Society

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 contains the Closing Plenary Session discussion by the assembled audience on the various presentations and other discussions of Day 2. At the conclusion a Closing Prayer was made by Elder Glen Douglas.

The file contains a closing prayer, closing remarks by Moderator John Stiffarm, and an Honour Song. Moderator Stiffarm thanks the participants, some of the organizers, and states that as young people "I pray that we will be able to take some action and be able to come together, regardless of tribes or whatever, and help each other out -- help ourselves most of all." Following this is an honour song after which the day's sitting is concluded.

The file contains closing remarks and a closing prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the President Hotel, Sudbury, Ontario, on Tuesday, June 1, 1993. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss their thoughts on the day's proceedings, the challenges they face, and the plans of the Commission for the future. They also thank the participants, after which is a closing prayer which concludes the day's sitting of the Commission.

The file contains closing remarks by Chief Nathan Matthew and a closing prayer by Mary Thomas, Elder.

File contains closing remarks by Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair.

File contains closing remarks by John Stewart, and a closing prayer. Stewart thanks the Commissioners for listening to the concerns of urban people in Prince Rupert, and expresses the hope that they will hear from the Commission in the near future. Following this is a closing prayer which adjourns the days' sitting of the Royal Commission.

The file contains a presentation by Martin Heavy Head. Heavy Head discusses his work with the Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing Authority in Lethbridge, Alberta. Head recommends that the Urban Native Housing Program be continued in the future and highlights some of its success as well as the great need for such programs not only in Lethbridge, but also in Calgary. Following the presentation Martin Heavy Head says a closing prayer which convenes the Commission's sitting for the day.

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 contains the opening proceedings and presentations of four community social initiatives followed by questions on Day 2.

The file contains a discussion between Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillett, and Elders Dominic Eshkakogan, Mary Lou Fox, and Rita Corbiere. Issues covered in the discussion include language issues, the Chartered Lands Act, traditional healing, and diabetes. The discussion is in response to the earlier presentations during this sitting of the Commission by these three Elders. The three Elders' presentations are available for viewing on this site.

The file contains a discussion between presenters Deputy Chief Brian Seymour, Jeanette Castello, and Commissioners Paul Chartrand and Bertha Wilson. Deputy Chief Seymour makes some comments on the possibility of future talks between the Royal Commission and First Nations, and recommends that the Commission return to the area in the future. Following this Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss issues raised in the two presenters previous presentations with them. Presentations by Seymour and Castello can be viewed on this site.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Elder Margaret Harris. Harris discusses her experiences as a foster parent and the importance of listening to the teachings of one's elders.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Florence Hackett. Hackett discusses her work with the Indian Homemakers' Association, developing job training for First Nations women, funding cutbacks to the organization, and some of the personal lessons she has learned through working with the organization over the years.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Gloria Nicholson. Nicholson, a member of the Professional Native Women's Association, discusses healing issues with relation to emotional and spiritual pain.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Jane Gottfriedson. Gottfriedson discusses some of the struggles of Aboriginal women to be included in the self-governance process and to have a voice in Aboriginal politics generally.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Marie Baker. Baker, "an active disabled woman doing research work with the Aboriginal Women's Council" discusses disabled Aboriginal people's issues in British Columbia. Amongst the issues Baker addresses are ignorance of services available, housing assistance, and their rights, and the issue of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Baker also makes a variety of recommendations to deal with these issues.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Nancy Van Heest. Van Heest discusses family violence and spousal abuse, specifically the approach of her program entitled "Urban Images." Van Heest also addresses some of the systemic causes of the problems her program treats.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Terry Netsena. Netsena, a member of the Aboriginal Women's Council, presents the historical background of that organization and discusses its' operations in areas such as justice. Netsena also makes some recommendations to the Commission regarding policing, police training, sexual assault laws, and women who are being stalked.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Regina Friendship Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes the opening prayer and remarks made by Jim Sinclair, facilitator of the youth circle session, Patricia Saulis and Suzanne McLeod, both youths working with the Royal Commission and organizers of the youth circle.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Adult Education issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants Jane Jackson and Helen Mills discuss post-secondary education concerns (including literacy, upgrading, poverty, and employment issues) with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson. Following the Round Table discussion is a closing prayer which concludes the day's sitting of the Royal Commission.

