Reserves

The file contains an open forum presentation by Physllis Kinoshameg. Kinoshameg, a member of the Wikwemikong First Nation and a provincial civil servant in Ontario, discusses public and private sector Aboriginal employment equity issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Kinoshameg.

RCAP 31 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Jubilee Hall, Lac La Biche, Alberta. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations on a variety of subjects such as education, child and family services, health care, unemployment, off-reserve issues, land claims and self-government. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 33 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Samson Bingo Hall, Hobbema, Alberta. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations on a variety of subjects such as post-secondary education, health care, child and family welfare, and substance abuse. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

Contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Saskatoon Indian and Native Friendship Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations relating to education, land claims, self-government, on- and off-reserve Aboriginals, training of Aboriginals in education and law enforcement, and women's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains an opening prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples on November 3, 1992 in Cranbrook, British Columbia, by Raymond Abraham, followed by a presentation on the history of the St. Mary's Indian Band by Denise Birdstone. Birdstone discusses the history of the Ktunaxa people who at the time of the Commission comprised five bands in the Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council including St. Mary's, Columbia Lake, Shuswap, Lower Kootenay, and Tobacco Plains.

RCAP 60 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the West Ballroom, Inn of the South, Cranbrook, British Columbia. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations including a variety of First Nations politicians, a veterans organization, the United Church, and individuals. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains an opening prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Sept Iles, Quebec, on November 19, 1992 (translated into English from the original French), followed by a historical account of the community provided by Commissioner of the day and President of the Elders, Montagnais Nation, Daniel Vachon.

File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, Terry Legge, Wilbert Wesley, Christina Delaney, Elie Chilton, and Phoebe Sutherland at the Northern Lights School in Moosonee, Ontario. The wide ranging conversation addresses a variety of topics including educational policy, cultural retention and rejuvenation, and social problems.

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.

The file contains further comments by Kathy First Rider. First Rider discusses her experiences growing up on reserve, how perceptions have changed amongst the Blackfoot youth since her childhood, her job educating the children in history and the Blackfoot language, encounters with racism in southern Alberta, and her views on these matters.

This file contains an individual presentation by Dave Yager, a former columnist and non-Aboriginal who wrote about Aboriginal issues in the Calgary Sun. One column raised the ire of many Aboriginal people and Yager was thrust into the spotlight concerning the "'political correctness' of the Native affairs debate." He gives his views on Aboriginal education, self-government, NAFTA and taxation. A prickly question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Addison Crow, Blood Indian Reserve. Crow discusses self-governance, and a written presentation that has been submitted to the Commissioners dealing with 31 issues based on ten years of research ranging from health care, social services, "the Indian Act, et cetera, et cetera." Crow mentions that he feels like a "cat within a dog pen because my relatives here did not sign the treaties and we did in Alberta." Crow formally requests the Commission visit the Blood reserve in Alberta.

File contains a presentation by Barrie Conkin, Mayor, City of North Battleford. Conkin discusses the issues facing municipalities with regard to increased urban Aboriginal populations, urban reserve designation, treaty land entitlements, and general self-governance issues. Conkin states that more consultation is needed with municipal governments and citizens at the grassroots level (rather than provincial and federal) in order to put workable self-government arrangements in place. Following the presentation is a discussion between Conkin and Commissioners Erasmus and Blakeney on these issues.

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.

File contains a presentation by Bernice Cree, Chief, Fort McMurrary No. 468, First Nations. Cree gives an overview of her First Nation and its reserve including demography, economy, and some of the social issues it faces. Cree also comments on government policy regarding her First Nation.

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.

File contains a presentation by Carol Wildcat discussing a variety of issues with the Ermineskin First Nations, including the high drop-out rate of high school students, lack of housing, life skills, violence against women and children and unemployment. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners and Wildcat, Brian Lee and Jim Minde.

File contains a presentation by Cathy Adcock focusing on troubled Aboriginal youth who move to Thunder Bay from reserves without a support system. These youth may have experienced hardship in their family life and are on their own once they arrive in the city, looking for employment, continuing with their education or leaving a troubled family situation. Adcock calls on the Commission to help secure more funding for programs and services to assist youth in the transition from reserve life to city life. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a brief presentation by Charlie Francis. Francis discusses his view of band governance, arguing the Chiefs have too much authority, Economic development, the need for a constitution or charter for band governance, and the Premier of Quebec who he refers to as "the next Hitler in our country."

File contains a presentation by Chief Don Moses, Lower Nicola Indian Band. Moses discusses the economic history of the Nicola Valley, and the history of his people. Moses gives some concrete recommendations to develop a land use and economic development framework for his people, for which Commissioners Dussault and Chatrand thank him.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Beaucage of the Nipissing First Nation. Chief Beaucage discusses the demographic composition of his First Nation, Bill C-31, on and off-reserve populations, housing issues, the Nation's land base and related land issues, a proposed "First Nation Chartered Land Act" with 17 components, land claims, education concerns, and language concerns.

File contains a presentation by Gilbert Anderson that describes the people of his First Nations as being "a little island by outselves." Anderson describes the events leading to the formation of the reserve and 1958, its surrender. Anderson states that descendants of the original Michel Band still select leaders and maintain social ties, and the Band's goal now is to secure a land base. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor Jack Thompson regarding the distribution and structure of Social Services on the reserves of the Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) First Nation. Thompson makes some suggestions about how resources could be better utilized, and discusses the amtter with Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah.

