Society

The file contains a presentation by Dave White. White, Native Access Manager for Wabnode Institute Anisnabe Studies Division of Cambrian College, discusses cultural programming at the College and some of the difficulties they face in creating such programs. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with White.

File contains a presentation by David Chartrand, President of the National Association of Friendship Centres, with comments by Terry and Tom Doxidurn, executive director and Vice-President, respectively, of said organization.

File contains a presentation by David Makahounuk. Makahounuk, a student at Confederation College in Sioux Lookout discusses post-secondary financial concerns at that institution. Makahounuk also discusses the need for additional counsellors and support staff, self-governance issues, and budget figures. Makahounuk makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission to alleviate these problems. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson discusses some of the figures with Makahonouk.

File contains a presentation by David Newhouse. Newhouse, a professor of Native Studies at Trent University, delivers a presentation highlighting six ways that he thinks Aboriginal society is changing: 1) urbanization, 2) "retraditionalization", 3) institutionalization, 4) the process of self-government, 5) cultural identity reinforcement, and 6) textual transformation. Newhouse elaborates on these sociological concepts, and then discusses their implications with Commissioners Blakeney, Wilson, Sillet, and Harper.

File contains a presentation by Debbie Foxcraft, Manager, USMA Nuu-chah-nulth Housing and Related Infrastructure. Commissioner Georges Erasmus asks Foxcraft a variety of questions related to her organization and its activities in the sphere of child and family services to which Foxcraft replies. Following this are some comments by Commissioner for the day Nelson Keitlah on children's issues.

File contains a presentation by Debra Alvisatos, a Mohawk woman and executive director of the Fredericton Native Friendship Centre. Alvisatos presentations deals with her organization whose purpose is to help Aboriginal people (the majority of whom are Micmac and Maliseet) to adjust to urban life. She discusses how urban Aboriginal people have been ignored in the past, and the need to both consult with them and define their rights in order to facilitate self-governance and effective administration.

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 a presentation made by Delbert Majer in the youth circle on the topic of youth involvement in the Aboriginal Community and the education system after which a discussion of the presentation is recorded.

The file contains a presentation Chief Bernadette Unka of the Deninu Kue First Nation. Chief Unka discusses the history of her people who reside at Fort Resolution, NWT. Chief Unka discusses how Treaty, Metis, and Euro-Canadian people were at one time united in one government at the community, but how her people re-established band governance in 1990 due to their Treaty rights being slowly eroded.

The file contains a presentation by Irvin Norn of the Deninu Kue First Nation. Norn, the Band Administrator, discusses the historical background, the concerns, and the day-to-day issues that his band experiences with respect to membership. Norn discusses Treaty Eight, social services, education, justice, housing, health, renewable and non-renewable resources, and taxation. Following the presentation Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Norn.

The file contains a presentation by Dick Hill who discusses the administrative, economic, and demographic composition of Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Hill discusses its' ethnic composition (1/3 First Nations, 1/3 Inuit, 1/3 other), its' administrative and institutional apparatus, and related issues in response to questioning from Commissioners Rene Dussault, Allan Blakeney, Grace Blake, and Mary Sillett. Land claims and economic development are also discussed.

File contains a presentation by President Dick MacKenzie of the Sioux Lookout Chamber of Commerce. MacKenzie discusses a pilot project for Aboriginal participation and interaction with the Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Chartrand discusses the project with MacKenzie, after which the other assembled Commissioners offer comments and thanks. Following this MP Robert Nault offers thanks to the day's participants, and Charles Fox and Stan Beardy make closing remarks to end the day's sitting.

The file contains a presentation by Doug Wilkinson. Wilkinson discusses his experiences with the High Arctic Relocation both in Ottawa and the Arctic during the early 1950s. Wilkinson was a film-maker with the National Film Board of Canada who lived amongst the Inuit in the High Arctic.

The file contains an address by Luncheon Keynote Speaker, Dr. Paul R. King of the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital. Dr. King discusses suicide prevention and crisis intervention counselling adding the caveat that attendees may or may not think his methods relevant, but that is for them to decide.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Sheehan, a non-Aboriginal doctor who works on the Sagkeeng First Nation's lands. Sheehan gives his view of the poverty facing First Nations in Canada, the problems of isolation, the diabetes epidemic among First Nations, problems with the education system, health care accessibility issues, the need for an Aboriginal health care organization as an arm of Aboriginal government, and related concerns. Following the presentation are remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand thanking the preceding five presenters for their presentations.

File contains a presentation by the Ducharme Elementary School and Dene High School, Principal Greg Hatch, and Principal Steve Innes. Principal Hatch presents a Dene/English storybook to the Commission, then discusses his school and some of the job issues facing his graduates. Principal Innes discusses the high school, and associated community employment, cultural, and language issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Hatch and Innes.

