Spirituality

File contains a presentation by Alex Skead that describes his personal experiences with learning from daily life: "So much things to learn in life." He recounts several legends relating to educating Aboriginal youth on his First Nations about living with nature, utilizing sweat lodges for healing and preserving Aboriginal languages.

This file contains an individual presentation given by Alvin Manitopyes relating to the protection of Aboriginal sacred sites and the protection of Aboriginal rights to spiritual freedom. Some sites are located off-reserve, and in provincial and federal crown lands. Manitopyes calls for federal legislation to protect sacred sites and for laws similar to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in the United States.

File contains an individual presentation by Greg Kjos who has ministered with people who either live near or work near Aboriginal First Nations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He believes that our society should regard Aboriginal spirituality as having equal status with other established faiths. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Kathleen Nuna focusing on aspects of Innu culture she feels have been lost; fishing, hunting, trapping, folklore and spirituality. She calls on the Commission to provide Innu communities with funding to teach younger generations traditional and survival skills to keep Innu culture alive. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

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 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.

File contains a brief prayer in Inuit by Co-Chair Rene Dussault, followed by an introduction of Elder Angus Merrick by Phil Fontaine. Angus Merrick, who is ninety years of age, delivers a prayer in his native language, then makes a few comments on youth regarding cultural awareness and linguistic retention.

File contains an opening prayer and opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Battlefords' Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, on Thursday, October 29, 1992. The opening prayer is performed by Harriet Arcand, while the opening remarks of Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus discuss the mandate and goals of the Commission during this second round of its hearings.

This file contains opening remarks by Arthur Dedam, Moderator. He introduces the participants for the opening prayers and songs.

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.

File contains a presentation by Ben Weenie of Battlefords, Indian Health. Weenie presents on his concerns for Aboriginal children and youth. Specifically he addresses the condition of youth offenders, who he views as being often caught in a destructive cycle. Weenie also discusses concerns with the Saskatchewan Education curriculum and its attempts to incorporate Native Studies courses which he feels are inappropriately taught (especially with regards to spiritual views). Following the presentation is a discussion between Weenie and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus on these issues.

The file contains a presentation by Bev Julian, Native Women's Association of Canada. Julian discusses the personal impact of suicide on herself, her training both as a social worker and a traditional healer, and some of the work she has done which has healed people who were considering suicide. Following her presentation Chairperson Hodgson thanks her for sharing her views.

The file contains presentations by Bishop Sjoberg, Dr. Kuhn, and Cathy Dorland, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The Bishop delivers a brief expressing solidarity with Aboriginal Canadians, and contrition for historical wrongs. Bishop Sjoberg then discusses what is necessary for a new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians, and some of the work the ELCIC has done to bring this about and increase cross-cultural understanding. Dr. Kuhn discusses self-determination issues in a political and economic sense.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerry Jack, Muchaht (phonetic) Culture. Jack discusses his people's traditional cultural views on governance and territory. Following the presentation is a conversation between Chief Jack and Commissioner Georges Erasmus on some of the ideas in Jack's presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Paul Sam. Chief Sam comments on the preceding presentations of Cathy Rutherford, and the two Roman Catholic Peace and Development Group presenters. Following this Sam invites the Commissioners to come in six months time and take in an Aboriginal fastball tournament. Following the Chief's remarks Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand discuss this with him.

File contains a presentation by Chief Raymond Abraham. Abraham discusses his views on cultural reclamation and restoration, and self-governance issues.

File contains a presentation by Chief Simon Lucas, Hesquiat Tribe Access to Sea Resources. Lucas discusses the relationship of his people with the ocean and the resources therein, as well as how it forms part of their worldview. He critiques contemporary Western views of resource usage, and discusses the importance of sea resources. Following the presentation is a discussion between Lucas and Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah regarding sea issues.

File contains a presentation by Dale Awasis, Native Educator. Awasis discusses education, and his general concerns regarding Aboriginal people with Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by the Dave Courchene, Jr. of the Mother Earth Spiritual Camp, and closing remarks for the Commission's sitting by Chief Jerry Fontaine. Courchene's presentation deals with his historical perspective on "the spirit of indigenous people," and the need to return to traditional spirituality to heal Aboriginal communities of their social ills. Courchene then delivers his views on the importance of self-governance and Aboriginal sovereignty. Following the presentation is a discussion between Courchene and Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the issues raised therein.

This file contains a presentation by Deanna Grey Eyes, Pat Shirt and Wilson Okeymaw focusing on their organization's goals, including relevant and timely program development and delivery; cultural programming to increase awareness of Aboriginal culture and individual self-esteem; using Aboriginal counsellors as role models; and introducing or strengthening their clients' traditional spirituality. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Deborah Herman, Co-ordinator, Kettle Point Caregivers. Herman discusses healing, specifically her organization's community healing project. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with Herman.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Dominic Eshkakogan. Eshkakogan, an Elder from the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, discusses the legacy of residential schools, the need for spiritual healing, the impact of diabetes on Aboriginal people, language issues, problems getting funding to community level programs. Eshkakogan references the personal impact these issues have had on him as a First Nations politician, residential school survivor, and someone dying of diabetes-related illnesses.

File contains a presentation by Duncan Awasis, Mark Amy Centre. Awasis gives the first half of his presentation in Cree (English translation is provided in the text) and the second half in English. Awasis stresses the importance of rediscovering the "Indian way" in terms of culture and spirituality to heal the people. Awasis also mentions some of the problems facing the community of Fort McMurrary that he has encountered during his work at the Mark Amy Centre, an alcohol addiction treatment centre.

