Oratory Skills & Practises

File contains a presentation by Ms Evelyn Ballantyne from the Opasquiak Women's Centre. Ballantyne discusses three topics: Indian Act, Aboriginal self-government, Women's resources. Following the presentation is a discussion between Ms Ballentyne and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand regarding these topics.

File contains a greeting by Co-Commissioner for the day, Chief Andrew Thomas.

File contains an individual presentation by Alain Vachon relating to Aboriginal people in the construction industry and the problems they encounter. He states that in his experience, Aboriginals may be passed over for a project in their own community and non-Aboriginal workers may only be hired. He also expresses frustration with earning a lower wage than a non-Aboriginal worker may earn, and says that female construction workers also face discrimination. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Angela Andrew, teacher at the local community college, discussing Innu culture and education. She states that elders should be utilized more in teaching traditional skills to Innu youth, but because they do not have the proper teaching certification, they are not allowed to teach. She calls on the Commission to ease teacher education restrictions with elders to ensure traditional Innu skills and traditions are passed on. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Ann Bayne that first provides a history of the Kaska First Nations and the Liard Indian Band. Bayne describes her Band's struggle with a referendum addressing a hereditary system or elected system in determining the position of Chief. She believes that residents should have a choice in determining their leadership. Bayne also discusses abolishing the Indian Act, the need for personal development programs and calls for more treatment centres for substance abuse. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

File contains an individual presentation by Arthur Williams focusing on education and the individual freedom to choose a career. He speaks of his choice to attend aviation school and the lack of funding for flying as a career. He calls on the Commission to help to secure funding to attend aviation school in British Columbia. Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Barbara Wood addressing the lack of educational opportunities for Metis people in Labrador. She is a single mother putting two sons through University and describes the financial hardship involved. She calls on the Commission to assist Labradorian youth who seek education and "a future free of debt." Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Beatrice Watts focusing primarily on education. She provides a brief history of the Inuit in Labrador and relocation efforts in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1977 the first Inuit education conference was held, which laid the groundwork for the teaching of Inuktitut and cultural programs in schools. Watts also briefly discusses the Inuit radio station at Main, Labrador and a 1978 conference sponsored by Inuit women held in Labrador. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Ben Andrew focusing on Innu land claims and self-government. Andrew states the Canadian government has "deprogrammed Innu people so they deny their own people, their own nationhood, and their own uniqueness." Andrew is skeptical of the Commission's purpose and goals but hopes the Commission can influence the federal government in future negotiations relating to Innu land claims and self-government. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Ben Michel detailing the negative effects of government assimilation on the people of Sheshatshiu, Davis Inlet and other Innu communities. He states that "Canada once again is masking itself in the form of a Royal Commission to legitimize its denial of a people's right of self-determination and arightful place in the global human community." Michel calls on the Commission to take his complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Commission and to the United Nations Human Rights Commission. A question-and-answer session follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Betty Hardisty, teacher, via translator. She discusses her experiences with teaching Slave children about treaties and displays her students' wall murals that portray their understanding of treaties. Her students are fifth-generation relatives of the treaty signatories.

File contains an individual presentation by Bob Major that focuses on education. Major wants to see a curriculum geared towards Aboriginal and Metis children regarding the history of northern Alberta and languages. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Brenda Jonah, graduate of the Native Community Worker Program of Sault College, Sault Ste. Marie. She describes her experiences working in a high school with a high number of Aboriginal students. Through workshops, displays and social events, the students learned about their culture, many for the first time. Jonah proposes establishing Aboriginal liaison programs in high schools with large Aboriginal student populations. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Charlie Andrew relating to his frustrating personal experience with attempting to complete the Adult Basic Education program at Labrador Community College.

File contains an individual presentation by Chief Francis Penashue describing the culture and values of the Innu people pre-European contact, and now Innu communities are dealing with substance abuse, family dysfunction and high unemployment and welfare rates. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains a presentation by Chief Norm Wesley stating that Aboriginal peoples are bound together by a sense of togetherness, family, equality and sharing, which was given to Aboriginals by the Creator. Elders must work with youth to give them a sense of the past and parents must instill in their children respect for others and themselves.

