Self-Government

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.

File contains a presentation by Ovide Mercredi, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations. Mercredi discusses his view of the Royal Commission and its goals, his organizations participation in Constitutional talks, and the importance of self-governance and self-determination to Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mercredi and Commissioners Erasmus, Sillet, Wilson, Dussault and Blakeney.

File contains a presentation by Patrick Polchies. Polchies is a member of the Kingsclear First Nation, and voices his views on a variety of topics including the inherent right to self-governance, the importance of Aboriginal inclusion in the Constitutional process, questions about accountability in Aboriginal governance, fishing rights, the Cultural Properties Act, and religious artifacts. Following the presentation is a brief discussion between Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillet, and the presenter followed by the end of the Commission's session for the day.

File contains a presentation by Patsy Bernard of the Abegweit band. Bernard discusses her problems with the Chief of her band, and accusses him of anti-democratic and authoritarian practices. Bernard also discusses the need for increased cultural knowledge and awareness to be implemented before self-government.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation by Patti Williams of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.

File contains a presentation by Paul Hogan. Hogan discusses his personal views on a variety of issues facing Aboriginal people. These include education, urban issues, self-governance, governmental relations, land rights, language concerns, and the Indian Act. Following Hogan's presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with him.

The file contains a presentation by Paul Scotchman on behalf of the Western Indian Agricultural Producers Association. Scotchman discusses Aboriginal agriculture as it relates to the Commission's four areas of focus: relationship, self-determination, self-sufficiency and healing.

File contains a presentation by Peter Haavlik, Director, Treaty Eight Tribal Association. Haavlik discusses his organizations views of Treaty Eight and the ongoing land claims and self-government process its members are engaged in with the Federal government. He makes a series of recommendations to fix problems he sees with the process as it is currently ongoing in British Columbia, one of which is to copy positive aspects of the Saskatchewan government's Treaty Land Entitlement process. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Havlik.

File contains a presentation by Peter Nakogee. Nakogee gives a demographic overview of the community of Moosonee, and discusses the composition of the Moosonee Development Board (a system of local governance) of which he is a part. Commissioner Erasmus discusses this governance model with him following the presentation.

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 Peter Stevens. Stevens describes his view of the history of the Micmac nation and its interactions with Canada. He discusses his hopes for the Commission and the need for self-governance.

File contains a presentation by Phil Fontaine (at the time the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) regarding a wide range of topics including the Commission's mandate, Treaty issues, residential schools, justice reform, self-government, and resources. Following the presentation is a wide ranging discussion between Chief Fontaine and the Commission members on topics raised in the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Philip Goulais relating to the mandate of the Indian Commission of Ontario: To provide a forum for the negotiation of Aboriginal land claims and self-government; and to assist in the resolution of any other issue of mutual concern to Canada or the First Nations in the Province of Ontario. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Phyllis Fisher relating to the use of violence towards Canada's First Peoples, historical and present day. The Canadian Friends Service Committee, a Quakers committee, have previously assisted the Innu in Labrador, the Lubicon in Alberta and were present at the Oka Crisis. The presenters make numerous recommendations, including the establishment of an environmental process that will adequately protect the land, environment and wildlife; and that public policy and funding must give preference to renewable resource development over non-renewable resources.

File contains a presentation by Charlie Thompson, President of hte Port Alberni Friendship Centre. Thompson tells the history of his people, the problems caused by colonialism and the government's approach, his personal experience with residential schools, some issues of self-governance, and the story of his particular Friendship Centre. Following the presentation is a discussion between Thompson and Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson on the challenges facing urban Aboriginals.

File contains a presentation made by Frank Morin for the Protectors of Mother Earth on environmental issues pertaining to Northern Saskatchewan communities and the lack of proper government representation. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Regena Crowchild, President of the Indian Association of Alberta. Crowchild discusses Aboriginal lands in Canada, and argues that the Canadian government uses a racist approach to land claims questions based on the outdated notion of terra nulius. To ameliorate this, Crowchild suggests the Canadian government must recognize "Indigenous ownership to lands and resources." Crowchild then discusses Treaties and the need to discuss the benefits that non-Aboriginal people enjoy from the Treaty relationship.

