Substance Use, Abuse & Treatment

File contains a presentation by Lily Sutherland focusing on child and family welfare issues. Sutherland discusses the need for more training of public health officers on First Nations and for workshops on parenting and substance abuse prevention. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Linda Pinch focusing on the Westman WomenÂ’s Shelter in Brandon. The shelter provides safe and temporary accommodation to women and their children who have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused. Pinch also discusses the YWCA Residence Program, a halfway house facility serving people on federal and provincial people, and those needing post-mental health and post-addiction treatment.

The file contains a presentation by Lorne Smith. Smith discusses his work as a youth worker for the Peigan Nation, and some of the issues they face with youth such as low self-esteem, and the need for cultural and historical education.

File contains a presentation by Louise Bouvier, Yukon Indian Women's Association. Bouvier, the organization's President, discusses their program the Dene Nets'edet'an which is a community healing project intended to treat "family violence, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual abuse, mission school syndrome, et cetera." Dene Nes'edet'an differs from past approaches in emphasizing After-care: an emphasis on long term recovery treatment for dealing with traumas. Following Bouvier's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the program with her.

File contains a presentation by Maggie Hodgeson discussing the Nechi Institute's purpose and goals. In the last 18 years this Aboriginal training institute has trained 2500 counsellors to work in the 15 Aboriginal treatment programs and 30 prevention programs in Alberta. Hodgeson calls for the Commission to ensure funding for the Nechi Institute continues because its graduates are contributing to the decline of substance abuse among Aboriginals in Alberta.

File contains a presentation by Therese Ottawa and Delima Niquay of the Regional Council on Education and Culture. Ottawa discusses family violence, addictions, and associated social services concerns. Ottawa recommends harsher sentences for conjugal violence, stronger community participation, better funding for social services, as well as discussing general women's issues, the need for increased awareness campaigns, and the establishment of men's discussion groups on the issue of family violence.

File contains a presentation by Margaret Klopenberg, Assistant Co-ordinator of the Child Identification Program, and Christine Hoffman, Chairperson, both of the North Central Alberta Crisis Intervention Association. They describe the variety of programs the Association offers to Aboriginal people, including women's and men's domestic violence groups and self-esteem and victim assistance programs. The Association operates with little funding, much of it raised themselves, so Klopenberg and Hoffman call on the Commission to help them secure funds to keep these essential programs operating.

This file consists of a presentation by Mark Taylor describing his organization's efforts in assisting Aboriginal persons affected by substance abuse. Services offered include a toll-free information number about alcohol and drug abuse, and public information brochures translated into Cree. The organization is also co-hosting the Fifth Annual Conference on the Reduction of Drug Related Harm, a major international conference. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Marlene Antoniow discussing the prevalence of addiction issues among Aboriginal people and the shortage of Aboriginal social workers to treat them. She is also concerned about poor health care that elders receive relating to waiting lists and lack of transportation. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Marlene Poitras expressing her frustration with poor housing and living conditions for Aboriginals. She states those conditions are directly related to the rate of illness and disease among Aboriginals. She says that off-reserve Aboriginals particularly suffer with poor housing conditions. Poitras calls on the Commission to ensure that adequate funding is given to lifestyle and health programs for all Aboriginals. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains spresentation by Marlene Villebrun, Canadian Mental Health Association. Villebrun discusses discrimination and low self-esteem issues; alcohol and drug abuse; the need to make Aboriginal history mandatory and a priority in Canadian schools; the intergenerational effects of cultural deprivation; and the need to better equip youth for "living in two cultures."

This file contains a presentation by Martha Waite touching on a number of subjects, including unemployment, health care and substance abuse, proper training for meaningful employment and land claims. After the presentation, other attendees, along with Waite, offer their comments in a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Marvin Frost that begins with a brief biographical sketch of Grafton Njootli, longtime political leader with the Vuntut Gwitch'in First Nation. Frost touches on a number of issues, including justice, alcohol abuse, taxation, unfulfilled treaty obligations and health problems. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Marvin Sampson focusing on the social problems caused by residential schools, forms of abuse, and alcohol and drug abuse. Sampson states the programs in place in his community are under-funded and under-staffed, resulting in broken families and individuals. He states that self-government is ineffective if Aboriginal people are unable to recover from negative events in their past. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair.

File contains a presentation by Mary Anne Wilson, Skidegate Caregivers. Skidegate is a small reserve of the Haida Gwaii people on the Queen Charlotte Islands. Wilson discusses the administrative structure of the band, its' health needs, and her organization's composition and mandate. Wilson discusses the need for a healing house for the people there, and some of the needs it could address in the community such as addictions, general and cultural education.

