File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, unidentified members of the staff and students of the Northern Lights School and Christina Delaney. The conversation involves the retention and restoration of Aboriginal culture in Canada, and the education system particularly with regards to the merits of cross cultural learning techniques and concerns with post secondary funding.

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 an evening session round table discussion on Secondary School issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants John Nakogee, John Long, Christina Duffy, Theresa Phillips, and Glen Sutherland discuss cultural, jurisdictional, financial, boarding, curriculum, and community concerns with each other and with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson.

File contains a presentation by Francois Trudel, Director, Department of Anthropology of Laval University. Trudel discusses how Canadian society can be decolonized in his view through knowledge of the other (via education) and building respect for the other. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners offer some comments on it.

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.

File contains an individual presentation by Beatrice Watts focusing primarily on education. She provides a brief history of the Inuit in Labrador and relocation efforts in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1977 the first Inuit education conference was held, which laid the groundwork for the teaching of Inuktitut and cultural programs in schools. Watts also briefly discusses the Inuit radio station at Main, Labrador and a 1978 conference sponsored by Inuit women held in Labrador. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Bob Major that focuses on education. Major wants to see a curriculum geared towards Aboriginal and Metis children regarding the history of northern Alberta and languages. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Brenda Jonah, graduate of the Native Community Worker Program of Sault College, Sault Ste. Marie. She describes her experiences working in a high school with a high number of Aboriginal students. Through workshops, displays and social events, the students learned about their culture, many for the first time. Jonah proposes establishing Aboriginal liaison programs in high schools with large Aboriginal student populations. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Burt Sellick, a retired school director with Hillcrest High school in Thunder Bay, which has a large percentage of Aboriginal students. He discusses a wide range of subjects including youth self-esteem, more Aboriginals in the education system and eliminating cultural bias and omissions in textbooks. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cliff Calliou. Calliou, a Cree man from Kelly Lake, British Columbia, outlines a detailed programme for Aboriginal self-governance which pertains to a wide variety of areas. Amongst the areas Caillou addresses are governance structures (including a council of Elders), government funding issues, the need for a land and resource base, education, history, culture, health care, ethics, social services, and justice concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Calliou.

File contains an individual presentation by Emile Nakogee stating that Aboriginal peoples should "conserve our lifestyles, our culture, our languages and follow what our Creator created for us within the lands." He is concerned for the problems facing Aboriginal youth and states that parents need to involve elders and the community in raising children.

File contains a presentation by Jack Penashue who speaks from the perspective of Innu youth. He learned very little about his culture in high school and feels it should be taught by Aboriginal teachers throughout all grades. He feels elders are very important in passing down traditions and stories and they should be utilized by the education system as well.

File contains a presentation by John Cheechou relating his experiences as an Aboriginal student from the Moose Factory, Ontario area in the non-Aboriginal educational world. He states that "there is no plausible reason why our First Nations cannot help develop a customized school year calendar which could be quite different from the current calendar, and to develop an appropriate learning environment." Cheechou calls on the Commission to help in the establishment of Aboriginal elementary, high school and post-secondary education facilities in northern Ontario.

File contains an individual presentation by Kathleen Nuna focusing on aspects of Innu culture she feels have been lost; fishing, hunting, trapping, folklore and spirituality. She calls on the Commission to provide Innu communities with funding to teach younger generations traditional and survival skills to keep Innu culture alive. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Madeleine Moonias, a Native language teacher and parent that focuses on Aboriginal culture, language and education. She states that when Aboriginal languages die out, so does Aboriginal culture. Moonias calls on the Commission to help ensure that school boards in northwestern Ontario encourage Native language maintenance and to foster positive attitudes to strengthen cultural identity for Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Alex McKay and George Fulford. McKay discusses Ojibwa spiritual beliefs and the importance of Aboriginal languages. Fulford expands on this by presenting on Aboriginal languages in a Canadian Constitutional and political policy context. Fulford reccomends that the Royal Commission "appoint a task force to look into the matter of aboriginal language and education in Canada." Following the presentations is a discussion between the presenters and the assembled Commissioners on language issues.

The file contains a presentation by Amber Flett. Flett is a Cree-Ojibway student at Catholic Central School in Lethbridge, Alberta. Flett discusses her experiences with loss of culture and racism in a mixed-culture school setting. Flett discusses how she found a support network in school when she moved to Alberta, and stresses that schools need more Native involvement programs.

