Provincial & Territorial

File contains a presentation by Gertrude Partridge. Partridge suggests that two important sites (a beach on Panmeer Island where the Micmac people harvested shellfish traditionally, and an area at Gaspereau of significance to the Sark family) be purchased by the provincial government and given to the Prince Edward Island Native Council. Following her comments Commissioner Georges Erasmus makes some closing remarks, and a closing prayer by John Joe Sark concludes the days' sitting of the Royal Commission.

File contains a presentation by Gordon F.D. Wilson, Leader of the Official Opposition of British Columbia. He believes that the principle of Aboriginal self-government should be entrenched with the Canadian Constitution, and accomplished through negotiation, not litigation. Wilson also calls for commissions that will examine Aboriginal health care and social justice issues. He acknowledges problems relating to Aboriginal people living off-reserve should be considered by the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Gordon McGregor, Chief of Police, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. McGregor discusses policing within the community and the initiatives that have been taken, as well as juridictional and cultural issues. Following McGregor's presentation he discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Blakeney, Robinson, and Dussault.

File contains a presentation by the Grand Falls Band, Exploits Native Band Council. Rosemary Francis Williams and Board of Directors, Ignatius Paul. Williams delivers the first half of the presentation which covers concerns facing the Band including recognition by the Federal and Provincial governments, justice concerns, financial concerns, self-governance, cultural concerns, and Indian Act concerns. Paul relates a personal story to highlight the treatment his people have received from government and to ask that their Aboriginal rights with regard to economic pursuits be recognized.

File contains a presentation by Greg Johnson, a Micmac social worker from Hants County, Nova Scotia. Johnson discusses his hopes for the Commission, experiences growing up as an Aboriginal youth, relations with the Indian Agent and Department of Indian Affairs, his views on the Indian Act, sovereignty, governance, and prejudice.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Herb Nabigon. Nabigon, a professor at Laurentian University in the Native Human Services, discusses self-government and "reclaiming the spirit." Nabigon discusses his people's relationship with the federal and provincial governments, rights and responsibilities, and traditional Ojibwa governance concepts. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with Nabigon.

File contains a presentation by the Honourable Paul Connolly, Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, PEI. Connolly expresses his government's support for the principles of Aboriginal self-government, and the reality of large off-reserve populations and their implications for provincial governments. He also expresses support for three way talks between the Federal, Provincial, and Aboriginal governments to define self-government and resolve jurisdictional issues.

File contains a presentation by Irene Personius. Personius discusses issues related to education, and how the school system has impacted her own family. Following the presentation are some brief comments from Commissioner Blakeney, followed by Mr. Nathan McGillivary initiating closing prayers by a community elder, and the adjournment of the day's proceedings.

File contains a presentation by Jack Harris, Member, House of Assembly, St. John's, Newfoundland. He introduces Clee Newhook, Leader, Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party, who makes a brief statement. Harris is a Member of the House of Assembly for St. John's East district. He states that Aboriginal people in Newfoundland receive different treatment from their provincial government as compared to Aboriginals elsewhere in Canada.

File contains a presentation by Jack McDonald, Port Alberni Native Council. McDonald discusses what it means to be a Metis in British Columbia, and the challenges that confront his people as well as what he characterizes as an ignorant government and populace when it comes to Metis issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some issues of Metis identity in British Columbia with McDonald.

File contains a presentation by Johnny Naktialuk. Naktialuk recounts the history of his people's experience with Euro-Canadian healthcare, and makes some recommendations on midwifery and other areas of health for contemporary times. Naktialuk also discusses the importance of education in addressing the social problems faced by his people. Following the presentation Commissioner Rene Dussault discusses the lack of trained health care professionals in the region with Naktialuk.

File contains a presentation by Karen Commanda. Commanda, a First Nations librarian from the Nipissing First Nation, discusses funding concerns, discrimination concerns, and allege misappropriation of funds meant for First Nations libraries. Without naming names Commanda asks that the Commission recommend an independent investigation into these concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson poses questions on some of the issues raised which are answered by community member Reg McCormick.

File contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon. Chiefmoon discusses racism "as it pertains here today" with a focus on off-reserve life. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the city of Lethbridge in the employment, post-secondary, and provincial government services. Chiefmoon also discusses what he deems discriminatory law enforcement practices, and Aboriginal over-representation in prisons. Chiefmoon also makes recommendations about languages, land claims, political representation in the federal parliament, and the need for an "off-reserve Indian government."

