Treaties

File contains an introductory presentation by Henry Wetelainen of the Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association. He introduces five zone presidents of the Association: Sheilagh Chief, Howard Restoule, Ron Swain, Joe Major and Agnes Lidstone. The zones include 63 communities; Metis communities, off-reserve Aboriginal people, those with band membership, those who are treaty, and have chosen to work within the organization. Wetelainen introduces the first speaker, Ron Swain.

File contains opening remarks mainly by Chief Lorne Waditaka, Chief of the Wahpeton First Nation. Waditaka discusses national issues such as the Constitution and First Nations place in it, the development of self-governance structures, the need for continued federal responsibilities and the importance of the treaties, the Metis people and their place in Canada, urban aboriginals, justice issues, social issues, and what he hopes will be gained from the hearings of the Royal Commission. Waditaka then introduces Commissioners Bertha Wilson, Paul Chartrand, Rene Dussault, and Mary Sillet.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus delivered at the hearing of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at La Ronge, Saskatchewan on Thursday May 28, 1992. Erasmus intorduces the Commission and its mandate to the people in attendance, and discusses a wide range of Aboriginal issues as well as his hopes that the Commission will be an excercise in developing positive solutions to issues rather than just another study.

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 opening remarks by Sherry Lawson, moderator for the afternoon discussion on youth activities in the Aboriginal Community; the subject of Aboriginal Women; the Orillia Fish Weirs and the subject of the Extinguishment of Treaty Rights.

File contains a panel discussion regarding sovereignty and jurisdiction featuring Terry Nelson, Leonard Nelson, and the assembled Commissioners. The Nelsons discuss sovereignty and jurisdiction matters as they relate to Aboriginal peoples, and particularly to the Ojibway people in Manitoba in the context of international law, economics, and race relations. The assembled Commissioners discuss some of the ideas raised with the Nelsons.

File contains an individual presentation by Agnes Gendron describing the impact of Bill C-31 upon her personally. Relatives of the speaker were present at the signing of Treaty Six in 1876 and she questions whether Aboriginal women will ever enjoy the full rights that the treaties should have provided them. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Albert Fisher, followed by a Closing Prayer for the day's sitting of the Commission at the Nipissing First Nations Band Complex, North Bay, Ontario, May 19, 1993. Albert Fisher offers some personal reflections on Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal relations in Ontario as they pertain to politics, the legal system, community and individual relations.

File contains a presentation by Alex Cywink. He discusses his views on Aboriginal issues in Ontario, including his discussions with Howard Hampton and the provincial government, the importance of honouring existing treaties before negotiating new agreements, and his views on the work of the Royal Commission. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cywink and Commissioners Dussault and Erasmus on the issues raised.

The file contains a presentation by Andrew Kirkness, Indian Council, First Nations of Manitoba, and President Glen McIvor of the Wabowden Treaty Council. Kirkness discusses off-reserve Treaty people's issues including relations with the Department of Indian Affairs, Bill C-31 issues, the Northern Flood Agreement, education funding, economic development, provincial funding, housing, cultural programs, hunting, justice issues, views on the Royal Commission, views on the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, and land issues.

The file contains a presentation by Art Petahtegoose. Petahtegoose, a Professor at Cambrian College from the White Fish Lake First Nation, discusses Government judiciary education and Treaties. Petahtegoose discusses the Indian Act, Aboriginal rights, traditional governance amongst the Ojibwa, and related issues in this context. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Petahtegoose.

File contains a presentation by Barbara Johnson, a Micmac person from Hants County, Nova Scotia. Johnson discusses a wide variety of issues including Micmac identity, the Indian Act, Aboriginal women's issues, drugs, mobility rights, traditional lifestyles, and Education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners on issues covered.

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 Bernard Gordon concerning the provision of Treaty Rights to the Aboriginal Community on and off reserves. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

This file contains a presentation by Brenda Gedeon Miller that first gives a brief history of the Mi'kmaq Nation in Canada, describing Mi'kmaq government and the Mi'kmaq way of life. The presenter's First Nation has recently begun to assert its jurisdiction within their territory and have reorganized the administration of their local government, and also have obtained a mandate from community members to continue to "reassemble our Nation, our governments and our communities." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Andrew Thomas addressing the toxic waste located on the Esquimalt Reserve and asking why it are no toxic waste disposal facilities in all of British Columbia. Thomas is also chairman of the Land Claims Committee for the First Nations of South Island, British Columbia. He reads briefly from a report from that committee documenting the history of the Douglas Treaties and states that the Fisheries Act trumps all fishing rights negotiated during the Douglas Treaties signings.