This file contains a presentation by Amos Key relating to his organization's recommendations for providing post-secondary education for the people of Six Nations of the Grand River.

This file contains a presentation by Athelstan Burrows, also a member of the Board of Directors, Quebec Association of Protestant School Boards, and David Daoust that focuses on educational issues relating to Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

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 Barbara Barnes and Glenn Morrison for the National Association of Cultural Education Centres on the subject of the survival of Native culture.

File contains a presentation by Barbara Russell, and Cheryl Mullens from Skookum Jim Campus. Russell discusses how and why she thinks the school system needs to be changed in the Yukon. Amongst the concerns she lists are racism and discrimination, the need for Aboriginal faculty, and the need for listening on the part of teachers to Aboriginal students. Mullens discusses the need to make the schools equal in terms of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal curriculum in fields such as history, the need for learning at ones own pace, and the need for more programs for pregnant teenagers.

File contains a presentation by Ben Weenie of Battlefords, Indian Health. Weenie presents on his concerns for Aboriginal children and youth. Specifically he addresses the condition of youth offenders, who he views as being often caught in a destructive cycle. Weenie also discusses concerns with the Saskatchewan Education curriculum and its attempts to incorporate Native Studies courses which he feels are inappropriately taught (especially with regards to spiritual views). Following the presentation is a discussion between Weenie and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Benoit Sioui. Sioui delivers a presentation entitled "The importance of a structure to promote and preserve our culture" in which he argues for the establishment of a museum and cultural centre to serve the Huron-Wendat communities needs.

File contains a presentation by Bertha Dixon, secondary post-graduate student, expressing concern over the lack of Aboriginal teachers in post-secondary educational institutions. She believes that a lack of respect between Aboriginal students and non-Aboriginal teachers creates a poor learning environment. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 Calvin Linstrom. Linstrom discusses Tagish/Tlingit concerns, and ideas for economic development, education and culture. Linstrom also discusses his peoples relations with the Yukon government. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Linstrom. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Cam Shade. Shade, a post-secondary student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses the need for education "based on some of the native cultural aspects rather than the white society" and his reasoning for thinking this way. Shade also mentions the need for better instruction in culture and history in non-Aboriginal Canadian society.

File contains a presentation by Chief Darrell Boissoneau that focuses on treaty violations and particularly on the Indian Act. He calls on the Commission to help begin the healing and to ensure funding for the essential programs that are necessary to help Aboriginal people reclaim their culture. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Katie Rich, Davis Inlet. Rich discusses how the community was promised better housing when they were relocated in the 1960s, how they face clean water problems, housing problems, a lack of planning by government, alcohol problems, a lack of culturally appropriate curriculum in schools, the need for youth recreation facilities, the need to incorporate Elders in the education system, funding problems, justice issues, policing issues, and the need for relocation on Innu terms.

File contains a presentation by Cindy Sparvier, social worker at the all-Aboriginal high school in Saskatoon. The staff at Joe Duquette address common and painful issues with the students and help them work through their problems, as well as providing an education based on Aboriginal values and history. She calls on the Commission to help secure funding for either an expansion of the present school or for a new facility. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Dave White. White, Native Access Manager for Wabnode Institute Anisnabe Studies Division of Cambrian College, discusses cultural programming at the College and some of the difficulties they face in creating such programs. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with White.

File contains a presentation by Diane Dokkie. Dokkie discusses Aboriginal education concerns in Fort St. John. She emphasizes the need for curriculum changes, greater understanding and awareness on the part of non-Aboriginal educators, and related concerns. Dokkie also discusses band schools. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners engage Dokkie in a discussion on some of these issues.

This file contains a presentation by Doris Fisher and Jackie Esquimox-Hamelin who are employees of the Gazhaadaawgamik Native School, a daycare for Aboriginal children. The purpose of the daycare is to have urban Aboriginal children retain their native languages and cultural identity in a full immersion setting. The presenters state that Aboriginal political leaders need to lobby for permanent responsibility for Aboriginal child care centres across Canada. 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 Elizabeth Francis for the Department of Social Development and Health, Mohawk Council of Akwasasne on the subjects of the education system and preservation of the Mohawk language and culture.

