Economic Development

File contains a presentation by Olie Schell. Schell is the manager of Career Development and Employment for the Government of Alberta. Schell discusses programs which Alberta Career Development and Employment have been involved with in the area around Fort McMurray. Following the presentation is a discussion between Schell and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of these programs.

File contains a presentation by Oscar Kistabish on Algonquin Economic Development. Kistabish, whose Algonquin name is Osezima, discusses the history of his people, his idea of autonomy and self-sufficiency, the importance of territory and the different conceptions which Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people have of it.

File contains a presentation by Pat Harper, representative of Metis Women of Manitoba. The topics she covers include representation, housing, education and training, economic development, family services and culture. Following this is a discussion between Harper and the Commissioners on the topics covered.

This file contains a presentation by Patrick J. Lavelle, Robert Campbell and Steven Christianson that focuses on their organization's attempts to bridge the gap economically between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in Canada. The presenters call for the formation of an Aboriginal development bank, and for the creation of an education foundation to assist young Aboriginals to remain in high school and to consider careers in business or as entrepreneurs.

File contains a presentation by Paul Daignault, President, Student Association. Daignault makes reference to previous presentations during the day and claims that "all of these things I see as the root of the problem is jobs basically. People do not have jobs and which leads to all kinds of social issues." Daignault goes on to discuss funding for Metis and Status Indian post-secondary education, and how he thinks Education should be a top priority in Canadian Constitutional talks.

File contains a presentation by Paul Fritts. Fritts, a Mohawk, and a lawyer, discusses economic issues with particular respect to Status Indian peoples. Included in his presentation are his views on the Indian Act as it pertains to economic matters, and problems attracting investment. Following the presentation are some comments by Commissioners Blakeney and Wilson.

The file contains a presentation by Paul Scotchman on behalf of the Western Indian Agricultural Producers Association. Scotchman discusses Aboriginal agriculture as it relates to the Commission's four areas of focus: relationship, self-determination, self-sufficiency and healing.

File contains a presentation by Pauloosie Weetaluktuk, Co-op and Grocers' Association. Weetaluktuk discusses the high cost of living in the community, and the difficulties this causes not only for individuals but for Co-ops and small businesses. Weetaluktuk also discusses the problem of high rents for tenants in the north. Commissioner Dussault thanks her for her presentation and remarks that the Commission has heard complaints regarding the cost of living at other locations across the north and will be making note of it.

File contains a presentation by Pearl Calahasen, MLA for the Lesser Slave Lake constituency in Alberta. She begins her presentation by acknowledging she is speaking as an Aboriginal person, not as MLA. She describes her personal experiences with racism when entering high school in a large city, with post-secondary educational institutions, and with her campaign to run for MLA. Calahasen discusses education, economic development, and fishing, hunting and trapping issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Peter Gull whose corporation's objective is to create local employment in the forestry industry and to bring economic opportunities to the community. He believes that non-fulfilment of the government's obligations with the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement "creates more damage and greater hardship to the individual." Gull calls upon the Commission to pressure the government to respect their obligations according to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation made by Marie Symes Grehan for the Pinehouse Metis Society Local and Deputy Mayor George Smith. The presentation touched on the topics of economic development and employment in the Metis community. Also contained are comments and questions concerning the Intervenor Funding Program.

File contains a presentation by President Jim Evoy, Northwest Territories Federation of Labour. Evoy discusses Aboriginal employment and labour unions as a vehicle for social change. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Evoy.

File contains a presentation by Ralph Richard on behalf of Native Employment Services in High Level, Alberta. Richard discusses his organizations history as a formerly federally funded, and now provincially funded agency that acts as an "honest broker" between non-Aboriginal employers and Aboriginal people. Richard discusses some of the issues his organization faces in this respect and their work with pipeline companies in Alberta. Following the presentation is a discussion between Richard and Commissioners Beaulieu, Robinson, and Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Rebecca Johnson that acknowledges the need to work with Aboriginal businesspeople. She believes that changes to the Indian Act would permit Aboriginals to be more involved in business, and that GST makes accounting practices difficult for Aboriginal businesspeople. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Rev. Dr. Raymond Hodgson and Rev. Peter Hemel. Their organization is a national ecumenical coalition, one of 12 national coalitions of the major Christian churches in Canada. The Taskforce assists the members in implementing policies adopted by the churches in the areas of corporate, social and environmental responsibility. For example, the Taskforce worked with the Nisga'a relating to a mine built in Alice Arm, British Columbia.

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.

File contains a presentation by Robert Bruce Jr. that touches on a number of subjects, including preservation of Aboriginal culture, economic development, women's rights, lack of employment and funding for a local youth camp. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a brief presentation by Robert Michel relating to the history of Aboriginal self-government. He cites the Indian Act as a policy that has "taken away the natural and economic resource base which is necessary for Aboriginal people to remain self-sufficient." He then introduces the next speaker, Desmond Peters.

