Treaties

File contains a presentation by John Moore. Moore, a Cree man from the James Bay area, discusses the significance of the Treaties and what he would like to see in the future for Aboriginal people in Canada. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson, Chartrand, and Blakeney discuss some of the issues raised with Moore.

File contains a presentation by Keith Chief Moon, Mohk-E-Saun Committee, Blood Indian Reserve #148. Moon discusses his people's history, and some of their problems with regard to living conditions.

File contains a presentation by Keith Gordon, a Kahnawake Mohawk living in Toronto. His presentation focuses on four points: Canada must exhibit a willingness to be bound by the agreements it vociferously negotiates; Canada must acknowledge through the negotiation process the specific entitlements of Aboriginal peoples and their governments; governments must promote legitimacy to eliminate stereotyping; and all people must utilize the opportunity to promote the evolution of standards.

File contains a presentation by Ken Goodwill of the White Cap First Nation. Goodwill discusses the importance of Treaty and the government's (both Britain and Canada's) obligations to the Dakota people. He discusses the concessions he feels his people have made, and asks that the government deliver the just rights of the Dakota to their people. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and previous presenter Calvin McArthur specifically addressing the historical disspossession of his people's reserve land.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Westbank Indian Band by Larry Derrickson, Micha Menczer, and Gary Swite. Derrickson, a Band Councillor, gives a demographic overview and brief history of the First Nation, its three reserves, economic activities, by-laws, motions towards self-governance, justice issues, B.C. treaty making, resources and funding concerns. Micha Menczer, Legal Advisor to the Band, discusses self-government and land issues, jurisdictional confusion in social services, the Constitution, and the B.C. treaty making process.

File contains a presentation by Laura Dahdona, Matthew Nanooch, William Pelech, and Mary Francis on behalf of Aboriginal Social Work Students in High Level. Dahdona discusses funding and accessibility issues with regard to post-secondary education.

This file contains a presentation by Lawrence Coutreille and Jeffrey Rath relating to broken treaties. They state that Fort McKay is 20 kilometers from the two biggest oil-sands in Canada, yet half the community does not have water and sewer, adequate roads and infrastructure. The speakers say that treaty promises have been broken and cite a number of Canadian court cases that favored Aboriginals. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Lawrence Whitehead. Whitehead presents his views on self-governance, treaties, and recounts his personal role in shaping tribal councils in Manitoba. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioner Chartrand and Mr. Whitehead on Treaties and the Indian Act.

File contains a presentation by Linda Ross, a Sarcee woman. Ross recounts the history of her people's signing of Treaty No. 7 in what is today southern Alberta. She then goes on to describe the history of her people since the Treaty's implementation, and the need to address Treaty rights and poverty before Aboriginal self-governance becomes possible. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mrs. Ross and Commissioners Dussault and Sillet on the topics of the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Lindberg Louttit that covers a number of topics, including residential schools, hydro projects, river pollution and economic development. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Lisa Maracle focusing on taxation of Aboriginal people. She states that the Indian Act directs that there be no taxation for Aboriginal people, yet the federal government is taxing Aboriginals. Maracle also says that the current federal government anti-racism program that advertises on radio, television and in print has not been successful in combating racism. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 by Livina Lightbrown concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Phil Maness. Maness, Chief of Chippewas of Sarnia, London District, discusses three elements he views as neccessary for self-government: land, jurisdiction, and resources. Chief Maness also discusses the Treaty of Amherstburg, and the Indian Act. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the ideas raised with Chief Maness.

This file contains a presentation in French by the Committee to Promote and Monitor Human Rights in Kahnawake and the Neighboring Communities relating to the 1990 Oka Crisis and the current joint SQ-RCMP patrols from Kahnawake territory. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by the Committee to Promote and Monitor Human Rights in Kahnawake and the Neighboring Communities relating to the 1990 Oka Crisis and the current joint SQ-RCMP patrols from Kahnawake territory. A question-and-answer session in English with the Commissioners is located in RCAP112-8.