File contains a presentation by Elder George Courchene. Courchene discusses the history of his people, Treaty, some of their spiritual beliefs, and general Aboriginal issues.

File contains a presentation by Elder Moses Smith of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people. Smith discusses his people historical and traditional society from a standpoint of governance and the family. Commissioner Erasmus asks Smith if there are any special concerns he has and Smith replies by discussing the importance of having an economic land base to his people.

File contains a presentation by Fletcher Stewart and Lydia Constant of the Henry Budd College for Ministry. The Henry Budd College for Ministry is an academic institution under the auspices of the Diocese of Brandon, Anglican Church of Canada. Its purpose is to equip persons for ministry in the Church. The aims of the College are three-fold: a) Academic and practical education of Aboriginal people for Christian ministry (lay and ordained) primarily but not exclusively in the Anglican Church of Canada.

File contains a presentation by Gerald One Feather, Mato Mna Sni, Ta Tiospaye Oglala Oyate. One Feather discusses the spiritual beliefs of his people, the Lakota, and how that informs their ideas about traditional governance. One Feather then goes on to relate some of the institutional history of the Lakota people, going into specific detail with regard to their relationship with the United States government. He also discusses problems experienced by Lakota people with the interenational boundary, and makes some recommendations for their ameilioration.

This file contains a presentation by Gerry Pascal and Charlotte Debbane discussing Aboriginal history, culture and spirituality; the Two-Row Wampum, treaties and sovreignty. Debbane's remarks focus on violence against women and she states that women need to be at the forefront to end the violence against women. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Grace Delaney. Delaney discusses her personal spiritual views and gives her perspective on the need to "recognize the misdeeds that people are doing in our communities."

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.

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 Irene Personius. Personius discusses issues related to education, and how the school system has impacted her own family. Following the presentation are some brief comments from Commissioner Blakeney, followed by Mr. Nathan McGillivary initiating closing prayers by a community elder, and the adjournment of the day's proceedings.

File contains a presentation by J. Spencer Rowe. Rowe makes an individual presentation on cultural issues. Rowe discusses the importance of Aboriginal language education, and how he views spirituality as the path forward for Aboriginal peoples but that this root is difficult as they have become seperated from their lands.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Jim MacLatchie and Lisa Allagaier, John Howard Society of Canada. MacLatchie and Allagaier discuss the composition, mandate, and work of the society with Canada's prison population and particularly with respect to Aboriginal prisoners. They discuss the importance of establishing Aboriginal representation amongst prison staff, and particularly the important role of Elders in the penal environment. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners thank the presenters and comment on the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Joyce Rabesca. She discusses the process of finding common ground between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson makes comments on her approach, which are echoed by the other two Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Louie Frank. Frank relates a message from a Nuu-Chah-Nulth elder to the Commission discussing his hopes and his people's hopes for it. Following this Commissioner Erasmus thanks Frank and sums up his ideas on the day's proceedings. Chief Nelson Keitlah then closes the days proceedings with a prayer in the Nuh-Chah-Nulth language.

File contains a presentation by Marvin Conner. Conner discusses his personal views on Aboriginal spirituality, Native-Newcomer relations, self-government, and related issues. Following Conner's presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus makes closing remarks, followed by a closing prayer which concludes the Commission's sitting for the day.

File contains a presentation by Maxwell Yalden, Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, regarding his organizations past advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal peoples (including its support for the creation of the Commission), a universalist approach to Charter of Rights and Freedoms rights, his view that the Charter is complimentary to collective Aboriginal rights, the need to redress and relieve discrimination and abuses against Aboriginal Canadians, the importance of acting now with regards to Aboriginal issues rather than later.

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 Paul King of the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital. King discusses Aboriginal mental health, training, and teaching. King also provides an overview of the hospital, its' geographic service area, staffing, and mandate. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with King.

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 Doxtator. Doxtator discusses justice and penal issues. Doxtator makes a series of recommendations to improve the penal system for Aboriginal people involving financial resources and programming. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Doxtator.

File contains a presentation by Reverend Bob Kimmerly, Kootenay Presbytery, United Church of Canada. Kimmerly delivers an address to the Royal Commission on behalf of the United Church in the area with regard to its relationship with Aboriginal peoples, past and present. Following this, Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Kimmerly for his remarks.

File contains a presentation by the Reverend Doug Greenough of the St. Clair United Church. Reverend Greenough, pastor of a Church on the Sarnia Reserve, discusses the United Church of Canada's views on Aboriginal spirituality, his own personal ones, and cross-cultural understanding.

File contains a presentation by Rosemarie Moffit. Moffit discusses identity issues of a personal and collective nature, and then describes some Ojibway spiritual beliefs and how she feels they are relevant to dealing with the problem of drug and alcohol abuse. Following the presentation are comments by the assembled Commissioners and a discussion between Moffit and Commissioner Chartrand on issues of mixed-background, Metis, and Non-Status identity designations as they apply in Ontario.

The file contains a presentation by Sharon Jinkerson, Native Council of Canada. Jinkerson discusses her experiences dealing with children's suicide attempts, lack of funding for dealing with these and related issues, a youth program and camp initiative she is involved with, interventions and counselling, and the importance of spirituality in treating depression.

File contains a presentation by Simon Brascoupe of Apikan Ltd. Brascoupe discusses economic development, the role culture plays in it, and concludes with general economic strategy advice. Brascoupe emphasizes the interrelatedness of development and spirituality, the importance of traditional and local economies, and his belief that the future lies in education of people. Following Brascoupe's presentation Commissioners Dussault and Blakeney discuss some of the issues raised with him.