The file contains a presentation by Rod Murphy, MP. Murphy, New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for the Federal riding of Churchill, discusses the aftermath of the Charlottetown Accord referendum, his views on Aboriginal issues in Canada, positive achievements in the recent past, educational programs, employment programs, the situation in his own riding, housing issues, transportation issues, water and infrastructure issues, health issues, child care issues, seniors issues, addictions issues, land claims issues, justice issues, the Indian Act, and resource issues.

File contains a presentation by Roger Cousins. Cousins speaks on the topic of land claims in the Eastern arctic. He discusses Aboriginal land claims in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and then the Nunavut claim in the Eastern arctic. In answerance to Commissioner Dussault's earlier question on where the Commission should start Cousins states "a good place to start would be to make sure that the Inuit have a land base in their home communities." Following the presentation Commmissioner Dussault discusses the topic with Cousins.

This file contains a presentation by Roger Obonsawin relating to problems faced by Aboriginal communities and individuals. He offers a number of solutions, including recognizing Aboriginal and treaty rights to form the basis for strong, self-sufficient Aboriginal communities; initiating economic development that focuses on small business development; and that Indian and Northern Affairs Canada be relieved of its responsibility for implementing and negotiating self-government initiatives. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Ron Abreira focusing on economic opportunities for the Kahnawake community. Kahnawake residents are involved in construction, restaurants, arts and crafts and automotive services, and Abreira is leading his organization's diversification into new markets. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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.

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 presentations made by Roy Bird, Clive Diller and Del Anaquod of the Saskatchewan Indian Equality Foundation, concerning economic development, loans and banking in the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included.

File contains a presentation by Roy Cheechum on Community Project Development. Cheechum delivers a brief history of La Loche, an overview of problems the community faces such as high unemployment and high dependency on outside goods and services, housing issues, economic developments, tourism, and government spending in the community, the lack of a community tax base, and the success of the non-profit Methy Construction. Cheechum suggests that government spending has generally been ineffective and poorly delivered given the communities needs.

File contains a presentation by Ruth Flowers. Flowers presents on the concerns of the Makkovik Women's Group which include the establishment of daycare in the region, economic development and the impact of hard times for the fisheries, concern with vandalism in the community, and concerns with the justice system. Following the presentation Flowers discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Dussault and Robinson.

File contains multiple presentations on the topic of Gaming related issues. The first presentation is by Mary Star and Gary Courchene of the Sakeeng Gaming Commission (pg. 82-84). Star discusses the creation of the Gaming Commission and the hope that proceeds could be used for the betterment of the community. Star also discusses conflict with the provincial government over their plans. Courchene introduces himself but declines to comment on these issues.

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.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Central Okanagan Regional District by Sharron Simpson, Chairperson. Simpson discusses her viewpoint as a Canadian with little knowledge of Aboriginal peoples. Simpson discusses her limited experiences with First Nations and Inuit people in her youth, the colonial mentality, the sociological concept of anomie, the need for mutual respect and understanding to forge a new relationship, work with the Westbank Indian Band, and concerns about the development of self-government. Simpson also makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission.

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.

File contains a presentation by Snowden Parsons. Parsons discusses the importance of education for young Labradorians. He points out that 85 percent of Labradorians have never completed high school, and that the time has come for "a center to press for workforce education and quality education."

The file contains a presentation by Abbey Crook of the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre. Crook, Executive Director of the Centre, makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on behalf of Northwest Territories Friendship Centres. These include culture and language recommendations; education recommendations; justice recommendations; social recommendations (in terms of delivery of social services); and economic recommendations all based on a survey conducted by the Friendship Centres of their constituencies.

File contains a presentation by Soulion Herney. Herney is an individual from Eskasoni who wishes to have Kellys Mountain (aka Glooscap's Mountain) preserved as a sacred Micmac heritage site. This has brought the Micmac into conflict with the Kelly Rock Company which wishes to turn the site into a gravel quarry.

File contains a presentation by Steeve Mathias, Director General, Algonquin Economic Development. Mathias, a representative of the largest Algonquin institution for economic development, discusses Algonquin economic concerns. Mathias discusses the current situation of the Algonquin economy, the steps he sees as being necessary to invigorate it, and some of the problems he sees with federal programs designed to aid it. Following his presentation Mathias discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Dussault, Polson, Blakeney and Robinson.