File contains an Evening Session Round Table Discussion on Education and Youth Issues from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. File contains discussions on Secondary School Issues, Post-Secondary Issues, and Adult Education. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains opening remarks and a slide show for the Evening Session Round Table on Education and Youth issues, part of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Bill Butler and Don Mitchell, moderators for the evening, welcome the participants and deliver a slide show highlighting various communities in Northern Ontario, and the way of life therein.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Post-Secondary Education issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants Virgina Wabano, Shawn Gladwish, Allen Sailors, Larry McLeod, Joe Skouras, and Wendy Young discuss post-secondary education concerns with each other and with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson.

The file contains further comments by Jason Goodstriker. Goodstriker discusses the importance of youth, and how racism can be a two way process.

The file contains further comments by Moderator for the day John Stiffarm. Stiffarm recounts some of his personal experiences and the struggles he faced as a youth with racism, discrimination, alcohol, and drug abuse. Stiffarm discusses how he found meaning through traditional culture and spirituality, particularly through drumming, and its importance in healing people and communities.

The file contains further comments by Keith Weasel Head. Weasel Head, who works at the Laverne Elementary School on the Blood Reserve, and is also a post-secondary student, discusses the problems youth face with drugs and alcohol. Weasel Head offers his personal perspective on how people can cope with and overcome these problems.

The file contains further comments by Patti Saulis. Saulis, one of the organizers of the Royal Commission's Youth Circles across the country, discusses their purpose and thanks some of the people who helped her organize this particular sitting, as well as the participants.

File contains a general discussion between presenters Cliff Wright, Theresa Dust, Robert Doucette, Jack Smith, Barry Kennedy, Commissioners Rene Dussault, Viola Robinson, and facilitator Murray Hamilton. The topic of discussion is urban Aboriginal issues in Saskatchewan, specifically issues raised in the preceding presentations listed under the presenter's names and available for viewing on this site.

File contains a general discussion between Commissioners George Erasmus and Viola Robinson, Moderator Reggie Crowshoe, and presenters Ronnie Leah, Keith Chiefmoon, and Sheena Jackson from this day's sitting. Comments from the floor are made by Celeste Strikes-With-A-Gun, Denna Jansen, Jim Penton, Myrna Roy, Mary Ann Crow, Jordan Chiefmoon, Devalon SmallLegs, Sandra Vielle and Roderick North Peigan. The discussion covers the topic of the presentations which is racism in Alberta, and the wider Canadian, society.

File contains a general discussion on youth education issues between Della McKay, Commissioner Wilson, Matthew Quequish, Karyn Cromarty, and John Dudley.

File contains a presentation by Assistant Chief Francois Vincent giving an overview of the history of the Huron-Wendat people, and specifically the people who settled at Lorette, near Quebec City.

The file contains an individual presentation by Alex Morin, a concerned fisherman, discussing the Aboriginal fishery on Great Slave Lake, and his personal struggle for Metis and general Aboriginal fishing rights.

This file contains an individual presentation by Pam Fraser that recommends exchange visits and field trips between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth in elementary and high schools across Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Rhoda Karetak of Rankin Inlet. Karetak discusses social and health issues facing the people of her community, including the cost of travelling to facilities in the south, problems with fatigue among elders, sniffing activity, and suicide concerns. Following her presentation Michael Kugak asks a question on childcare which Kartak answers. Following this, Facilitator Paul Kaludjak makes some comments and welcomes the next presenter.

This file contains an opening prayer by Elder Angela Jones, and opening remarks by Moderator Bob Manuel and Commissioner Mary Sillett. After the opening prayer, the Moderator and Commissioner briefly discuss the day's format.