This file contains a presentation by four members of the Indian Association of Alberta. The first speaker, Regena Crowchild, expresses disappointment with the Royal Commission's recommendation that "the right to self-determination is to 'pursue self-government within the structure of Confederation to join in the process of building a country that derives its strength from the contributions of all its peoples' is to misconstrue the meaning of the right of self-determination." Chowchild believes that "states have a duty to accommodate the aspirations of Indigenous peoples.

This file contains a presentation by Remi Kurtness and Alain Nepton relating to Aboriginal self-government. Among the recommendations: "(T)he right to self-government beyond the restrictive federal policy which still reflects a paternalistic federal responsibility; and the implementation of an authentic formula for self-government that gives political effect to what we consider was won in Charlottetown." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Rev. Dr. R. Burn Purdon, Rev. Faye Wakeling and Rev. Pierre Goldberger.

This file contains a presentation by Reverends Douglas Crosby, OMI, Marc Lortie, OMI and Achiel Peelman, OMI. Their presentation makes a number of points, including recognition and implementation of Aboriginal self-government, Aboriginal input concerning decisions about Aboriginal lands leading to self-sufficiency, and the federal government's recognition of its fiduciary responsible to on- and off-reserve Aboriginals, Metis, non-status and registered Aboriginal people. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Rhonda Alain discussing her group's research project that identifies concerns and issues that impact on the lives of Aboriginal youth and finding solutions to those concerns. She calls for Canada-wide Aboriginal youth groups; school curricula to include an accurate history of Aboriginal peoples; healing circles that include involvement of elders; and recreation programs that promote positive self-image for Aboriginal youth. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a wide ranging presentation by Richard Francis and Darrell Paul of the Kingsclear Maliseet First Nation. The presentation is given on behalf of Chief Stephen Sacobie who was unable to attend due to other commitments. Francis outlines a wide variety of concerns to his people centering around the right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as offering a critique of what he sees as a governmental system driven by greed.

File contains a presentation by Richard Long that examines concerns of the off-reserve Aboriginal person. Long states that off-reserve Aboriginal persons feel they have no political or financial power and he questions who will govern urban Aboriginals in the larger centres. He introduces Nora Houle, representative of the Native Council of Canada Board of Directors.

File contains a presentation by Ricki Schock, Native Outreach Coordinator, Native Council PEI. Schock's presentation deals with a federal program called Pathways, and is intended to "point out that it is not only a bad policy, and entirely inconsistent with native self-government, but...also an example of the kind of thing you should be advising the government not to do." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation by Rob Belfrey of the Ogemawahj Tribal Council, at a Round Table discussion of self-government.

This file contains a presentation by Chief Robert Bone that begins with a history of Dakota people by Reverend Donald Pratt, also of the Sioux Valley Reserve. Bone focuses on the government red tape needed to negotiate through the Intervenor Participation Program and on a larger scale, through the self-government and land claims process. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Robert Gambler that states that the Jean-Baptiste Gambler Reserve has been under the rule of the Bigstone Cree Nation. He expresses dissatisfaction with the Bigstone Cree Nation's governance and wonders how the Gambler Reserve fell under the jurisdiction of the Bigstone Cree Nation.

File contains presentations by Rodney Gold, Tribal Chief, and Eric Burt, Executive Director, of the Confederation of Tribal Nations. Gold presents on self-governance and self-determination issues, specifically with regard to placing them within the context of the treaty relationship. Following this, Eric Burt delivers a presentation on the Canada Round talks leading to the Charlottetown Accord with reference to self-governance, and explains how he views those developments going forth in the aftermath of its rejection via referendum.

The file contains a presentation by Roger Jones. Jones, a member of the Shawanaga First Nation, discusses "solutions and recommendations for self-government, exercising our inherent right and he will also discuss the barriers and resolutions." In doing so Jones discusses the Ojibwa worldview and Canada's obligations to his people. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss the issues raised with Jones.

This file contains a presentation by Roger Obonsawin relating to problems faced by Aboriginal communities and individuals. He offers a number of solutions, including recognizing Aboriginal and treaty rights to form the basis for strong, self-sufficient Aboriginal communities; initiating economic development that focuses on small business development; and that Indian and Northern Affairs Canada be relieved of its responsibility for implementing and negotiating self-government initiatives. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Ron Eldridge, Vice-President, NORTEP Student Association. Eldridge asks "how are we to be self-governing if we cannot educate ourselves?" He discusses the NORTEP program, and highlights his major concern of funding cuts to it.