File contains an individual presentation by Cindy Gilday of Fort Franklin, NWT. She tells the Commission about the 398 unmarked graves in the Deh Cho (formerly a residential school) Hall yard and says that unmarked graves are "a very significant symbol of opporession, the ultimate symbol as far as the Dene are concerned." She states that her father was present at the Treaty signings in 1911 and 1921 and feels the Canadian government has not fulfilled any of the treaties' terms.

File contains an individual presentation by Claris Rudkowski, businesswoman from North West River, Labrador. She questions the lack of Aboriginal women in business and attributes that to a lack of education opportunities, a lack of daycare facilities, and a lack of support from family and friends. Rudkowski asks the Commission not to forget about women's issues, lost among the larger issues of land claims and self-government.

File contains an individual presentation by Claudette Chevrier-McLeod relating to the Goods and Services Tax (GST). She states that exemptions should be the same for Aboriginals who live both on and off reserves. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Cliff Gladue, who, despite involvement in a number of federal and provincial Metis organizations, is representing himself. Gladue's presentation discusses the principles and parameters of Aboriginal self-government. He sees three self-government agreements being negotiated with the federal and provincial governments: the treaty self-government agreeement, the Inuit self-government agreement and the Metis self-government agreement. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clive Linkletter, a treaty status Aboriginal, focusing on Aboriginal self-government, treaty rights and on Section 35. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Danny Montour that focuses on the treaty Indian, the Indian Act and Bill C-31. He hopes that "the Government of Canada and the Indian people come to a reasonable level of mutual understanding as to the present-day meaning of the treaties." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by David Akpalialuk, resident of Pangnirtung, who expresses frustration with the application of Unemployment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan and would like documents in both Inuktitut and English. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by David Martin and read by Doris Saunders. It focuses on mobility rights of Aboriginal peoples.

File contains an individual presentation by David Nuke focusing on the justice system and how it fails Innu people regarding summary offences. He cites statistics for incarceration of an inmate for one year and feels that amount would be better served providing community programs for Innu youth in Labrador, thus avoiding criminal activity by young people.

File contains an individual presentation by Davidee Arnaqaq, resident of Pangnirtung, expressing frustration with the lack of economic opportunities and employment to support his family. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will support employment and business programs in his community as there has been little support in the past.

File contains a presentation by Doris Saunders that details the histories of Happy Valley and Goose Bay communities, their amalgmation in 1974, and the services provided today.

File contains an individual presentation by Eli Chilton relating to social issues from a youth perspective. He states that these problems have originated since colonization, but Aboriginal people must now take responsibility for their own lives.

File contains an individual presentation by Emile Nakogee stating that Aboriginal peoples should "conserve our lifestyles, our culture, our languages and follow what our Creator created for us within the lands." He is concerned for the problems facing Aboriginal youth and states that parents need to involve elders and the community in raising children.

File contains an individual presentation by Ernie Rickard that briefly discusses a number of issues, including education, justice, economic development on reserves, and self-government. He relates his experience when interviewing for a justice of the peace position with the Canadian government and how his interpretation of the job did not match the government's interpretation.

File contains an individual presentation by Evelyn Schrieber expressing concern for Aboriginal homeless people. She describes the hopelessness within her family as she, as well as her two children, were homeless at various points in their lives. Schrieber states that Aboriginals are denied the right to proper psychiatric treatment, particularly those who are homeless. She calls on the Commission to provide funding for programs for mentally ill people, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Frances Ebersbach, a Metis elder in her community who assists residents in a variety of ways. Ebersbach is frustrated by policies of government departments that work against Aboriginal people and wants to draw attention to the Commission the unfairness of treatment. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by George Smith, via translator, that focuses on Aboriginal self-government from the perspective of elders. Smith states that elders were consulted in all facets of life pre-contact but with the Canadian government's policies over the years, elder input and influence have been irrelevant. He calls for the government to consult with elders during self-government negotiations. Smith also briefly discusses band relocation, natural resources, and the effects of residential schools. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

File contains an individual presentation by Greg Kjos who has ministered with people who either live near or work near Aboriginal First Nations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He believes that our society should regard Aboriginal spirituality as having equal status with other established faiths. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Greg Newley of Fort Liard, NWT. His focus is on Aboriginal and government relations, in particular issues which affect the Dene of the Northwest Territories. Commissioner Allan Blakeney invites Newley to submit a brief when the Commission visits the area again, as the Commission will be looking for solution-oriented presentation when they return.