File contains a presentation by Mary Ellen Arnup, Research Officer, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Province of Alberta. Arnup presents statistical information on the prevalence of unnatural deaths in the Aboriginal communities of Alberta due to alcohol or drug abuse with relation to the rate in the non-Aboriginal community. Arnup presents her findings. Following the presentation Arnup and preceding presenter John Butt discuss their findings with Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Mary Teya, Community Health Representative. Teya discusses health staffing concerns; alcoholism; the community's Concerned Persons Committee; suicide; running water, sewage, and basic infrastructure for Aboriginal people. Following the presentation Teya discusses some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Matt Vickers focusing on the impact of the imposed political, educational, social and religious systems on North American Aboriginal peoples. He lists statistics for offences committed in the Kispiox area and calls on the Commission to ensure that "immediate steps are taken to ensure that documented cases of dysfunctional relations that are mostly a result of the residential school systems receive immediate assistance regarding their recovery process. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Michael Eshikibok. Eshikibok, an Ojibwa student at Laurentian University and freelance writer for the Sudbury Star, gives a statistical overview of Aboriginal people in Canada, over-representation in Saskatchewan prisons, poverty, alcoholism, and the need to replace the Indian Act and institute self-government. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Eshikibok.

File contains a presentation by Mina Kingalik. Kingalik discusses the loss of traditional Inuit culture in Nunavik and the process by which this has taken place. Kingalik also discusses the introduction of social problems like alcoholism that have come with cross-cultural contact in the North.

File contains remarks by Morgan McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. McLeod discusses his concerns with drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, child abuse and neglect in his community. He relates how the Metis youth have started a youth centre at Stanley Mission to deal with these problems, but need support on the provincial level to help provide information and recreational facilities.

File contains a presentation by Donna Roundhead of Nodin Counselling Services. Roundhead discusses the high suicide rate in Nishnawbe-Aski communities, calls for a federal inquiry into the high suicide rate, discusses the need for Aboriginal mental health consultants, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Roundhead.

File contains a presentation by Paul Nadjiwan expressing concern with the failure rate of Aboriginals entering a 12-step recovery program based on English-language, non-Aboriginal values. He also expresses concern with the Fort William treatment centre not being able to use government funding where it is most needed, and not where the government instructs the funding to be spent. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Rheena Diabo and Keith Leclair outlining the committee's goals, which include improving community participation in the planning, evaluation and administration of health and social services; providing training for health promotion and prevention; and participating in the close relationship between health services and social services. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Robin Dupuis relating to the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse in Labrador. Dupuis provides a history of his organization and states that alcohol and drug abuse is the major problem facing Aboriginal people in Labrador. Once the 28-day treatment program is completed, after-treatment programs are not in place to assist people with their rehabiliation, therefore they relapse and continue to use alcohol or drugs. Dupuis calls on the Commission to ensure adequate funding for after-treatment programs.

The file contains a presentation by Robin Weasel Bear. Weasel Bear discusses his support for the youth programs going on at the Peigan Reserve, and his participation in these programs. Weasel Bear tells the Commission that a lot more of these programs should be "set up on every reserve, and even in cities."

File contains a presentation by Rosemarie Moffit. Moffit discusses identity issues of a personal and collective nature, and then describes some Ojibway spiritual beliefs and how she feels they are relevant to dealing with the problem of drug and alcohol abuse. Following the presentation are comments by the assembled Commissioners and a discussion between Moffit and Commissioner Chartrand on issues of mixed-background, Metis, and Non-Status identity designations as they apply in Ontario.

File contains a presentation by Sandra Green, First Nations Women's Group. Green, a member of the Haida Nation and Eagle Clan, discusses the mandate and issues of the First Nations Women's Group of Prince Rupert. Their mandate is to "preserve the First Nations family in a healthy and positive way" and their issues include "social issues of family violence, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual abuse" AIDS, and high youth mortality generally. Green goes on to highlight a number of root causes of these problems, and recommend solutions to the Commission.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Shelly Yellow Horn. Yellow Horn discusses the Youth Group Program on the Peigan Reserve which she is involved with. Yellow Horn explains its' mandate which involves alcohol and drug abuse prevention, education, cultural identity, and the development of youth leaders.

File contains remarks by Stanley McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. Stanley remarks that earlier presenter Winston McKay "covered all the issues that I was going to talk about, so I cut out most of the things." McLeod goes on to highlight that the Metis of the north have very limited resources to operate programs with, and asks for more help with recreation facilities and substance abuse.

File contains a presentation by Louis Bordeleau of the Native Aid and Friendship Centre of Senneterre. Bordeleau discusses the operations of his friendship centre which deals with support to drug addicts, help for the disadvantaged, liaison services in education and health care, organization of recreational activities, inter-ethnic awareness-raising, participation in socio-economic development, and the people they service who come from the Cree (50 percent), Algonquin (28 percent), and Atikamekw (22 percent) cultural backgrounds.

