Natural Resources

File contains a presentation by Robert Alexis, Vice Chief for Trapping. Alexis is Vice Chief of Trapping for the Gwich'in people of Fort McPherson and discusses the problems and concerns of trappers in his presentation. The most important issue facing trappers he states is the switiching of traps from traditional leg holds to conibear traps. He contrasts trapping with office work and professes his love for the lifestyle of the trap line. He discusses how the conibear is a bad substitute for the traditional leg hold traps.

File contains a presentation by Robert Doucette that begins with the history of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan and its locals. He states that Metis people need to have control over education, natural resources, relocation, hunting and trapping, taxation, trade, among other numerous issues. He feels that Metis people deserve the funding allocated to Aboriginal and Inuit people and calls to the Commission to help restore rights and funding to the Metis peoples. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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.

This file contains a presentation by Rosemary Brown focusing on education, the First Nations Chartered Lands Act and the Lubicon Lake Cree land claim. Education funding cutbacks are threatening to close the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School, an important facility for Aboriginal youth education in Calgary. The Lands Act will empower Chiefs and Council to request that reserve lands by privatized and available for mortgages, and Brown requests that the Act be scrapped.

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.

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 Stan Louttit that states the ultimate goal for First Nations organizations in Canada is to "attain a self-government structure suitable to their unique values and traditions." Louttit says that water claims should be an issue as well as land claims. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with Viola Robinson and Georges Erasmus, Commissioners, and Commissioner For the Day Chief Thomas Archibald.

The file contains a presentation by the Concerned Fishermen, Chairman Robert Ross. Chairman Ross discusses his Aboriginal fishermen's organizational viewpoint regarding the environment, conservation harvesting, marketing of their own fish, and tourism. Ross makes a variety of complaints regarding the fishing operations of the Freshwater Fish Corporation on Great Slave Lake, alleging serious environmental and labour abuses.

File contains a presentation by the Metis Society of Saskatchewan, Clem Chartier (Consultant). Chartier discusses the historical background to the Metis view of their rights in the area beginning with the visit of the Scrip Commissioner to Ile a La Crosse in 1906. Chartier does so to show the Commission "a cursory overview to hopefully sensitize you to some of the reasons...why we are saying the Commission has to look at Metis issues specifically." In addition to the scrip issue Chartier discusses poverty, resources, and game laws.

File contains a presentation by Tim McNeill. McNeill discusses issues related to education. McNeil's presentation covers secondary education, housing for students, language issues, teacher training, literacy concerns, and cultural concerns. Following the presentations Commissioners Dussault and Sillet discuss these findings.

File contains a presentation by Treaty Eight Tribal Council representatives Reg Whiten, and Chief Stewart Cameron. The Tribal Council's presentation includes video excerpts (not included in the transcript) and an oral presentation dealing with issues of concern to it. Foremost amongst these are concerns with resource development interfering with traditional lifestyles and spiritual areas, and pollution. The presenters also discuss the difficulties they have experienced in working with various levels of government.

This file contains a presentation by Valerie Nielson, Bob Brown, John Snow Jr., George Calliou and Sandra Parsons focusing on Aboriginal involvement in the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. An Aboriginal Opportunities Commitee, with the Calgary Chamber, was formed in 1980. The objectives of the Committee are to recognize the importance of Aboriginal people in our community, and for the Chamber to play an active role in helping the Aboriginal community improve their economic situation. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a brief individual presentation by Walter Davis, a [retired health care worker] who, years ago, travelled by boat doing health education work along the coast of Labrador. He apologizes, as a non-Native, for his ancestors who "exploited your resources for all they were worth." He believes that attitudes are changing, but notes that only two years earlier [1990], there was no government support at any level regarding a proposed commemorative tablet in the Peace Park in honour of the Beothuk people. In closing, Davis thanks the Commission for their work.

File contains a presentation by Michael Low, Manager for the Western Region of Weyerhauser Canada. Low discusses the Weyerhauser Corporation's vision for working with Aboriginal individuals and communities in the forestry industry, stresses the importance of cultural understanding, and highlights some of the developments that have been made in the relationship. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Joe thank Low for his presentation.

File contains a presentation by William Andersen, Sr. of the Makkovik Fishermen's Committee. Andersen discusses fisheries issues in Makkovik.

File contains a presentation by Willie Seymore discussing the loss of resources Aboriginals used to survive pre-contact and believes that land claims must be expanded "so that our future generations will know what a salmon is."

File contains a presentation by Woody Elias, of Fort McPherson. Elias discusses residential schools, government and the fur trade (accusing the government of collusion with the anti-fur lobby), oil companies, and unemployment. Following the presentation is a discussion between Elias and Commissioners Dussault, Snowshoe, and Blakeney.

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 Lloyd Benedict, Henry Lickers and Richard David for the Mohawk Council, Environmental Division on the subjects of water, air and soil safety.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Indian Water Rights Commission of British Columbia by Albert Saddleman. Saddleman discusses the history of his organization, water usage, management and pollution issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses water issues with Saddleman, as well as with Elder Dave Parker and community member Howard Gabriel. Following the discussion the Commission adjourns for the day.