File contains an individual presentation by Gregory Andrew and Mary Andrew questioning "[H]ow did Canada gain our territory when there was no treaties ever signed by Innu people." He shows a map where the Innu people have lived in northern Canada for 9000 years and Andrew's mother, through an interpreter, shows the places she once lived that are now mine sites and lands are flooded by dams. Following the presentation are brief remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Hank Shouse, businessman and former mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He states that Labrador is not served well politically by having only 4 of 52 members of the Provincial House of Assembly, the rest being Newfoundlanders. The control of Labrador is held in St. John's, Newfoundland, and Shouse believes that the Inuit, Innu, Metis, non-Aboriginals and other groups should form their own territorial House of Assembly. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Ian Hinksman focusing on the lack of services and programs available for disabled Aboriginal people, both on- and off-reserve, in Canada. Hinksman answers questions from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus and Commissioner for the Day Norman Evans.

File contains an indivdual presentation by Irene Neeposh, a trapper, expressing personal dissatisfaction with government restrictions on Income Security and the use of wood for shelters and campfires. She calls on the Commission to ensure that her way of life on the trapline will not be phased out of existence with more government restrictions.

File contains a presentation by Jack Penashue who speaks from the perspective of Innu youth. He learned very little about his culture in high school and feels it should be taught by Aboriginal teachers throughout all grades. He feels elders are very important in passing down traditions and stories and they should be utilized by the education system as well.

File contains an individual presentation by Jean-Pierre Ashini discussing low-level flying by Canadian Forces jets in Labrador. His ability to hunt and provide for his family is compromised by the jets flying 15-20 feet above ground. Ashini calls on the Commission to stop the flights as they affect wildlife and scare small children.

File contains a presentation by Joanasie Maniapik, representative of "the men's group in Pangnirtung" who states that the laws of the Canadian Government are not the ways of the Inuit. Maniapik calls for a separate Royal Commission on justice in the North. Rene Dussault, Co-Chair, says that previous commissions have dealt with particular justice issues and with the future government of Nunavut

File contains an individual presentation by Jonah Kilabuk, who attended school in Winnipeg to become an interpreter. He states that "I am still not recognized by my own people because I was never taught how to hunt. He hopes that culture-preserving programs will soon be available for younger generations

File contains an individual presentation by July Papatsie expressing frustration with government policy on research. Papatsie seeks a grant to interview elders in her community but she needs a diploma to apply. Rene Dussault, Co-Chair, states that "grassroots research" should be acknowledged as being equally useful, despite the lack of education of the researcher.

File contains an individual presentation by Kathleen Nuna focusing on aspects of Innu culture she feels have been lost; fishing, hunting, trapping, folklore and spirituality. She calls on the Commission to provide Innu communities with funding to teach younger generations traditional and survival skills to keep Innu culture alive. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Ken Ward, an Aboriginal man from Enoch First Nations who is living with AIDS. He asks how can Aboriginals have a strong economic base "when these employed people are hurting." He calls for an after care program for Aboriginals leaving the correctional system, which includes elders.

File contains an individual presentation by Larry Gilbert discussing the recurring problem of discrimination against Aboriginal women and their children and the policies and practices at Indian Affairs which are designed and succeed in frustrating the legitimate claims to entitlement.

File contains a brief presentation by Lawrence Standing-On-The-Road that touches on economic development, treaty rights, land claims and self-government.

File contains an individual presentation by Leo Jacobs, an educator and businessman, focusing on education and economic development. Jacobs credits a large support system behind him as he completed a Master's degree in Education Administration. He envisions a strong Aboriginal tourism industry in Canada, which would showcase Aboriginal culture and not exploit it. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Lionel Rich relating to youth and the RCMP in Sheshatshiu. Rich alleges the RCMP did not treat several young people properly and calls upon the Commission to look into the conduct of the officers involved. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.