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 Elder Rosie Nelson. Nelson relates her own life history in English and Anishnabe (English translation provided) as well as her views on self-government and economic development (specifically gaming). Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand concludes the day's sitting of the Commission with closing remarks and thanks the participants.

The file contains a presentation by Elizabeth Hansen, Councillor, Inuvik Native Band. Hansen delivers a presentation on promoting, preserving, and maintaining Gwich'in cultural heritage. Hansen discusses heritage's relation to Economic development; housing; social services; alcoholism, drug, and solvent abuse; justice; and health services.

File contains a presentation by Daisy Hoppe and Sarah Melvin of the Equay Wuk Women's Group. Hoppe discusses the formation of the group in 1988 by "like-minded women who were concerned about family violence that was being experienced and encountered by First Nations women in local and northern communities." Hoppe gives examples of the group's objectives as an educational and advocacy organization, then makes a series of recommendations to the Commission to deal with family violence issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Charles Fox and Bertha Wilson make comments on it.

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 Erminio Pucci of the City of Prince Rupert. Pucci, presenting on behalf of the Mayor and City Council, discusses British Columbia land claims negotiations and the city's stance on them. Following the presentation Commissioners Paul Chartrand and Bertha Wilson discuss land claims negotiations in British Columbia with Pucci.

The file contains a presentation by Evelyn Ballantyne. Ballantyne discusses Bill C-31 and its effects on the lives of Aboriginal women in Manitoba with reference to housing, discrimination, lack of consultation of women on major political decisions, and the Charlottetown Accord referendum. Edith Young discusses women's and general Aboriginal issues including loss of culture and language, violence and residential schooling, family violence, the need for financial aid, the need for healing lodges, alcoholism, and political corruption at the band level.

File contains a presentation by Fabian Morrisseau and Harold Fontaine. Morrisseau presents on the impact of drug and alcohol abuse on First Nations communities. Fontaine, as an Aboriginal social worker, offers some observations on what he deems unequal citizenship in Canada with regard to drug and alcohol treatment care. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Fontaine and Commissioners Chartrand and Sillet on treatment issues.

File contains a presentation by Father Charles Deharveng. Deharveng offers his personal observations on the struggle for Aboriginal self-government, and what he views as the need for Aboriginal political unity in achieving these goals, as well as relating some of his own life experience in the North. Following his presentation, Commissioner Dussault thanks him for his observations.

The file contains a presentation by Flora Zaharia and Cam Mackie, Frontier College. Zaharia and Mackie discuss the College's operations as the oldest adult educational institution in Canada, and its' relationship and programs for Aboriginal peoples. Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

The file contains a presentation by Floyd Crowshoe. Crowshoe discusses Youth Centres and the positive impact he thinks they have on Aboriginal youth.

The file contains spresentation by George Gillies, Inuvik Regional Hospital. In response to a question by Commissioner Allan Blakeney, Gillies discusses the amount of health staff in the Mackenzie Delta area including the proportion of Aboriginal employees, and their positions. Commissioner Mary Sillett also asks a staffing question, and then preceding presenter Patricia Lowe and Allan Blakeney discuss northern community staffing issues.

This file contains comments by Gerard Bertin and Roger Cormier stating that they wish to contribute to the later discussion relating to fishing and tourism. Auley Barclay, Village Council of Tide Head, New Brunswick, is introduced as the next speaker.

The file contains a presentation by Gerard Kenney. Kenney, a telecommunications engineer with Bell Canada in the 1960s and early 1970s, discusses his experiences traveling to the High Arctic Relocation communities of Pond Inlet, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay during this era. Kenney also discusses his research at the National Archives in the early 1990s seeking to find evidence of Canadian intentions, or as he calls it, the "smoking gun," behind the High Arctic Relocation program.

File contains a presentation by Gerri Ense and Marla Metson, Native Skills Centre. Ense discusses her life experiences with reference to her own career, and some of the issues her organization encounters such as different cultural expectations in the workplace, and the establishment of the Native Skills Centre. Marla Metson, a non-Aboriginal person, discusses how she got involved with the Skills Centre then goes on to discuss a variety of organizational issues including funding concerns, Aboriginal trainers, and the need for increased Aboriginal input into training programs.

File contains a presentation by Ghyslain Beaule, Abitibi-Temiscaming Regional Health and Social Services Board. Beaule discusses the composition and mandate of her organization and then goes on to discuss the jurisdictional, financial, and community issues it faces. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Blakeney discuss some of the issues raised with Beaule.

