Self-Government

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes a presentation for the Mennonite Central Committee of British Columbia by Darryl Klassen and Eric Gilman concerning working to improve agriculture, conservation, health, education and other social needs in the Aboriginal Community. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes a presentation for the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement by Florence Wanuch concerning social services, healing, employment and housing in the Metis community.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This is a presentation of a Model of an Aboriginal Education Initiative: Gabriel Dumont Institute by John Dorion, Director of Development and Research Unit, Gabriel Dumont Institute.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This is a presentation of a Model of an Aboriginal Education Initiative: Saskatchewan Indian Federated College by Dr. Eber Hampton.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation of the Lheit-Lit'en Nation by Erling Christensen concerning self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This portion is of a presentation of the summaries of Discussion Papers 3, 5 and 10 by Marie Battiste preceding the Round Table discussion on education.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation of the Central Interior Native Health Society by Harold Morin concerning health needs in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation of the Nechako Fraser Junction Metis Association by Jim Pavich concerning National and Provincial concerns of the Metis community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation of "Healing the Heart" for the Northern Native Family Services by Violet Prince concerning social issues and changes in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

This file contains a transcript of part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation by Dan George, Diane Prest, Donagh MacArtain, Mary Clifford, Barry Seymour and Vincent Prince of the Prince George Friendship Centre on the topics of Social Programs, Health Care, Employment and Education in the Aboriginal Community.

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 Louise Thompson and Joyce King-Thompson of the Akwesasne Justice Department, on the subject of the Akwesasne court system.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of British Columbia Federation of Agriculture by Cor Vandermeulen. Vandermeulen discusses his organization's role and view towards the British Columbia treaty negotiation process. Vandermeulen discusses the uncertainty his farmer and rancher constituency experiences when Aboriginal leaders discuss changes in land management practices, and power structures.

File contains a presentation by President Bernice Ireland and student Roly Williams on behalf of the Nokee Kwe Adult Education Centre. President Ireland discusses the unique needs of Aboriginal adult students, the centre's history and mandate. Williams discusses funding cutbacks, racism and discrimination, cultural concerns, and self-governance issues. Following the presentations the two presenters discuss some of the issues raised with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Red Crow Community College by Marie Marule. Marule discusses post-secondary issues with respect to Treaty rights, First Nations relations with the provincial and federal governments, and self-governance. Marule discusses these issues in both a general and specific sense with relation to her own institution in Southern Alberta. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Marule.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re: Chiefs Memorial 1910 by Chief Nathan Matthew, Chief Antoine Archie, Chief Lenny Sellars, and Bob Manuel.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Economic Development. Presenters Willie Alphonse, Bob Manuel and Lana Jones discuss the need for economic development in Secwepemc communities, problems with decreased funding and assistance levels, demographic data, and entrepreneurship.

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.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Coalition Against First Nations Genocide by Stewart Phillip and Pierre Kruger. Phillip discusses the organization's demographic composition and mandate which involves pressuring federal and provincial governments to ensure their policies are involve "credible processes of community level consultations" and "full and complete democratic participation and decision-making based on informed consent."

File contains a presentation by Henry Zoe, MLA, on behalf of the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council. Zoe outlines some of the problems facing the Treaty 11 Council and presents solutions on settling their land claim, institutions of self-governance, and regional economic development. The Treaty 11 Council represents the communities of Rae/Edzo, Lac la Martre, Rae Lakes, and Snare Lake. Following Zoe's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Inuvik Community Corporation by Vice-Chairman Pauline Gordon and Chairman Glenna Hanson.

File contains a presentation by Mark French on behalf of the Seven Bands Community Futures Committee. French discusses the history of Aboriginal-European relations in Canada, colonization, assimilation, and his own ideas on self-determination and self-governance. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the ideas raised with French.

File contains a presentation by Chief Jerry Paulette on behalf of the South River First Nation (formerly known as the Fort Smith Native Band). Paulette discusses a variety of concerns including treaties, programs and services, self-governance, and "how title and a bilateral process eveolves around self-government." Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Paulette.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Student Association of Arctic College by President Georgina Franki, Maureen O'Hagan, and Vice-President Daniel Oteiza. The three presenters lay out their perspectives on the Native Studies program at Arctic College and why they think it is an important to have as preparation for self-governance. O'Hagan presents from the perspective of the only non-Aboriginal student in the program, while the other two are leaders of the student body. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the Native Studies program with the presenters.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Treaty 7 Tribal Council by Gregg Smith, Dorothy First Rider, and Chief Roy Whitney. Smith discusses the organizations activities representing Treaty 7 First Nations, and its relations with the federal government. Smith also gives a video presentation (not included in the transcript). Smith makes a variety of recommendations to the Committee with respect to self-governance, Treaty rights and responsibilities.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Westbank Indian Band by Tom Lindley. Lindley discusses difficulties with the Indian Act rules for band governance, disputes within the community and the desire to recall the band representatives, issues with taxation and non-Aboriginal people living on reserve, and concerns with self-government negotiations underway. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Lindley, after which the day's sitting of the Commission is adjourned with a closing prayer.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Yellowknives Dene Band Council by Chief Jonas Sangris and Chief Darrell Beaulieu, as well as a closing prayer which concludes the days sitting of the Commission. The two Chiefs welcome the Commission to the community and then discuss health and social issues, job training, community development, education, culture and languages. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Chiefs and assembled Commissioners on some of the issues raised, followed by the adjournment of the days proceedings and a closing prayer.