File contains a presentation by Chief Calvin McArthur of the Pheasant Rump Nakoda Band. McArthur is also a representative of the Dakota Nation Chiefs. McArthur explains his view that the Treaties are nation to nation agreements, and relates how his own band signed an adhesion to Treaty No. 4 in 1876.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Walkem, Cooks' Ferry Indian Band, Nlaka'pamux Nation. Walkem presents on natural resource concerns on behalf of the Nlaka'pamux Nation. He makes a series of recommendations including the signing of a Treaty and a direct relationship between the overall Nlaka'pamux Nation (see previous presentation by Chief Robert Pasco) and the federal government. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Walkem and Pasco.

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 by Chief Edward John with the First Nations Summit Task Group, regarding Treaty negotiations between the the government of Canada and the Aboriginal Community in the Province of British Columbia. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

File contains a presentation by Chief Eli Mandamin relating to the treaty relationship between Anishinabe First Nations and the federal government.

File contains a opening remarks by the Chief of the Eskasoni First Nation welcoming the Commission to his territory. It also contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus discussing the beginning of the "hearing phase" of the Commission's work, and the areas to be covered in its mandate including: self-government, treaties, a land base for people, economic development, women's issues, elder's issues, youth issues, the constitution, and "just about anything you might think of that affects aboriginal people. Our mandate covers all aboriginal people in all parts of the country."

File contains a presentation by Chief George Fern, Prince Albert Tribal Council. Fern states that he is the Chief of the Fond du Lac First Nation, and that resource co-management and revenue sharing is the position his Nation takes on economic development in the area which he believes is consistent with Treaty.

File contains a presentation by Chief Harold Turner discussing seven issues that affect First Nations people: self-government, treaties, natural resources and Aboriginal title to land, economic development, taxation, education and First Nations government financial concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Harry Cook, La Ronge Indian Band. Cook welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand to La Ronge, and expresses his solidarity with other Aboriginal peoples such as the Metis. Cook also discusses the importance of Treaties to his people.

The file contains a presentation by Chief Richard Lebourdais focusing on Aboriginal self-government. He makes a number of recommendations relating to self-government, including that the federal government financially assist First Nations in developing First Nations governments, and that the governments also recognize and uphold the 'pre-Treaty' agreements that are in place and that are presently being negotiated. 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 opening remarks from Elder Vincent Stogan and moderator Lou Desmarais. Also included in this portion is a presentation by Chief Russell Kwasistak concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

This file contains a presentation given by Chief Strator Crowfoot relating to Aboriginal self-government and the Alternative Funding Arrangement Agreement. Crowfoot asks the Commission to look at different ways of approaching how government deals with First Nations and how they can bring together the resources on a global basis to work with Aboriginal groups. Crowfoot introduces the next speaker, Fred Breaker, Councillor, Siksika Nation.

File contains a presentation by Cliff Wright. Following an introduction by facilitator Murray Hamilton, an employee of the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Wright discusses his role as Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and what that entails. Wright also discusses land allocation practices in in the province.

File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus during the first public meeting of said Commission. Erasmus spoke about how Chief Thunderchild viewed the need to hold on to Aboriginal land rights, and how this was still important in the nineteen-nineties.

This file contains a presentation by Crystal King, a Mississauga band member of the New Credit First Nation, relating to the history of the Ojibwa in southern Ontario, the arrival of European explorers, the signing of treaties and present-day membership and facilities on the New Credit First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Diane Petersen. Petersen gives an overview of the Gwich'in Final Agreement, a land claim deal between the federal government and the Gwich'in people which applies to part of the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

The file contains a presentation by Donald Saunders, York First Nation. Saunders discusses "the relocation of the York Factory Band, the Treaty Land Entitlements, the Northern Flood Agreement, land claims and land exchanges." Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand discusses some of the issues raised with Saunders.

This file contains a presentation by Doug Maracle and William Tooshkewig relating to the Constitutional Process of 1980-1981 that eventually saw Section 35 entrenched in the Canadian Constitution. The presenters feel that Aboriginal people "will no longer accept more broken treaties and will not accept the continuation of the status quo." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Dwight Dorey and Roger Hunka relating to the "continued marginalization of off-reserve Aboriginals in Nova Scotia that continues to block their participation and full contribution to the broader society." Hunka cites the Navajo Nation in the United States and their success with the George H.W.