File contains presentations by Mary John Sr., Ernie John, Celina John and Scott McIntosh focusing on working with the Aboriginal youth of the Stoney Creek area in teaching traditions and folklore. The Society has also attempted to encourage economic development with trapping and ranching on the First Nations but has encountered roadblocks due to a lack of funding from the federal government. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Tamara Bell, Proprietor, Pow Wow Native Arts and Fashion Centre. Bell is a Haida woman and entrepreneur who presents on economic issues. Bell discusses the need for an economic base, the ability of businesses to "bridge gaps and cut through cultural and social boundaries," and claims "Economic independence has a distinct advantage in helping both the Native and Non-Native community." Following the presentation Bell answers questions from Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand on the issues raised in her presentation.

File contains a presentation by Ted Andersen, Makkovik Economic Development. Andersen discusses training program, employment issues, trapping and fishing, and general economic issues facing the community.

File contains a presentation by Arnold Paul of the Temagami First Nation. Paul discusses his home community of Bear Island, education, and economic development; specifically M'Kwa Minissi Anishnabaquec which operates a craft shop and training program for local women. Paul recommends to the Commission that the government negotiate self-governance arrangements on a case by case basis to suit the needs of individual communities.

File includes a presentation by Vice-President Denis Gill of the Centre Block of the Atikamekw and Montagnais Council. Gill expresses his thanks for the preceding presenters position on land claims, then goes on to his topic which is the federal Pathways program for Aboriginal labour force training. Gill gives an overview of the program than highlights a variety of problems with it, particularly in terms of administration, allocation of resources, and implementation. Following Gill's presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank him and discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by the Corporation de developement economique montagnaise and by the Conseil regional de concertation et d'intervention en milieu amerindien. Presenters include co-coordinator Stephane Bacon of the CRCI, President Zacharie Mollen of the CRCI, and General Manager Paul A Fournier of the CDEM. Stephane Bacon covers a variety of economic concerns including Band management of businesses, Constitutional, Treaty, and Indian Act issues, the need for sharing based on equality and respect, and the need for self-governance to direct economic development.

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 Grand Lac Victoria Band Council Helene Michel and James Papati. Helene discusses education and building a healthy cultural self-image, as well as inspiring the youth of the First Nation. James discusses political questions facing the band, including some of the unique circumstances it faces as a Band without a reserve which inhabits La Verendrye Park, economic matters, and land ownership issues. The assembled Commissioners comment on and discuss some of these issues with Michel and Papati.

The file contains a presentation by Jim Ivens and Bill Gagnon of the Hay River Chamber of Commerce. President Ivens welcomes the Commission, discusses his organization's mandate, and introduces Bill Gagnon. Bill Gagnon then delivers a presentation discussing the Hay River business communities views on Aboriginal relations, self-governance, culture, cross-cultural understanding, economics, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business, self-government and definitions of self-government, education, and general business issues.

File contains a presentation by Chief Henri Ottawa, and Gregoire Flamand of the Manawan Grand Council. Flamand discusses infrastructure, social and economic concerns. Chief Ottawa next presents on culture, self-determination, self-sufficiency, and economic concerns. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

The file contains a presentation by the Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories by Gary Bohnet, and Garth Wallbridge. President Gary Bohnet discusses health, education (including post-secondary), economic, housing, trapping, and equity of access to programs for Metis people. Garth Wallbridge discusses the Metis Nation Accord, the failure of the NWT to develop a Metis curriculum despite developing a Dene curriculum, home ownership programs, government assistance for Aboriginal people generally, and the definition of Metis people.

File contains a presentation by Germain Paul, Native Training Institute of Quebec. Paul discusses his organization and his frustrations with the approach the government has taken towards training and employment projects. Paul also makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission to fix the problems he highlighted. The Commissioners respond that they will look into the matter quickly.

The file contains a presentation by the Nisga'a First Nation by Herbert Morven, Reg Percival, Peter Squires, and Tommy Dennis. Herbert Morven introduces the other presenters; Reg Percival speaks on behalf of the Gitlakdamix Band Council and the Tribal Council, Peter Squires speaks on behlaf of the Health Board, and Tommy Dennis makes a presentation on behalf of the Nisga'a Nation's urban locals.

File contains a presentation by Serge Lefebrve, representative of the Central Council for Northwest Quebec, CNTU, an affiliated body of the Confederation of National Trade Unions. Lefebrve discusses his labour organizations relationship with the Cree and Algonquin peoples of Northwestern Quebec, a relationship he recounts as beginning in a common front to defeat a plan to store PCBs in the region.

File contains a presentation by the Region of Nunavik Chairman Eli Weetaluktuk and Member Simeonie Nalukturak. Weetaluktuk discusses Inuit self-government, the Canadian Constitution, the history of the Quebec Inuit's movement towards self-government, justice issues, employment and job training, and economic development.