File contains a presentation by Lisa Galak, Tseshaht Nation environment representative. Galak describes how pollution and other resource exploitation has adversly effected her people's traditional lands, and her hope that action can be taken to correct the damage. Following the presentation is a discussion between Galak, one Chief Charlie (unidentified) and Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson on measures taken to control pollution, and governments.

File contains a presentation by the Aboriginal Advisory Council. Chairperson Louise Chippeway, Dan Highway, Elsie Moar, Bernice Hilts, Brian Ranville, and Clayton Sandy all contribute. The presenters are all civil servants with the provincial and federal governments and discuss affirmative action programs, overcoming racism, and Aboriginal participation in the labour force. Chairperson Chippeway and Ranville deliver most of the presentation. Following it the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

The file contains a presentation by Loretta Clark, General Manager of the Communities Economic Development Fund. Clark discusses "the economic conditions and opportunities or lack of the same for Aboriginal peoples." Clark also gives some of the historical background of the CEDF, and describes its' operations. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Clark.

File contains a presentation by Margaret McCullough of the Yukon Human Rights Commission. McCullough discusses the Commissions activities and her witnessing of racism and discrimination in Yukon society. She also discusses some of the steps the Commission has taken to educate about racism. Following her presentation McCullough discusses racism and related issues with the assembled Commissioners.

File includes a presentation by Mathilda Fontaine on behalf of the Maliotenam School Parents Committee. Fontaine discusses concerns with money being allocated for education not necessarily being spent on it, and also with the recognition of Montagnais teaching certificates. Following her presentation Commissioner Dussault and Wilson discuss these issues with her, while Commissioner Chartrand thanks her for her presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Merv Pedlow focusing on the Human Resources Opportunity Program, whose purpose is to attempt to respond to the high level of unemployment and high level of social assistance required in those communities. One service provided is procuring funding for students wanting a post-secondary education and Pedlow's organization helps students negotiate through federal, provincial and local government criteria and restrictions to receive funding. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation made by Donald Favel, member of the Métis Addiction Council, for the Northwest Drug and Alcohol Abuse Centre on the topic of social development. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

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 Patsy Johnson that begins by Johnson reading a November 1991 letter sent to Pierce MacDonald, Minister of Education for Yukon Territory, relating to lack of daycare facilities, lack of proper housing, and lack of employment opportunities for students at Teslin Campus. After receiving no help from the Yukon government, Johnson calls on the Commission to allow more funding so that students can complete Grade 12 without the burden of minimal funding and poor housing for their families.

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 Owl. Owl discusses the history of a specific land claim that his Sigma-Anishinabe First Nation is involved in in "the Hudson Bay lands" of the North Shore area of Espanola and Bine River, Ontario. Following his presentation Commissioners Wilson and Sillett discuss the claim with Owl.

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 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.

File contains a presentation by Robert Doucette. Doucette discusses conditions for Metis people within the City of Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan generally. Doucette highlights problems of institutional racism, access to education, ignorance of Aboriginal identity and issues in the general population, migration to urban centres, and related issues. Doucette also discusses the need for a Metis land base and the differences in the way the government addresses Metis and Treaty people's issues.

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 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 on behalf of the Shacken Band School. Martha Aspinall, Charmane Sheena, and Sally Holmes discuss a variety of concerns regarding Band Schools, post-secondary funding, racism and discrimination, and jurisdictional issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank the presenters for their thoughts.

File contains an a presentation by Sharon Venne of the Saulteau First Nation. She provides her perspective on Aboriginal governance, the Treaty and the failure of non-Aboriginal society to live up to it, conflicts with the province over wildlife management rights, and educational matters. Following Venne's presentation Erasmus discusses some of these issues with her. Venne also discusses the origins of her First Nation in Manitoba, and a trip there to meet with distant Saulteaux relations of her Nation. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Sonny Flett, President of the Fort Chipewyan Metis Local. Flett presents on the concerns of the Metis people of the area, mainly with regard to the impact of industry on the Metis way of life. Flett discusses the negative impact of the Bennett Dam on the Athabasca Delta, polluted water, and a lack of access to education and assistance. Flett also discusses the state of local fisheries and relations with the rest of the Metis Nation of Alberta and the provincial government.