File contains an opening prayer by Christine Brooks and opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples held at the Mic Mac Native Friendship Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia Wednesday, November 4, 1992. Commissioner Erasmus states that the preceding day's hearings (volume 1) were excellent, and welcomes the participants for the day's sitting.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn in Ottawa, Ontario, on Monday, June 7, 1993. Following an opening prayer Chairperson Maggie Hodgson delivers welcoming remarks and introduces Commissioner Rene Dussault who discusses the composition, mandate, and goals of the Commission. Dussault also addresses the topic of this particular sitting, which deals with the problem of suicide in Aboriginal communities.

File contains an opening prayer by Mabel Joe and Opening Remarks by Co-Chair Rene Dussault for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Merritt, British Columbia, on Thursday, November 5, 1992. Commissioner Dussault discusses the composition of the Commission, its mandate and goals, as well as welcoming the participants for this session.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the B.G. Sivertz Community Centre, Hay River, Northwest Territories, Thursday, June 17, 1993. Following an opening prayer by Sarah Sibbiston, Commissioner Georges Erasmus welcomes the participants then discusses the mandate, goals, composition, and progress of the Commission to date.

File contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Singituq Complex, Rankin Inlet, NWT (now Nunavut), on Thursday, November 19, 1992. Following an introduction by Facilitator Paul Kaludjak, and an opening prayer by Rhoda Karetak, Commissioner Viola Robinson commences the days proceedings by giving an overview of the Commission, its composition, and its work to this date.

The file contains an opening prayer by Elder Mary Thomas and opening remarks by Commissioner Mary Sillett from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Chief Louis Complex, Kamloops, British Columbia. Following the opening prayer Commissioner Sillett discusses the mandate, goals, and composition of the Commission.

The file contains an opening prayer from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lodge Hotel, Kelowna, British Columbia, Thursday, June 17, 1993. The file also contains a presentation on behalf of the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Service Society by Bett Tsa-me-gahl.

File contains an opening prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan, on Tuesday, December 8, 1992. The opening prayer was made by Jim Favel and Commissioner of the Day Martin Durocher called on the moderator, Max Morin, to present a Historical Perspective of Ile a la Crosse. Opening remarks were made by Commissioner Rene Dussault and Commissioner Mary Sillett regarding the composition and mandate of the Commission and commenting on the Historical Perspective.

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 the opening remarks made by Mark Douglas, moderator of a round table discussion of self-government.

The file contains opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lodge Hotel, Kelowna, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 16, 1993. Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses the composition, mandate, and goals of the Commission, while welcoming the participants and expressing her hopes for the day's proceedings.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lodge Hotel, Kelowna, British Columbia. Following an opening prayer by Elder Dave Parker of the Okanagan Reserve, Councillor Gary Swite of the Westbank Indian Band welcomes the day's participants and discusses the need for self-determination and self-governance for the Okanagan people.

The file contains opening remarks by Nelson Mayer, Native Council of Canada. Mayer discusses his organization and thanks the Commission for inviting him to the sitting, as well as the importance of addressing the suicide issue in constituent communities.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This is an overview of Discussion Paper No. 4, regarding situations where Metis and other Aboriginal people in urban settings are given the opportunity to create and administer their own education systems, presented by Louis Lamothe.

File contains a presentation by AK. She discusses the suicide of a family member and the lessons she drew from it. She then goes on to discuss some mechanisms for helping people deal with grief and family tragedies.

File contains a presentation by Peggy Bird, Joanne Jackson, and Alanna Elijah, members of the Tribal Soverignty Association and councillors at the N'Amerind Friendship Centre in London. Bird, Jackson, and Elijah discuss the Healing Circle program they are involved with which seeks to treat social problems with traditional spiritual concepts. Following their presentation is a discussion between the three presenters and the assembled Commissioners on some of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Alex Skead, Migweech Elder. Skead outlines his spiritual views, his background, and the problem of Alcohol abuse.