File contains a presentation by Marvin Frost that begins with a brief biographical sketch of Grafton Njootli, longtime political leader with the Vuntut Gwitch'in First Nation. Frost touches on a number of issues, including justice, alcohol abuse, taxation, unfulfilled treaty obligations and health problems. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation Mary Guilbeault, Vice-Chairperson, Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. The presentation contains some personal background on Guilbeault and her experiences as an Aboriginal woman and community/political leader in Winnipeg. She raises a number of issues, most importantly the neccessity to recognize Treaty Rights and provide services regardless of geographic location. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with the Commissioners regarding both this presentation and Eric Robinson's similarly themed one on urban Aboriginal issues in Winnipeg.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Mayor Clifford G. Branchflower, City of Kamloops. Mayor Branchflower discusses his views on Aboriginal self-government, how he sees the need for a flexible approach, and the history of his municipalities relationship with the Kamloops Indian Band. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Mayor Branchflower and Moderator Bob Manuel.

File contains a presentation by Raymond Michaud, Mayor of Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, providing the history relating to Treaties 8 and 11 and the subsequent broken promises and misinterpretation of those treaties. He states that land claims negotiations of the past 30 years also had promises were not fulfilled, either. Michaud wants the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly to remain intact, with regional and municipal councils. Following the presentation, Michaud answers questions from Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

The file contains a presentation by Michael Eshikibok. Eshikibok, an Ojibwa student at Laurentian University and freelance writer for the Sudbury Star, gives a statistical overview of Aboriginal people in Canada, over-representation in Saskatchewan prisons, poverty, alcoholism, and the need to replace the Indian Act and institute self-government. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Eshikibok.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Mike Garson, Split Lake Cree First Nation. Garson discusses self-governance and self-determination; land and resources; colonization and government paternalism; water; Treaty rights; and hydro development. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Garson.

This file contains a presentation by Mr. Patton and Curtis Nelson that addresses the symbolism of the Two-Row Wampum, increasing environmental pollution, and the Oka Crisis of 1990. Nelson states that the "Crown must find ways to provide resources for our original government so that fairness can be achieved, so that we may reverse centuries of colonialism and we can one day become self-sufficient without compromising our integrity as a nation." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Norman Quinney and Joe Houle, war veterans whose organization, founded in 1982, had to disband because of no funding. The speakers call for the Commission to ensure continuing funding for the association so it can fight for the rights that Aboriginal veterans were denied upon return of service.

File contains a presentation by Peter Brook, Executive Director of the Prince Albert Tribal Council. Brooks asks the Commission if it is prepared to undertake a special investigation into ongoing land claims disputes involving three Dene nations in northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories which the Prince Albert Tribal Council represents.

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 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 presentation by Regena Crowchild, President of the Indian Association of Alberta. Crowchild discusses Aboriginal lands in Canada, and argues that the Canadian government uses a racist approach to land claims questions based on the outdated notion of terra nulius. To ameliorate this, Crowchild suggests the Canadian government must recognize "Indigenous ownership to lands and resources." Crowchild then discusses Treaties and the need to discuss the benefits that non-Aboriginal people enjoy from the Treaty relationship.

This file contains a presentation by four members of the Indian Association of Alberta. The first speaker, Regena Crowchild, expresses disappointment with the Royal Commission's recommendation that "the right to self-determination is to 'pursue self-government within the structure of Confederation to join in the process of building a country that derives its strength from the contributions of all its peoples' is to misconstrue the meaning of the right of self-determination." Chowchild believes that "states have a duty to accommodate the aspirations of Indigenous peoples.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Rita Corbiere. Corbiere, an Ojibwa Elder from the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve, discusses the past of the Anishnabe people, economic and taxation issues, the state of the British Empire and Monarchy, the Chartered Lands Act, fisheries, environmental issues, Ojibwa service in the War of 1812, the 1836 Treaty on Manitoulin Island, and the Chartered Lands Act.