File contains a presentation by Elmer Derrick and Doreen Sherry relating to education of Gitanyow children and youth. Large numbers of Gitanyow youth are returning to school and the speakers call on the Commission to secure funding for a new school. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Flora Zaharia and Cam Mackie, Frontier College. Zaharia and Mackie discuss the College's operations as the oldest adult educational institution in Canada, and its' relationship and programs for Aboriginal peoples. Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Frank Bruyere relating to education and the history of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. He offers numerous recommendations, including a review done by Aboriginal educators of all educational materials in publicly funded schools used to teach Aboriginal history and eliminating all materials deemed to be inaccurate or offensive to Aboriginal people; and making funds available for Aboriginal friendship centres to develop materials for use in working with local industries, business and institutions in the areas of race relations and employment equity.

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.

The file contains presentations by Ron Zong, Gail Watson, and Jerry McNeil, of the Manitoba Association of School Trustees. The presenters discuss their philosophy of education, the struggle for Aboriginal rights, the need for Aboriginal perspectives and local control over education, building trust between communities, the legacy of residential schools in Canada, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by Gary Baikie. Baikie discusses the Torngasok Cultural Centre in Nain, Labrador, and the cultural programming it provides. Included is his account of Inuktitut language courses, and traditional carving courses, and the positive results of such programming in the community.

This file contains a presentation by Gisele Maheux, Jean-Pierre Marquis and Gerald McKenzie relating to schools in Ivujivik and Povungnituk, two of 14 Inuit communities in Nouveau-Quebec where educational services are provided by the Kativik school board. The presentation relates to the training of Inuit people to become teachers and school administrators. An agreement was made in 1984 with the University of Quebec and the two schools to develop an Inuit teacher and administrator training program. Courses are given in Inuktitut, while communication between students and teachers is in English.

File contains a presentation by Glen Williams discussing the Gitksan culture immersion program for pre- and primary school children in Gitanyow. The program is modeled on a Maori cultural school program in New Zealand and Williams calls for more funding from the Canadian government to ensure that the Gitksan culture and language does not become extinct. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gloria Mehlmann and Karen Chamone focusing on education as it relates to Indian and Metis peoples. They recommend that Indian and Metis materials must be an integral part of the curriculum; Indian and Metis materials must be presented in all subject areas; and contemporary materials on Indian and Metis people must complement historical material, among other recommendations. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gwen Phillips Clement of the Ktunaxa Independent School System. Clement discusses a variety of educational concerns related to funding, taxation, cultural curriculum, language instruction, and related issues with reference to both the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people in British Columbia. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Dussault and Phillips.

File contains a presentation by Raphael Gregoire, Director of Education, Innu Nation. Gregoire makes his presentation on behalf of both the Sheshatshiu and Utshimasit Innu. He discusses educational concerns and developments in the field, language issues, self-governance as it relates to education, and traditional skills training. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Gregoire.

The file contains a presentation by Jeanette Castello. Castello states that her presentation is "based on the theme working together towards a positive change presented on behalf of the Tsimshian community of Kitselas." Castello discusses traditional self-government practices, and problems brought on by colonialism.

This file contains a presentation by Jeff Loenen, Deloras Huff and James Mackay relating to the Native Brotherhood of the Edmonton Maximum Security Institution. The Native Brotherhood is incorporated presently under the Societies Act in Alberta as a not-for-profit organization whose objectives are to promote native culture and spirituality at the Institution. The group offers sweat lodge ceremonies, drumming ceremonies, elders' meetings and family support groups. But with the recent change in status of the Institution from medium to maximum security, a number of programs have been cut.

File contains a presentation by Joan Ryan focusing on education for the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people, including programs offering fishery, carpentry, forestry and court worker training. She calls on the Commission to ensure continued funding for programs that educate Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en persons and return them back to their communities to help others. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Judith Hill expressing concern about the potential loss of Innu culture and the Inuit language if not continuing to be taught in Peenamin School. She states that the lack of staff and funding to make the materials required for the classroom is limiting learning for the students. Following the presentation are brief remarks by each Commissioner.

The file contains a presentation by Kristen Many Bears. Many Bears, a grade 10 student at Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge, Alberta, discusses stereotypes and discrimination. Many Bears also discusses some ways in which racism and discrimination can be addressed.