This file contains a presentation by Ron George and Bob Groves focusing on self-determination for Aboriginal peoples in Canada's larger urban centres. The presenters state that nearly half of Canada's Aboriginal peoples live in large urban centres and feel that the Indian Act has left out people who do not live on reserves. Their group was involved in the Royal Commission's National Round Table on urban issues last year and the presenters state their presentation reinforces their concerns from last year's Round Table.

File contains a presentation by Ron George, President of the Native Council of Canada. George discusses the situation of his constituency (non-status and Metis people of Canada) at length, and also discusses his views on Status Indians and the government's dealings with them. Georges presentation covers a wide range of topics including self-governance as it pertains to off-reserve populations, and Canadian Constitutional issues.

File contains a presentation by Rosa Wright discussing the healing of individual persons, families and communities, and the future of children "coming from dysfunctional homes and living in a dysfunctional society." She briefly discusses other negative issues facing youth and elderly persons, discrimination associated with Bill C-31 and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Roy Littlechief focusing on the misuse of power by the chief and band council relating to his unidentified First Nations. Accountability is needed with money and policies and he says reserve residents are denied better housing because of the greed.

File contains remarks by Roy Myke, Jim Brady Metis Local Representative. Myke claims that self-governance has to be established from the bottom-up, at the community level. He states that "if the government ever gets serious about self-government, it has got to start at the bottom and not at the top." Following this Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand have a brief discussion with Myke regarding self-governance.

File contains a presentation by Rt. Hon. Len Simms, Leader of the Official Opposition in Newfoundland. Simms focuses on Aboriginal self-government. He provides the history of Newfoundland as a province and sees parallels between that and Aboriginal self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.

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 by Samuel Stevens. Stevens, representing the government of the Northwest Territories, discusses initiatives that his government has taken with regard to Aboriginal people and the justice system.

The file contains a presentation by Sandra Delaronde, President, Metis Women of Manitoba. Delaronde discusses the history of the Metis people, land issues, issues with curricula, the need for rights recognition, social problems, environmental issues, self-governance,and international women's issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Delaronde.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Social Development by Charlene Belleau, Ralph Phillips, and Bob Manuel. The presenters discuss social development as a necessary precondition of land claims and self-governance. They discuss the need to address the social damages inflicted by residential schools and foster homes, dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. Commissioner Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by Sharon Pelletier at the University of Manitoba regarding her personal experiences as a mature student, single parent, and Bill C31 person. Following this is a discussion with the Commissioners also involving the preceding presenter, Dave Mowat, also a student at the University of Manitoba, regarding the issues raised in their two presentations.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Central Okanagan Regional District by Sharron Simpson, Chairperson. Simpson discusses her viewpoint as a Canadian with little knowledge of Aboriginal peoples. Simpson discusses her limited experiences with First Nations and Inuit people in her youth, the colonial mentality, the sociological concept of anomie, the need for mutual respect and understanding to forge a new relationship, work with the Westbank Indian Band, and concerns about the development of self-government. Simpson also makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Shibogama First Nations Council, Sarah McKay. McKay discusses the social and health conditions of the local First Nations, and attributes many of their problems to colonialism and policies such as the residential schools. McKay recommends that any move towards self-governance first start by addressing the mental, spiritual, and physical health concerns of area First Nations. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with McKay.

File contains a presentation by Silas Wesley of Kashechewan Cree First Nation in Ontario discussing his past work with various Aboriginal organizations relating to self-government. He feels that the Commission will help in the struggle for self-government and hopes that "we can include and justify our land within the Constitution."

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.

File contains a presentation by Stan Nelson regarding Treaty Land Entitlement. Nelson discusses the Indian Act, Self Governance, and Treaty Land Entitlement for Rouseau River. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Roseau.

File contains a presentation by Stanley Njootli relating to hunting and trapping, the Porcupine Caribou Management Agreement, land claims and self-government in the Yukon. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Steven Katz. Katz discusses justice issues in Canada, and the need for an overhaul of the system due to systemic discrimination toward Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation Katz discusses some of these concerns with Commissioners Chartrand and Sillet.