The file contains a presentation by the Sudbury Youth Group. Presenters Adrea Chusan, Adrian Abel, Lana Perrin, Steven Hall, Mark Seabrook, and Wasayabeniquoi Dishnikas. The presenters discuss educational, addictions, suicide, recreation, employment, parental support, and general youth issues. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by Tom George focusing on the lack of funding for drug and alcohol recovery programs for Aboriginals in Canada. Lack of employment, recreation facilities, and shelter for women and children are problems George's group faces. He calls on the Commission to help secure funding for his organization. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Tyson Yellow Horn. Yellow Horn discusses the condition of youth on the Peigan Reserve from his perspective as a youth worker there.

File contains a presentation by Valerie Firth and Raymond Evans, employees of the Halifax Main Line Needle Exchange Program that has been in operation for the last six months. The program provides a needle exchange service for IV drug users as well as condoms for street youth. The program is a stepping-stone for IV drug users to receive treatment, and as well the program assists street youth. The presenters call on the Commission to ensure funding continues for this vital service. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Waldo Berg, Instructor of Northlands College. Berg discusses problems with the adult education system from his perspective as an instructor. Berg higlights four areas: language issues, childcare issues, alcohol issues, and cultural disparity issues. Berg suggests that a vareity of steps be taken to educate southern educators heading to job placements in the north about language and cultural concerns. Berg then discusses the Mennonite people's relation to Aboriginal Canadians and the issues they face.

File contains a presentation by Wilson Okeymaw, executive director of an additions facility on Ermineskin First Nation. He addresses the problem of addictions among Canada's Aboriginal peoples and speaks of his own struggle with alcohol. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Frank McKay, Gerry Wesley, and Elder Jowin Quequish of Windigo First Nations. McKay discusses how the Windigo First Nations Council represents the First Nations of Sachigo Lake, Bearskin Lake, North Caribou Lake, Cat Lake, New Slate Falls, and New Saugeen in Northwestern Ontario.

File contains remarks by Winston McKay, Metis Addictions Corporation of Saskatchewan. McKay relates some of his own life story and battle with addictions, as well as the larger struggle of northern Metis communities to cope with the destruction of their traditional economy, and transition into dependency on government. McKay discusses how treatment approaches intended for Status Indian and Non-Aboriginal society do not work for his people, and the lack of adequate funding his organization faces.

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 First Nations Tribal Justice Institute by Jim Maloney, Joan Phillip and Doug Farenholtz concerning experiences and issues of the Aboriginal Community in the Canadian Justice System. 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 Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes a presentation for the United Native Nations by Dan Smith, Nelson Mayer and Sandy Wong on economic development, social problems and education within the Aboriginal Community. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Vydal Sands on behalf of the N'Amerind Youth Group of London, Ontario. Sands discusses the activities of his group, alternative schooling for Aboriginal students, and social issues which affect Aboriginal youth. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with Sands.

File contains a presentation by Mayor Paul Kaludjak on behalf of the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet. He discusses education, health care, justice, self-governance, and alcohol and drug problems in the North. Following his presentation Commissioner Robinson thanks Kaludjak, and Commissioner Blakeney discusses the different municipal categories and funding frameworks in operation in the Northwest Territories.

File contains a presentation on Saskatchewan Justice by Annette Montgrand and Robert Woods. Mongtrand discusses property comepnsation by offenders on social assistance, and Saskatchewan Justice's work with parollees, the need for increased resources, family, and community support. Montgrand also discusses the need for distinct programming for nothern residents in the provincial context.

File contains a presentation regarding Education by Kathy Nelson and Dawnis Kennedy. Nelson, a sixteen year old grade ten student, discusses education at the Roseau River First Nations Gineau School. Nelson states that it is not as advanced as other reserve schools and that youth require "guidance, education, community support, and recreation programs." Kennedy, another sixteen year old student, discusses the importance of Aboriginal youth, problems associated with alcoholism, the need for more funding and economic development, and the need for more role models for youth.

This file contains presentations by eight students from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School in Brandon, Manitoba. The students are: Dennis Peters, Sandy Bunn, Russell Beaulieu, Verna McDougall, Sam Gott, Trena Raven, Marcelline Mason and Lorne Bunn. The presentations focus on issues such as Aboriginal-controlled schools on reserves, loss of Aboriginal culture and language, learning from elders as part of their daily curriculum, prejudice and racism in urban schools, and hopelessness and substance abuse among Aboriginal youth.

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 Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation by Allan Giroux at the Round Table discussion on Addictions.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation by Doug Vivier at the Round Table discussion on Addictions.