Natural Resources

File contains an individual presentation by Sam Sinclair focusing on environmental issues, lack of employment for local Aboriginal people with logging and oil companies working in the Slave Lake area, and land claims. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation by Al Reid at the Round Table discussion at the Mini-Round table on Expanding Aboriginal Employment Opportunities.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation by John Burrell, Robert Norwegian and Ron Sunshine at the Round Table discussion at the Mini-Round table on Expanding Aboriginal Employment Opportunities.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation by Paul Bercier at the Round Table discussion at the Mini-Round table on Expanding Aboriginal Employment Opportunities.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation by Peter Verity, Chief Paddy Noskey and Randy Anderson at the Round Table discussion on Mini-Round table on Expanding Aboriginal Employment Opportunities.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes questions and a discussion by the Commissioners, Georges Erasmus and Viola Robinson, and the presenters at the Round Table discussion on. This part includes a presentation by Peter Verity, Chief Paddy Noskey and Randy Anderson at the Mini-Round table on Expanding Aboriginal Employment Opportunities.

The file contains a presentation by Al Adams, Deputy Mayor, City of Thompson. Deputy Mayor Adams welcomes the Commission to Thompson, then discusses its' demographic and economic composition, funding concerns, co-operation with Aboriginal communities, taxation issues, and resource development. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Adams.

File contains a presentation by Alfred Charlie relating to the valuable role elders play in passing down traditions and language to the youth of his community. He is disappointed that the youth must travel to the south to complete high school and any post-secondary education. Charlie also briefly discusses land claims, oil production and employment. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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.

File contains an individual presentation by Bill Gower. Gower, an active member of the community who's on the hamlet Council, discusses the problems he sees with the Education system. He stresses that unless something is done to create jobs in the area in the near future the effects of its failings will be catastrophic. Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney discuss these concerns and possible solutions with Gower.

File contains a presentation by Bob Neale, President of the Nicola Stock Breeders' Association. Neale discusses his concerns with the land claims process underway in the Nicola Valley area of British Columbia and makes a variety of requests including that grazing rules for Crown Land be the same for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal stock owners, and that an impartial third party be included in the land claims resolution process. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Neale for his contributions.

File contains a presentation by Buzzie (Henry) Phillips, and Rudy Simard. These two individuals speak on behalf of the community of Manigotagan, the Manigotagan Community Council, the Aboriginal Council of Manigotagan and Bill C-31 off-reserve Indians and the proposed Chillwee Indian Band. Their presentations make a variety of recommendations to aid Métis and non-Status Indian populations in the area particularly with respect to government jurisdiction, land rights, and natural resources. Following the presentation are remarks by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the presentations.

File contains a presentation by Chief Archie Waguan of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. Waguan discusses the relationship his people have had with the government of Canada since they signed Treaty Eight in 1899, and the negative impact that the Canadian government and industry have had on their community and the environment which sustains it. Waguan questions the intentions of the Commission and its mandate. Commissioner Blakeney responds to the concerns raised by Waguan, and Commissioner Chartrand also contributes some comments.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bernard Meneen, Narcisse Moberly, Chief Johnson Sewegaham, Francis Meneen, Gabe Meneen, Cliff Kazony, and Harold Cardinal, High Level Tribal Council. The file consists of two formal presentations by the Tribal Council and a dialogue between the representatives and the assembled Commissioners.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Chief Tony Mercredi, of the Athabasca Chipewyan Band. Mercredi welcomes the Commission, and remarks on his participation at the World Summit Conference in Rio. Mercredi then proceeds to deliver a presentation on the relationship between Canada and Aboriginal peoples and how he thinks it must be renogiated based on new principles of trust and understanding. Mercredi also disucsses the impact of pollution on his community with regard to the uranium mining, oil sands extraction and pulp mills.

File contains a presentation by Chris O'Brien. He discusses his views on ecological knowledge and the need for European Canadians to learn from Aboriginal people. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners voice their agreement and thank O'Brien for his presentation.

File contains a presentation by Clarence Apsassin, Blueberry River Reserve. He relates a brief history of Aboriginal people in North America from before 1492 down to the present day. Following this he discusses some of the history of Treaty 8 people, and his own work with various Aboriginal organizations. Apsassin makes a series of recommendations that Aboriginal governments be given more jurisdiction over their own affairs, and control over their own land and resources.

This file contains a presentation by Colleen Wilkinson, Simon Brown and Mike Dufresne relating to the Ranglin Project, an undeveloped nickel area 60 km west of the village of Cangatsujouat, Quebec. Approximately 20% of the Ranglin site workforce is Inuit and Falconbridge seeks to increase those numbers. Difficulties were encountered with the Inuit in terms of entering a work culture vs. continuing with their traditional lifestyle and being away from their families.

File contains a presentation by Commissioner of the Day Louis Morin. Morin discusses his own life experiences including the relocation of his people from Clear Lake to Turnor Lake by the government, fishing, hunting, and trapping issues. Following Morin's presentation Commissioner Dussault and discusses some of the issues raised with Morin.

The file contains a presentation Chief Bernadette Unka of the Deninu Kue First Nation. Chief Unka discusses the history of her people who reside at Fort Resolution, NWT. Chief Unka discusses how Treaty, Metis, and Euro-Canadian people were at one time united in one government at the community, but how her people re-established band governance in 1990 due to their Treaty rights being slowly eroded.

