Provincial & Territorial

Discusses methodology used and initial findings from land use and occupancy study undertaken by the Whitefish Lake First Nation. Entire issue on one pdf. To access article scroll to p. 59.

Looks at risk factors, socio-economic factors and substance abuse and proposed programming.

Looks at the vital role the Aboriginal Institutes play in closing the educational gap and meeting labour market needs, the funding challenges they are facing, and short and long-term goals.

Discusses Jim Brady's philosophy, politics and interests in comparison with Malcolm Norris.

Rod Bishop was raised in Green Lake, Saskatchewan Upon returning to Saskatchewan in the early 1960s, he became involved in the reorganization of the Metis Association of Saskatchewan and was vice president of the amalgamated Metis Society.

Examines the transitions in governance in the territories and Northern provincial regions; and discusses the accomplishments, challenges and opportunities facing organizations in Northern communities.

Relates the history of educational programs in Northern Canada, the government policies of 1960s to 1970s, and the implementation of a bilingual educational policy in Nunavik.

A photograph of past Saskatchewan Liberal Premier Ross Thatcher speaking to an unidentified Native man on an Indian reserve, circa 1970.

File contains a discussion paper by Gay Caswell, a former MLA and consultant with Caswell Consultants of Saskatoon. Caswell is "here to argue that a very appropriate place for Aboriginal self-government is in the area of social services, in particular child welfare protection." Following Caswell's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with her.

The file contains an open forum presentation by Carol Hopkins. Hopkins, an Anishnabeh woman, discusses adoption issues, jurisdiction over children, and related issues.

RCAP 145 contains files for a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Army and Navy Airforce Building, on Tuesday, June 1, 1993. The file contains a variety of presentations by First Nations, Aboriginal organizations, government agencies, and community groups.

RCAP 35 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Edmonton Inn in Edmonton, Alberta. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations from various First Nations and Metis groups, and several from the provincial government of Alberta. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains a presentation by Chief Marcel Boivin of the Weymontachie Council. Boivin discusses the Weymontachie community in demographic terms, and social problems facing it. Boivin also discuses relations with the federal and Quebec governments, forestry development, and land claims negotiations. Following the presentation Boivin discusses some of these issues with Robinson and Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Vice President Ernest Ottawa of the Attikamek-Montagnais Council. Ottawa discusses the Council which consists of three Attikamek communities in Lac St-Jean, the North Shore, the lower North Shore, and Sheffereville in the North, and its mandate of coming to an agreement with the Governments of Quebec and Canada on the settlement of comprehensive land claims. Following Ottawa's presentation Commissioners Ottawa, Robinson, and Dussault discuss some of the issues raised with him.

RCAP 99 contains files for a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the L.A.C. Community Hall, La Loche, Saskatchewan on Thursday, December 10, 1992. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations by various educational, community, Métis, and government groups. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains a portion of the transcript of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This file contains the opening proceedings and presentations of four community social initiatives followed by questions on Day 2.

File contains a presentation by Assistant Chief Francois Vincent giving an overview of the history of the Huron-Wendat people, and specifically the people who settled at Lorette, near Quebec City.

File contains an individual presentation by Leo Rutledge, one of twelve advisors to the heritage conservation branch of British Columbia. Rutledge invites the days participants to comment to him on potential heritage sites to be designated for provincial protection. Following Rutldege's remarks the Commission adjourns the day's session.

This file contains an individual presentation by Pierre Chartier relating to the production of wild rice in the Buffalo Narrows area. He expresses frustration with the provincial government's regulations governing wild rice growers and production. Chartier also briefly discusses fishing and hunting regulations. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Tommy Evik, resident of Pangnirtung, relating to the difficulty that Inuit people have in dealing with Canadian government documents written in English. He states that the government sought to abolish Inuktitut in the past but "our parents and ourselves have hung on to our own language and we teach it to our children every day." He urges provincial and federal politicians representing Pangnirtung and area to also visit the smaller communities, not just the larger centres.

The file contains a presentation by Adrian De Groot, past Commissioner of the Northern Manitoba Economic Development Corporation. De Groot discusses the organization's activities with communities in Northern Manitoba; economic enterprises such as wild rice farming, mining, and trapping; sustainable development practices; the organization's mandate and goals. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with De Groot.

File contains a presentation by Albert Marshall. Marshall lists some of his concerns with the governance system in the Eskasoni area ranging from education, policing, economic development and criminal justice, to taxation.

File contains a presentation by Alex Cywink. He discusses his views on Aboriginal issues in Ontario, including his discussions with Howard Hampton and the provincial government, the importance of honouring existing treaties before negotiating new agreements, and his views on the work of the Royal Commission. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cywink and Commissioners Dussault and Erasmus on the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Alexa McDonough discussing the establishment of a bilateral forum with government and Micmac representatives to develop an understanding of Micmac Aboriginal rights and treaties. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Andy Von Busse, Alberta Fish and Game Association. Von Busse discusses conservation issues in Alberta, specifically with regards to Aboriginal utilization of wildlife. Following the presentation is a discussion between Von Busse regarding Treaty rights to hunt, and jurisdictional questions with regard to wildlife management and land usage.