File contains a presentation by Robert Sam, Councillor from the Songhees Band. Sam has five areas of concern: employment equality, child protection, Treaty rights, justice reform and education. Sam answers questions from Co-Commissioner for the Day Chief David Paul and from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Ron Martelle, Mayor of Cornwall and Denis Thibeault, Director of Employment Office, Cornwall on the subject of responsibilities of governments to the First Nations.

File contains a presentation by Sharon Venne, Lubicon Cree First Nation. Venne discusses the history of the Lubicon Cree, how they were left out of Treaty Number Eight, and the negative impact the oil industry has had on their community. Venne discusses the Lubicon land claim and the standoff between the Cree and the government of Canada. Following the presentation is a discussion between Venne and Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney on these issues.

This file contains a presentation by Stuart Myiow Sr. and Stuart Myiow Jr. Myiow Sr. expresses skepticism that this Royal Commission will be able to influence the federal government and feels that if Aboriginals in Canada achieve self-government, it must be done in conjunction with the Great Law of Peace. Myiow Jr.

File contains a presentation by Denis Jacques and Marie-France Chabot of the Barreau de Quebec. After an introduction of the Association by Denis Jacques, Chabot delivers a detailed report on the particular legal position of Quebec's Aboriginal population relative to those in other provinces. She discusses Treaties, the impact of French Civil law, the unique experience of New France and related matters in framing her argument. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand comment on the contents and discuss it with Chabot.

File contains a presentation by the Council of the Huron-Wendat Nation. Participants include Grand Chief Jocelyne Gros Louis, Deputy Chief Francois Vincent, and Legal Adviser Michel Pouliot. Gros Louis presents a brief on the case for Huron-Wendat self-determination and self governance, and comments on its economic and political components. Gros Louis makes reference to the Murray Treaty her people made with British Govenor James Murray of Quebec. Pouliot elaborates on the land claim concerns of the Huron people.

File contains a presentation by the Gaming Commission by Councillor Ed Hayden in charge of Economic Development and Gaming, Carl Roberts, and General Manager Ernie James of the Gaming Commission. The three presenters discuss relations with the province, gaming developments on the First Nation, Treaty rights, self government, self determination, economic and jurisdictional concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Government of the Northwest Territories, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs.

File contains a presentation by Theresa Dust of the Muskeg Lake First Nation. Dust discusses the creation of an urban reserve in Saskatoon as a result of the Treaty Land Entitlement Process, and associated issues.

File contains a presentation by Tom Nepetayo of the Indian Council of First Nations. Nepetayo addresses the Commission, and Commissioner Blakeney in particular, with regards to Aboriginal self-governance and intergovernmental affairs in this context. Blakeney addresses the points raised by Mr. Nepetayo, and following this a discussion occurs between the two Commissioners and the three presenters from the Indian Council of First Nations (Chief Andrew Kirkness, Rod Martin and Tom Nepetaypo) on a variety of issues raised in their presentations.

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 Vern Cheechoo. Cheechoo discusses the diversity of people in the Moose Factory area (both in terms of Aboriginal groups, and non-Aboriginals) making various distinctions, and stating that the inherent right to self-government comes from a relationship with the territory itself. Cheechoo also discusses the need to acknowledge diversities and begin to "cherish and begin to give honour to each other because of our distinctiveness."

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 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."

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.

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 Walter Stonechild concerning various issues of the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present. In addition brief comments and the closing prayer are also present.

File contains a presentation by Wilbert McLeod. McLeod represents the Moose Factory Claimant Group, whose grandparents were "arbitrarily exluded from Treaty No. 9 in 1905 by the Treaty Commissioners." McLeod lays out his organizations claim and discusses how the ancestors of his organization were left out of Treaty 9, and how that Treaty was negotiated in an arbitrary manner by officials who did not consider how the people defined themselves.

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 for the British Columbia Medical Association by Alan Clews, Phil Hall and David Martin concerning the health system in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.