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 Deputy Minister Joe Hanly on behalf of Titus Alooloo, Minister of Renewable Resources for the Government of the Northwest Territories. Hanly discusses "Aboriginal people's need to use natural resources to sustain themselves," and the "involvement of Aboriginal people in resource management." Hanly discusses co-management agreements and how government can form relationships with Aboriginal peoples to effectively manage natural resources. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Hanly.

This file contains a presentation by Doris Ronnenberg and Richard Long focusing on practical models for the financing of urban self-government, including delivery of services to Alberta off-reserve Aboriginal people. They state that an Aboriginal government should be respected as a form of government, just like that provincial and federal governments. The speakers will submit a written presentation to the Commission at a later date. A brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Dorothy McDonald, Chief, Fort McKay Indian Band. McDonald discusses tar sand development and how it has negatively effected her people and destroyed their traditional way of life.

File contains a presentation by Doug McCrae, President of Keyano College. McCrae discusses his College's operations and its relations to the Aboriginal community as well as area industries such as forestry and oil sands extraction. Following the presentation McCrae discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Earl Dean of Xeno Exploration. Dean, who works for a mineral exploration company, discusses the bond that develops through people working together doing meaningful work, and discusses his experiences working with Cree, Slavey, and Inuit people. Following Dean's presentation are comments by Commissioners Erasmus and Wilson, after which the day's sitting is concluded with a closing prayer by Helena Laroque.

File contains a presentation by Ed Bianchi from Friends of the Lubicon. Bianchi discusses the situation facing the Lubicon Cree in Alberta, and their struggle for land and resource rights. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson, Sillet, and Blakeney discuss the issues raised with Bianchi.

File contains a presentation by Emile Trip-de-Roche. Trip-de-Roche discusses the mandate of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and her personal views on it. Trip-de-Roche advances a critical view of the Commission's mandate discussing such issues as natural resources, parks, burial grounds, and land claims. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney with Trip-de-Roche regarding the Commission and its mandate, followed by an adjournment of the days proceedings.

This file contains a presentation by four members of the Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review. The Commission of Review was organized in [1992] and launched by Ray Martin, Leader of the Opposition, Government of Alberta. Their mandate was to investigate, compare, assess and report on the presentation of the Lubicons to the two levels of government and to report to the three parties and to the public. The Commission of Review in March 1993 tabled their report before the public with the Lubicons present. Both levels of government were not present despite repeated invitations.

File contains a presentation by George Saddleman. Saddleman welcomes the Commission on behalf of the Nicola Valley Tribal Council, then proceeds to give an organizational breakdown of the organization and discuss its institutional history. Saddleman discusses issues facing the Tribal Council's members such as water rights, fishing and hunting rights, and land claims. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Saddleman for his presentation.

File contains a presentation by Graham Tuplin, Tom Conners and Brenda Leslie focusing on Aboriginal treatment in the criminal justice system and on-going land claims negotiations with the Canadian government. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation made by Jim Favel on economic development and self-government in Aboriginal communities. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by John Edsu of Fort McPherson. Edsu discusses his views on the trapping industry in the area and his view of its great importance to people of the north. Edsu protests southerners coming in as transient labour and taking jobs that he feels northerners are qualified to do. He also discusses rival claims over land by trappers and large multinational resource companies. He requests recognition from the federal Government of the importance of the trapping industry to his people, and criticizes the anti-fur movement as destructive and naive.

File contains a presentation by Lexine Phillips, Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council, Land and Resources Department. Phillips discusses Constitutional issues, particularly with reference to self-governance and the "no" vote in the nationwide Charlottetown Accord referendum. Phillips then makes a series of recommendations to the Commission with respect to land rights, assistance, education, and associated economic concerns.

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 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.

File contains a presentation by Lorne Schollar, Northwest Territories Wildlife Federation. Schollar discusses wildlife management concerns with relation to Aboriginal subsistence harvesting, and access to resource concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Schollar.

The file contains a presentation by Marguerite Sanderson. Sanderson, presenting on behalf of the Northern Women's Resource Services, discusses that organization's mandate and work in northern Manitoba "improving the situation of the Northern women and their families, in the social, economic, and political spheres." Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Sanderson.

File contains a presentation by Minnie Nowkawalk and Closing Remarks by Rene Dussault. Nowkawalk discusses her family history and warns of the dangers of hydro developments in Northern Quebec to the Inuit people. Rene Dussault then makes closing remarks on the day's session and the sitting of the Commission is adjourned.

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 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.

The file contains a presentation by Peter Sinclair, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Sinclair discusses "our day to day nightmare with the ongoing obstruction and interference by Government Bureaucracies." Sinclair relates some of the Cree Nation's history with regard to resource exploitation, residential schools, land use, racism, the negative impact of hydro-electric development, and related concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson discusses some of the issues raised with Sinclair after which the Commission's sitting is concluded for the day.

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 Richard McKay, Traditional Resource User. McKay covers a wide variety of topics related to his life as a trapper and fisherman in northern Saskatchewan. McKay expresses frustration by the uneven application of vague resource laws towards Aboriginal peoples by the provincial government, and the unwillingness of the government to consult or make policy in colloboration with trappers. McKay also expresses his problems with the regulations regarding land use in the north, and how they seemingly benefit Americans and other outsiders more than the actual northerners.