File contains a presentation by Gloria Christmas, Native Justice Court Worker. Christmas, after a brief description of her job, makes a series of recommendations to the Commission on hiring Aboriginal interpreters, Aboriginal court workers, and Aboriginal corrections personnel, in the justice system.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Swan of the Nicola Valley Community Futures Association. Swan discusses his organization, a Non-Profit whose focus is on promoting employment opportunities within the community by both encouraging business growth and helping workers match up with jobs. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Joe thank Swan.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Warner. Warner, of Mennonite Central Committee discusses his work and experiences in the community of Davis Inlet. Warner discusses construction concerns and issues related to community relocation. Following Warner's presentation Commissioner Erasmus thanks him for his views. Following this Commissioners Erasmus and Sillet deliver closing remarks and close the sitting of the Commission for the day.

File contains a presentation by Graham Tuplin, Native Council of PEI. Tuplin welcomes the days' participants on behalf of the Council, and Commissioner Georges Erasmus also makes some introductory remarks for the days' sitting of the Commission.

The file contains a presentation by Hari Dimitrakopoulon, Northern Women's Development Network. Dimitrakopoulon discusses a report submitted to the Commission on women's economic development. Dimitrakopoulon highlights some of the content of the report which deals specifically with the socio-economic position of Aboriginal women in Northern Manitoba, and some of the reasons behind that position going back to pre-European contact days. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the reports findings with Dimitrakopoulin.

The file contains a presentation by Executive Director Roy Fabian of the Hay River Treatment Centre. Fabian discusses cultural oppression in Dene history, and the healing process which is neccessary to treat its effects. Fabian stresses the need for the Dene to listen to the Elders and practice their teachings. Fabian also discusses his views on the land claims process, and how cultural oppression has lead to social issues such as child abuse, family violence, and housing problems. Fabian also elaborates what he sees as the need for Aboriginal individuals to start healing themselves.

File contains a presentation by Heather Clements. Clements discusses her experiences as a Scots-English Canadian nurse living on a reserve, and her perceptions of a lack of knowledge in Non-Aboriginal culture of Aboriginal Canadians and why this should be corrected. Clements also discusses health care and educational issues, arguing that Aboriginal peoples should be given control over their own health and educational services and making some suggestions to that effect. Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney, Wilson, and Sillet discuss some of these issues with her.

File contains a presentation by Helena Laroque. She discusses her personal perspective on Aboriginal issues as someone who has worked in the international sphere. She makes mention of Ecuador and rights struggles, as well as addictions and environmental issues. Following Laroque's presentation the assembled Commissioners comment on it.

File contains a presentation by Hugh Dickie. Dickie discusses Elder's concerns, education, culture, and related community issues.

The file contains a presentation by Ila Bussidor, Sayisi Dene First Nation.

File contains a presentation made by Garnet Angconeb for the Independent First Nations Alliance on the topic of the Canadian Justice System pertaining to Aboriginals in general as well as personal remarks referring to the Anishnawbe and their community identity and language. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners. Comments of the Commissioner-of-the-Day are translated to English from his own language.

File contains a presentation by Irene Willard, a 21 year old who was a foster child. Willard discusses some of the problems with Social Services and Foster Care that she encountered in her life, including being placed in a prejudiced household, and not even knowing she was a Status person until age 19. Following the presentation the Commissioners thank her, and then Chief Agnes McCoy makes closing remarks to end the Commissions sitting for the day.

File contains a presentation by Irwin Packham, Mayor of High Level, Alberta. Packham welcomes the Royal Commission on behalf of the town council, and commends it on its mandate and goals.

File contains a presentation by Jack Smith. Smith is a sessional lecturer with the department of Native Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Smith discusses off reserve and urban status Indian's concerns, primarily with regard to Treaty Land Entitlement and participation in Band politics. Smith also discusses Aboriginal input into the University of Saskatchewan's policies.

File contains a presentation by Jack Yard and John Farrington, members and fund-raisers for the Porcupine United Way. They make a video presentation to the Commission and discuss the 11 member agencies of the Porcupine United Way. They express hope that the Aboriginal community in Timmins and area will actively use the United Way's services, so there is help "for all those who need our help." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Jason Goodstriker. Goodstriker, President of the Native American Students' Association at the University of Lethbridge, discusses that organization's activities specifically what they have been doing for the past year. Goodstriker discusses Aboriginal enrollment rates, financial assistance, the importance of peer support, employment opportunities as they pertain to post-secondary education, and his organizations work with the Canadian Federation of Students.

File contains a presentation by the Jean-Marc Penosway and Claire Penosway. Jean-Marc and Claire are two youths from Grand Lac Victoria who requested to speak with the Commission. They discuss a variety of problems they have faced including family breakdown, drug and alcohol addiction in the family, racism and discrimination, foster care, and related matters. Claire requests a private audience with the Commissioners later to discuss a personal matter, which the Commissioners accept.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Jim Penton, Metis Senator. Penton discusses racism in southern Alberta, his solidarity with the Peigan people in their struggles with respect to the Oldman River dam, issues of Metis identity, decolonization, Constitutional rights, urban concerns, education concerns, justice concerns, and general Metis issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus and Jim Penton discuss the definition of Metis people.