindley discusses difficulties with the Indian Act rules for band governance, disputes within the community and the desire to recall the band representatives, issues with taxation and non-Aboriginal people living on reserve, and concerns with self-government negotiations underway. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Lindley, after which the day's sitting of the Commission is adjourned with a closing prayer.

The file contains two presentations on behalf of University College of the Cariboo by Adrian Kershaw, Jane Teed, Marilyn James and Lisa Allgaier. Kershaw, Dean of Developmental and Regional Programs at the University, discusses Affiliation and Accrediation Agreements, and the critical role of Aboriginal control over post-secondary education for self-determination. Following his presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Kershaw.

The file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation by Isadore Talouse concerning the Retention of Native languages.

File contains a presentation on Saskatchewan Justice by Annette Montgrand and Robert Woods. Mongtrand discusses property comepnsation by offenders on social assistance, and Saskatchewan Justice's work with parollees, the need for increased resources, family, and community support. Montgrand also discusses the need for distinct programming for nothern residents in the provincial context.

File contains a presentation by President Georges Druwe of the Societe Franco-Manitobaine (the Franco-Manitoban Society). Presentation begins in French then switches to English translation. President Druwe discusses his organization which represents French speakers in Manitoba, its' interest in the proceedings of the Commission, and its' view that "First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities have reached a critical turning point in their history." Druwe goes on to discuss cross-cultural solidarity and shared concerns.

File contains a presentation regarding Child Abuse by Patricia Darling. Darling discusses the use of play therapy to treat troubled children in the school setting on reserve. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand engages in a discussion with Darling on the ideas raised.

File contains a presentation regarding Education by Kathy Nelson and Dawnis Kennedy. Nelson, a sixteen year old grade ten student, discusses education at the Roseau River First Nations Gineau School. Nelson states that it is not as advanced as other reserve schools and that youth require "guidance, education, community support, and recreation programs." Kennedy, another sixteen year old student, discusses the importance of Aboriginal youth, problems associated with alcoholism, the need for more funding and economic development, and the need for more role models for youth.

File contains multiple presentations on the topic of Anisinaabe self-governance. The first presentation is by Chief Rod Bushie, Hollow Water Indian Band (pgs 71-75). Bushie discusses his views on Anicinabe self-governance: the need for it to be community based, and the need for a healthy community in order for it to be effective.

File contains a presentation regarding Women's Issues by Millie Nelson. Nelson, a member of the Roseau River Women's Group since 1975, discusses child welfare, prostitution, and family violence issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Nelson.

File contains multiple presentations on the topic of the environment.

File contains a portion of the transcript of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This file a presentation made by Simon Reed followed by questions on Day 2.