File contains a presentation by Chief Jerry Attachie, Doig River First Nation. Attachie discusses his issues with resource companies, specifically forestry and oil companies, causing problems for his peoples trapping and hunting activities. Attachie also discusses concerns with education and housing. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Attachie.

File contains a presentation by Chief Joe Nicholas of the Columbia Lake Indian Band. Nicholas highlights some of his concerns notably in the land management and economic sphere, and argues that First Nations governments must be given direct control over their particular spheres in order for economic and social progress to take place.

File contains a presentation by Chief Sidney Sam Senior of the Ahousaht Education Authority. Sidney Sam discusses his views on the on-reserve education system and makes a series of reccomendations (including funding and cultural concerns) regarding what he thinks should be done to enhance it. Following the presentation is a discussion between Sam and Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah regarding the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Stewart Paul of the Tobique First Nation. Paul welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson to Tobique, then proceeds to discuss the history of the First Nation, its part in Pre-Confederation Treaties, the creation of their reserve, its war veterans in numerous global conflicts, notable individuals from Tobique, and some of the economic and social concerns faced by the nation. Paul also elaborates on some of the programming undertaken by the community to deal with these concerns.

File contains a presentation by Clarence Fournier on behalf of the Beaver First Nation. Fournier discusses post-secondary education and the challenges which his people face in aquiring it including bureaucratic difficulties, and housing concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Fournier and Commissioners Dussault, Robinson, and Beaulieu on post-secondary education issues.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Darrin Crowshoe. Crowshoe, from the Peigan Nation, discusses some of his life experiences and philosophy.

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.

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.

File contains a presentation by Diane Schribe-MacPherson, relating the apathy of Aboriginal students towards improving campus life and the lack of co-operation between the Students Union and the BU Native Organization. She also deals with several issues personally affecting her life as a post-secondary student. A discussion with the Commissioners follows the three Brandon University presentations.

File contains a presentation by Don Ryan focusing on Aboriginal rights and title. He gives the Commission documents that his organization wants recorded in the official record for the purposes of the Commission. He introduces Herb George, speaking for the Wet'suwet'en people.

File contains a presentation by Eileen Van Bibber that offers six proposals relating to the Liard First Nation and its residents. They include construction of a building for the creation and sale of crafts, training of band members for equipment operation in the Liard area, and construction of a community hall. Van Bibber calls for funding to achieve these goals. Following the presentation is a lengthy discussion with Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Viola Robinson.

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 Gabe Mentouck, a member of Native Mediation Inc. Mentouck relates why he opposes inherent Indian self-government, and tells a personal story of persecution and abuse by the Chief on his reserve. Mentouck highlights problems with a lack of accountability in Status Indian leadership, a lack of respect for individual rights on reserve, gangsterism and threatening behaviour towards those who opposse the status quo, and unfair treatment of himself from the wider Canadian legal system. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Mr.

File contains an a presentation by Gilbert Capot Blanc of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association. Blanc's presentation gives an account of the history of First Nations in Northeastern British Columbia, and how they came into Treaty Eight with the Crown, and the aftermath of entering into Treaty. Blanc discusses the Dunneza (Beaver), Cree, and Saulteaux inhabitants of the area from the 1790s onward. Commissioner Erasmus questions Blanc on how the Saulteaux (originally from the Lake Winnipeg area of what is now Manitoba) came to the area and Blanc describes what he knows of this history.

File contains a presentation by Gilbert Cheechoo focusing on the loss of Aboriginal culture. He is frustrated that his years of service with numerous Aboriginal organizations have done little to help. Cheechoo feels the Canadian Government needs to abandon the broken system it has in place and settle the land claims and self-government issues. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gordon F.D. Wilson, Leader of the Official Opposition of British Columbia. He believes that the principle of Aboriginal self-government should be entrenched with the Canadian Constitution, and accomplished through negotiation, not litigation. Wilson also calls for commissions that will examine Aboriginal health care and social justice issues. He acknowledges problems relating to Aboriginal people living off-reserve should be considered by the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Grace Menconse, Vice-President of Native Mediation Inc. Menconse, a Bill C-31 person, discusses her groups problems with an undefined self-government, jurisdictional issues, with lack of accountability and transparency in Band politics, and the need to apply the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Status Indians. Menconse also discusses electoral fraud and serious human rights abuses which she accuses Aboriginal leadership of being complicit in.

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 Howard Sark with regards to teaching youth the Micmac language, alcoholism, schools, and status issues.

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 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.

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 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.

The file contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon on social housing. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the Lethbridge rental market, homelessness, and Aboriginal student's housing needs. Chiefmoon also discusses the exclusion of the disabled from on-reserve housing programs at the Blood Reserve. Chiefmoon makes recommendations regarding emergency housing, the establishment of an urban Indian housing program, the establishment of a student housing program, and the need for Aboriginal representation on the city's Landlord-Tenant Board.

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.

File contains a presentation by Ken Harris, Meensganist Housing Society. Harris discusses his organization, a non-profit low-rental organization...not affiliated with any tribal councils or villages. We are actually independent." Harris discusses his organization's activities and associated housing concerns. Harris also discusses his relationship with the government and funding agencies, off-reserve migration of Aboriginal people to Prince Rupert and associated issues, and a series of questions about government policy.