The file contains two presentations on behalf of University College of the Cariboo by Adrian Kershaw, Jane Teed, Marilyn James and Lisa Allgaier. Kershaw, Dean of Developmental and Regional Programs at the University, discusses Affiliation and Accrediation Agreements, and the critical role of Aboriginal control over post-secondary education for self-determination. Following his presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Kershaw.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Information Systems. Bruce Mack of the Cariboo Tribal Council and Verna Billy of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council discuss the Shuswap Information System (a collaborative database project) and associated issues of self-governance, treaty settlement, traditional wisdom, and technology utilization. The presenters make a variety of recommendations to the Commission including that they "fully appreciate the role of information technologies" in self-governance.

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 made on the topic of the Extinguishment of Treaty Rights by Roger Obonsawin. Also included are remarks made by Sherry Lawson, moderator and the Commissioners Bertha Wilson ans Mary Sillett.

File contains a presentation re culture by Peter Atkinson of the Cultural Education Program, and Councillor Charlie Nelson. Atkinson discusses Treaties, language, self-government, the need for a land base, and cross-cultural mutual understanding. Councillor Nelson discusses the Anishnabe culture, its society, and history. Nelson also discusses the significance of Treaty and social problems.

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.

File contains multiple presentations on the topic of the environment.

File contains a presentation by the Sagkeeng Education Program. Following an introduction by Gerald Couchene, the participants engage in a free flowing discussion (pgs 191-198) on education in their community, social services, and government funding. Following this, Patrick Bruyere delivers a presentation on the history of local control over education in his community, and the legacy of past failed educational policies administered by the federal government (pgs 198-209). Following this are some brief comments by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the presentation.

The file contains spresentation by Cheryl Pascal, Gwich'in Youth and Eugene Pascal, Chief, Aklavik Indian Band. Cheryl Pascal discusses Gwich'in language; cultural; post-secondary education; and general youth concerns.

File contains a presentation by Jean Allard (in English). Allard discusses colonization and the suppression of Aboriginal peoples, segregation, his problems with the concept of self-government, and the need for fiscal self-sufficiency and economic developments for Aboriginal (specifically Metis) peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding his views on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Chief Thomas Bressette of the London District Chiefs. Bressette, Chief of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, London District, discusses his peoples land dispute with the Department of National Defence over an area known as Stony Point. Chief Bressette goes on to discuss land and self-governance issues generally, recommending to the Commissioon that an arbitration board be set up to resolve such disputes similar to the practice employed in labour relations, and that the federal Department of Indian Affairs be dismantled.

This file contains a transcript of part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes opening remarks by Karin Hunt, the moderator for the session and presentations by Rena Kinney, Jessica Lafond, Geraldine Thomas, Brenda Thomas, Rosalind Caldwell, Gloria Lerat, Lillian George, Sophie Thomas, and Betty Ann Barnes and others on the various topics of racism, self-government, Aboriginal woman's issues, taxation, land claims, sexual abuse,healing and the issues of Metis women.

File contains a presentation by Shirley Adamson, Council for Yukon Indians. Adamson, chairperson for the Vuntut Gwich'in Council, discusses the self-governance negotiations which her organization has embarked upon with the Government of Canada. The respective First Nations parties involved in such negotiations included the Vuntut Gwi'chin Tribal Council, the Na-cho Ny'a'k Dun First Nation, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, and the Teslin/Tlingit First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Tom Dockstader, N'Amerind Friendship Centre. Dockstader discusses N'Amerind's history as one of the oldest Friendship Centres in Canada. Dockstader discusses the mandate and goals of the Centre. Dockstader delivers comments on four areas of interest to the Commission: healing, self-determination, self-government, and relationships between natives and non-natives. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Dockstader, after which the Commission conclude's its' sitting for the day.

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 questions and comments from the audience and the assembled commissioners, Mary Sillett and Bertha Wilson, regarding the presentation of the United Indian Councils given by Vice-Chief Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux; Greer Atkinson; Laurie Flynn; Chief Jeff Monague and Vice-Chief Mel Jacobs, at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.

File contains remarks by Matthew Quequish. Quequish discusses self-governance with Commissioner Wilson and advocates a form of governance based on an Elders Council.

File contains opening remarks by Michael Thrasher of Victoria, B.C. Thrasher relates his experiences of learning from Elders, engaging people across the country in addressing addictions and culture reclamation issues, the importance of solidarity amongst Status Indian, Metis, Non-status Indian, and Inuit peoples, the reality of racism and discrimination in Canadian society, and the need for people to be committed to addressing these issues rather than just involved with them.

File contains remarks by Verlin James. James expresses his agreement with the views already expressed, and then a discussion begins between Commissioner Wilson, Matthew Quequish, Karyn Cromarty, and James on justice issues.

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 given by Chief Norman Stinson at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community. This presentation is followed by the two Commissioners present, Mary Sillett and Bertha Wilson.

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 given by Cynthia Wesley-Esquamaux at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

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 opening remarks by Rob Belfry moderator of the round table discussion on Self-Sufficiency issues and economic development in the Aboriginal community.

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 given by Curtis "Chopper" Assance at the Round Table discussion on Self-Sufficiency issues and economic development in the Aboriginal Community.

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 given by Fred Thomas at the Round Table discussion on Self-Sufficiency issues and economic development in the Aboriginal Community.