File contains a presentation by Anne Rochon Ford, Vicki Ann Wagner, Interim Regulatory Council on Midwifery. The two presenters discuss their organization (funded by the province of Ontario), their work with Aboriginal peoples, jurisdictional issues, the loss of the traditional Aboriginal midwife in Aboriginal society, the desire to incorporate new practices with old, and related issues. They also discuss community birthing centres so that midwifes could be both trained and utilized in a culturally appropriate setting.

File contains a presentation by Clifford Lincoln, Special Representative of the Barriere Lake Algonquins. Lincoln discusses the Trilateral Agreement signed by the Barrier Lake Algonquins with the governments of Quebec and Canada on August 22, 1991.

This file contains a presentation by Brian Henderson that brings greetings to the Commission on behalf of Hon. James McCrae, Minister of Justice for Manitoba. He discusses the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry Report and how his department is attempting to fulfill the myriad of recommendations at the provincial government level. He also mentions the valuable role of elders within the justice system.

File contains a presentation by Calvin Francis, Gander Bay Indian Band. Francis discusses a variety of issues including hunting and fishing rights, relations with the federal and provincial governments, and the history of the Band which was formally incorporated in 1970. Following Francis' presentation is a discussion between him and Commissioners Robinson, Erasmus and Jeddore on some of the issues facing the Band.

File contains a presentation by Charles Morris of Tikinagan Child and Family Services. Morris discusses the operations, mandate, and goals of his Aboriginal service organization. Morris also discusses some of the pressing social problems the organization encounters such as jurisdictional problems, substance abuse (sniffing), suicide, chronic depression and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Morris.

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 Agnes McCoy, St. Mary's Indian Band. McCoy delivers a structured presentation presenting the Band's viewpoint on a variety of topics including: 1) Education, 2) Land Claims, 3)Jurisdiction, 4) Self-Government, 5) Language, 6) Justice, 7) Aboriginal Government, 8) Provincial Government (in terms of relationship with). Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Phillips engage McCoy, preceding presenter Denise Birdstone, and future presenter Sophie Pierre, in a discussion of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bert Mack, Toquaht Nation Economic Development. Chief Mack discusses his ideas on the importance of self-reliance with respect to government funding agencies and self-governance. Mack also highlights a complaint about the conduct of consulting firms towards his people.

File contains a presentation by Chief Carl Quinn focusing on Aboriginal self-government and self-determination. He states that the government should act by repealing the Indian Act and its amendments, abolishing the Department of Indian Affairs, set up a treaty-trust commission, abolish secret agreements between the federal and provincial governments, among other recommendations. He introduces the next speaker, Eric J. Large of the Saddle Lake First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor, Francis Frank, Tla-O-Qui-Aht First Nations Financial Relations between Governments. Chief Frank's presentation discusses relations between Federal and Provincial governments and First Nations, and what he thinks the is need for governments to adjust their attitude in dealing with each other. Frank discusses housing issues, and the need for governments to demonstrate trust and faith in their relationship with First Nations.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor, Kelly Dennis, Ohiaht Child Protection. Kelly discusses the traditional cultural approach of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people to childcare, the breakdown of the traditional process during colonization, the impact of the residential school system, the need for self-governance, social programs in place and who administers them, and what can be improved in Mr. Dennis' view.

This file consists of a presentation by Chief Gordon Peters focusing primarily on the land claims process and negotiating with the Ontario provincial government, and the Charlottetown Accord. Peters also discusses the negative effects of residential schools upon Aboriginal people and the efforts being made to assist abuse survivors. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 Ray Harris expressing concern with the distinct society status that Quebec enjoys and questions why Aboriginal peoples do not have the same recognition. Harris believes that "our Indian constitution needs to be entrenched" but says that a basic form of self-government with informal constitutions has worked in many small First Nations in British Columbia for years. He calls upon the Canadian government to also limit provincial jurisdiction relating to wildlife, conservation and forestry, among other areas.

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.

File includes a presentation by Dennis Perron, MNA for Duplessis, and Opposition (Parti Quebecois) Critic on Aboriginal Affairs. Perron delivers an address on the relationship of the province of Quebec, and particularly past PQ governments to the Aboriginal peoples of the province. Perron stresses the importance of good relations, and claims that Quebec has the best record in Canada with regard to the treatment of Aboriginal peoples. Perron also discusses land rights and cultural questions.

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.

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.

File contains a presentation by Doug Anguish, Member of the Legislature. Anguish discusses his experiences as a life-long resident of what he terms northwestern Saskatchewan (Meadow Lake-Battlefords area), and MLA for the Battlefords Consituency. Specifically he discusses the Indian Act and the need to replace it, the situation of Indian and Metis youth in the area, and economic concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Anguish and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Sheehan, a non-Aboriginal doctor who works on the Sagkeeng First Nation's lands. Sheehan gives his view of the poverty facing First Nations in Canada, the problems of isolation, the diabetes epidemic among First Nations, problems with the education system, health care accessibility issues, the need for an Aboriginal health care organization as an arm of Aboriginal government, and related concerns. Following the presentation are remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand thanking the preceding five presenters for their presentations.

File contains a presentation by Erminio Pucci of the City of Prince Rupert. Pucci, presenting on behalf of the Mayor and City Council, discusses British Columbia land claims negotiations and the city's stance on them. Following the presentation Commissioners Paul Chartrand and Bertha Wilson discuss land claims negotiations in British Columbia with Pucci.

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 Garfield Warren. Warren, a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, discusses his views on the Commission and its work. Following his remarks are closing remarks for the day by Neil Andersen and Rene Dussault.