File contains a presentation by Earl Magnusson, Director of Urban Development, Federation of Saskatchewan Indians. Magnusson speaks on the issues facing urban Aboriginal people in Saskatchewan. He discusses Treaty rights, self-governance, and municipal service delivery. Following the presentation is a discussion between Magnusson and Commissioners Wilson, Chartrand, and Erasmus on these issues as well as the "portability" of Aboriginal rights.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Native News Network by Elder Arthur Honyust. Elder Honyust, an Oneida Elder from the Turtle Clan, discusses his views on a new relationship between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people, self-determination for Aboriginal people, self-sufficiency, and treaties. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with Honyust.

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 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 Ethel Blondin, MP, who briefly discusses a multitude of concerns relating to Aboriginal, Metis and Dene peoples. She calls for a national youth conference on issues such as AIDS education, substance abuse and single parent families. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Fourth Vice-Chief Tom Iron of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Iron presents on health care, and specifically what it means to the FSIN in the Treaty Six area. He discusses the paramount importance of the treaties, and their meaning to Saskatchewan First Nations. He also discusses some of the Health provisions in Treaty no. Six. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand discusses the FSIN defintion of "nation" with Iron.

This file contains a presentation given by Fred Breaker discussing a number of subjects, including building a high school on Siksika First Nation, land claims and self-governemnt. Breaker and Chief Strator Crowfoot answer questions from the Commissioners after the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Gaby Bird. Bird is a representative of the Mushekegowuk Student Services organization. Bird discusses treaty and educational concerns. Bird sees it as fundamental that non-Aboriginal society be educated in Aboriginal history and culture from an early age to bridge the gaps of ignorance between the two peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson with Beck and preceding presenter Hunter on their educational programs.

This file contains a presentation by Gary Gould recommending that "all Aboriginal people must determine for themselves how they will govern or be governed and that in order for this to fully occur, Aboriginal people must participate as full and equal partners who have a special right to participate in the legislative institutions of this land." Gould re-introduces Frank Palmater, President, New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, who will speak about healing, a Royal Commission touchstone.

This file contains a presentation by Gary Metallic that continues with the history of the Mi'kmaq Nation in Canada. He advises the Commission that he "must caution Canadian Governments against continuing to prosecute our people in your courts for exercising their treaty rights." Metallic also states that civil law is incompatible with Mi'kmaq law, as civil law is based on individual rights and Mi'kmaq is based on collective rights. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 Gerry Penney, representative, Conne River, Newfoundland, that reiterates statements made by the previous speaker, Jerry Wetzel, also of Conne River, Newfoundland.

This file contains a presentation by Ghislain Picard focusing on the relationship between Aboriginals in Quebec and Labrador and the federal government.

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

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.

File contains a presentation by Jerry Wetzel of Conne River, Newfoundland, describing in detail the history of the Mi'kmaq people in Newfoundland and the French in the 1700s. He debunks the "Mi'kmaq Mercenary Myth," a common myth that the Mi'kmaq people were brought to Newfoundland by the French to exterminate the Beothuks. Wetzel states that the Royal Proclamation of 1763 has been used by the Canadian government to "try to oppress the Mi'kmaq people and to destroy, to usurp their lands and destroy their self-government.

File contains a presentation by Joe Miskokomon, Grand Chief, Union of Ontario Indians. Miskokomon delivers a presentation on behalf of his organization that deals with the challenges facing its members: namely, self-governance, overcoming divisions between Aboriginal peoples, the struggle for women's equality, urban issues, and others. Miskomon states that he views self-governance primarily as a question of jurisdiction, and that jurisdictional issues must be addressed. Following the presentation are comments and a discussion between Commissioners Dussault, Erasmus, Robinson and Miskomon.

File contains a presentation by John Dantouze, Prince Albert Tribal Council. Dantouze presents on behalf of Saskatchewan's three Denesuline nations with regard to their Treaties (Number Eight and Number Ten) and their court case against the federal government. The case centred around the negotiations between the government and the Inuit to create Nunavut, and the Dene argued that their traditional territories were being unfairly partitioned and given away to the new territory.