File contains a presentation by Mayor Paul Kaludjak. He is also facilitator of the day's proceedings, gives a brief overview of the communities history and discusses its economic and social composition. Kaludjak also discusses his hopes for the creation of Nunavut, Rankin Inlet's role as an administrative centre, and the possibility of it becoming capital of the new territory. Following his presentation, he introduces the next presenter.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Resource Management. Fred Fortier and David Moore, both of the Shuswap Nation Fisheries Commission, discuss declining salmon and steelhead populations, mismanagement of fish stocks, the B.C. Fishermen's Survival Coalition's "racially-oriented campaign against the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy," and recommendations to deal with these problems. Chief Lenny Sellars, Caribou Tribal Council, discusses enviornmental protection, land stewardship, and co-management.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Self-Government, Chief Willie Alphonse. Chief Willie Alphonse, Chief of the Cariboo Lake Band, discusses self-government concerns of the Secwepemc with reference to the Treaty making process, land claims, jurisdiction, and Indian Act concerns. Chief Alphonse makes a variety of recommendations with respect to these issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Moderator Chief Nathan Matthew.

File contains a presentation made by Edna Daigneault and Sharon Yole on Métis women's issues and the Métis society in general. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains multiple presentations on the topic of Anisinaabe self-governance. The first presentation is by Chief Rod Bushie, Hollow Water Indian Band (pgs 71-75). Bushie discusses his views on Anicinabe self-governance: the need for it to be community based, and the need for a healthy community in order for it to be effective.

The file contains presentations by Allana Dams, First Nations Confederacy, and Rod Young, West Tribal Council, First Nations Confederacy. Dams, a policy analyst, discusses concerns with the Chartered Land Act, Bill C-103, Treaty and inherent Aboriginal rights. Young discusses the organizational history of his tribal council, justice issues, Treaty and other Aboriginal rights issues, economic issues, natural resources and revenue sharing.

File contains a presentation by Jean-Paul Neashit, Vice-President of the Mamo Atoskewin Atikamekw Association. Since Neashit was unable to attend, Michel Ares presents in his place. Ares gives a brief overview of the Association which is a non-profit organization representing the interests of hunters and trappers in the three communities it represents, and its work in the local forests. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses the organization and natural resource issues with Ares.

File contains presentations by the staff and students of Athabasca Delta Community School. Included are remarks by Principal George Vander Loose, students Skylar Nelson, Rebecca Flett, Nicole Martin, Nicole Fraser, and teacher Ms Armstrong. Principal Vander Loose welcomes the Commission and acts as Master of Ceremonies for the other presenters.

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 Mini-Round table on Expanding Aboriginal Employment Opportunities.

File contains brief remarks by Lawrence Saddleback who briefly discusses issues not mentioned earlier in the proceedings of the day. Issues he mentions are hunting and trapping and revenue from natural resources. Following the presentation is a brief 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 The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation by Cynthia Wesley-Esquamaux at the Round Table discussion on Relationship issues with "ourselves, our families and our community."

Overview of the evolution, implementation, and implications of the doctrine.

Book review of: Russia and the North edited by Elana Wilson Rowe.

Act outlines the rights of the Sioux Nation related to economic development, self-determination, traditional religion, and preserving the sacred Black Hills.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Yale University, 1978.

Anthropology Thesis (M.A.)--The University of Manitoba, 1990.

Author's opinion on the Finnmark Act requested by the Norwegian Parliament.

Book review of: Sami Potatoes by Michael P. Robinson, Karim-Alys Kassam.

Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations outlines Canadian First Nations governance structure and highlights major events, legislation, and court decisions which form the framework for future negotiations. Duration: 1:31:59. Presentation Slides

File includes list of expenditures by Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources in Saskatchewan, 1957-62, including Roads to Resources; and a 19 December 1962 letter from the Hon. R.A. Bell, Minister of Citizenship & Immigration, enclosing memo from Neil McLeod regarding the activities of Chief Joseph Dreaver, who had travelled to various SK reserves to gather the views of Indigenous peoples concerning possible changes to the Indian Act.

Satsan (Herb George), President of the National Centre for First Nations Governance, speaks at the Symposium on Reconciliation in Toronto, Ontario, February, 2011. Duration: 4:15. Part 2 of 5.

Despite some concerns raised, 14 of the 17 key individuals interviewed remained in favour of the impact and benefit agreements.

Natural Resources Management Thesis (M.N.R.M.)--University of Manitoba, 2004.

Book review of: Science and Sustainability by Joy Hendry.

Anthropology Thesis (Ph.D.)--Brandeis University, 1997.

A man posing with a drying seal skin. Sachs Harbour, N.W.T.

"Rankin, Seal Skins Drying on Side of Eskimo House" Rankin Inlet, [NU].