File contains a presentation on behalf of St. Martin's Hospital by Administrator Violet Lemaigre, and Pat Malmgren. Administrator Lemaigre discusses the situation of her hospital which she desribes as very small and constantly underfunded. Lemaigre also discusses transportation issues, disease and addiction issues, staff shortage issues, mental health issues, elderly and disabled persons issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillet discuss some of the issues raised with Lemaigre and Malmgren.

File contains a presentation by Rita Campbell and Chief Greg Lucus of the Stephenville Crossing Indian Band. Campbell presents on the composition of the band, the need for federal recognition, employment problems, a lack of family services, housing concerns, hunting and fishing rights, linguistic and cultural concerns, health concerns, and self-governance. Following this Chief Greg Lucas discusses health and service issues with Commissioner Erasmus, then with Commissioner Robinson and Tony John, including post-secondary education concerns.

File contains a presentation by Tat Tatoosh, Linguistic Graduate, University of Victoria. Tatoosh discusses Nuu-Chah-Nulth language programs for children within the British Columbia School District No. 70/Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council area. Tatoosh discusses the Nuu-Chah-Nulth language, its importance to the culture, Euro-Canadians difficulty in learning it, and curriculum development. Following the presentation is a discussion on language and culture issues in education between Commissioner Georges Erasmus, Commissioner Viola Robinson, Tatoosh, and previous presenter Denny Grisdale.

File contains a presentation by Denis Jacques and Marie-France Chabot of the Barreau de Quebec. After an introduction of the Association by Denis Jacques, Chabot delivers a detailed report on the particular legal position of Quebec's Aboriginal population relative to those in other provinces. She discusses Treaties, the impact of French Civil law, the unique experience of New France and related matters in framing her argument. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand comment on the contents and discuss it with Chabot.

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 Community Worker Monik Sioui from the Kitcisakik Welfare Society. Sioui gives a brief history of her organization which services a community made up of 18 camps spread throughout Laverendrye Park, Quebec (the community has no reserve). Themes Sioui addresses are the delivery of health and social services, relations with the province, and staffing issues. Commissioners Dussault, Robinson, and Blakeney ask questions and comment during the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Remy Kurtness, Yvon Parent, and Pierre Gill of the Montagnais Council of Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec. The presenters discuss their organization's view of Montagnais self-governance, their inherent rights, land issue, and related matters. Following their presentation the assembled Commissioners engage them in a discussion on these issues.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Tony Hall, Professor of Native American Studies Education, University of Lethbridge. Hall discusses his interpretation of the Commission's role and powers, Treaty right issues (particularly as they pertain to Treaty 7), International law, Federal-Provincial-Aboriginal governmental relations, the Oldman River dispute between the Peigan and the Canadian and Alberta governments, and a host of related issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Hall.

File contains a presentation by Tony John of the Glenwood Indian Band. John discusses the history of his people in Newfoundland, stating that they are not just Micmac but intermarried with the Beothuk and have been systematically neglected by both the federal and provincial governments who claim there are no Aboriginal people on the island. John discusses some of the issues his people face in central Newfoundland, the key one being the need for recognition.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Walter Manitowabi. Manitowabi, a business development adviser with Waubetek Business Development Corporation of Birch Island, discusses his "small business development which strengthens Aboriginal business.

File contains a presentation by Wilbert McLeod. McLeod represents the Moose Factory Claimant Group, whose grandparents were "arbitrarily exluded from Treaty No. 9 in 1905 by the Treaty Commissioners." McLeod lays out his organizations claim and discusses how the ancestors of his organization were left out of Treaty 9, and how that Treaty was negotiated in an arbitrary manner by officials who did not consider how the people defined themselves.

File contains a presentation by William Lathlin. Lathlin, a Councillor of The Pas First Nation, discusses his views on the workplace, worker's compensation, and discrimination in the workplace. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioner Blakeney and Mr. Lathlin on some of the workplace issues he raised.

File contains a presentation by Chief Larry Johnson of the Caldwell Nation. Chief Johnson discusses his peoples negotiations for a land base in southwestern Ontario, and the history of the Nation including their war service on behalf of Britain and Canada. Following the presentation Chief Caldwell discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Okanagan First Nation by Donna Goodwater. Councillor Goodwater discusses her disappointment with the federal programs available for First Nations people with disabilities and makes recommendations to improve it. Goodwater also delivers a video presentation to the Commission (transcript not included). Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett thanks Goodwater and discusses some of the issues raised with her.