Oratory Skills & Practises

File contains a brief individual presentation by Looie Nowdla, young citizen of Pangnirtung, expressing concern for the youth in her community who use alcohol and drugs. Despite the ban on both, usage of alcohol and drugs is responsible for youth crime and high dropout rates from school. Nowdla calls for more recreational facilities for the youth of Pangmirtung.

File contains an individual presentation by Lucienne Robinson detailing her frustrating personal experiences with Bill C-31 and her attempt to return to her home First Nations in northern Ontario. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Lyla Andrew, a non-Aboriginal woman raised in Toronto and a resident of Sheshatsiu for 15 years. She acknowledged in her an unconscious discrimination toward Innu people and the Innu would be better served if they "would aspire to be more like me." Andrew shares stories of her experience living among the Innu and calls on the Commission to have the Canadian government "recognize the value in their growth and development as a separate and distinct culture." Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Madeleine Moonias, a Native language teacher and parent that focuses on Aboriginal culture, language and education. She states that when Aboriginal languages die out, so does Aboriginal culture. Moonias calls on the Commission to help ensure that school boards in northwestern Ontario encourage Native language maintenance and to foster positive attitudes to strengthen cultural identity for Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Margaret Gladue, a Metis woman, relating to Crown Land at Eleanor Lake, Alberta. She and her family live close to the lake in an area that is frequented by weekend campers. Gladue has attempted to get the Canadian government to authorize her miscellaneous lease on the land she and her husband grew up on. She calls for the Commission to help cut through the red tape so her family can live on their ancestors' land. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Marlene Buffalo focusing primarily on self-determination - the right of every First Nations to choose its own form of government, to enjoy its spiritual and material patrimony without restriction, to live freely according to tradition and to be exempt from any form of subjection to any powerful nation or people. Buffalo states that self-government has been "effectively prevented by the due process of acculturation and the erosion of Aboriginal self-identification." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Martha Hurry discussing her experience with going to the bush in the spring with her children. She was a kindergarten teacher at Peenamin School and took a leave of absence. Hurry was unsucessful in receiving unemployment benefits for those weeks in the bush and feels she was discriminated against. She asks the Commission for help in dealing with the local Canada Employment office. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Marvin Assinewai relating to Aboriginal post-secondary education. He recommends that the Canadian government recognize that all levels of education is an Aboriginal and treaty right, and that funding for post-secondary education increase so that each First Nation community could establish their own post-secondary policy. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Mary Ann Michel expressing frustration with the lifestyle her Innu people are living. Michel wants her people to be healthy, educated and productive members of Innu society but "the Canadian government's policies have destroyed the Innu way of life."

File contains an individual presentation by Mary Evik, resident of Pangnirtung, who provides historical background on health services in the community. Evik believes the old hospital that operated from the 1950s-1970s gave superior care to Pangnirtung and area residents, and feels the present nursing station is an inadequate band-aid solution to caring for residents.

File contains an individual presentation by Mary Lou Iahtail, teacher at Moosonee Public School in Moosonee, Ontario. She describes her experiences at the Fort Albany Residential School in Ontario where she learned to read and write in Cree. Iahtail states that a Cree immersion program is needed at her school and calls for the Commission to fund Cree immersion programs so the Cree language does not disappear.

File contains an individual presentation by Mavis Gillie focusing on "the idea of a moral and spiritual dimension to the right of Aboriginal peoples to be distinct peoples, to have an adequate land base and to be self-governing." Gillie works within the Anglican Church of Canada and describes her frustration with politicians who are unfamiliar with Aboriginal issues.

File contains an individual presentation by Michael Rich focusing on his experiences with the justice system in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He calls on the Commission to ensure that Aboriginal police officers, lawyers, judges and court workers work with Aboriginal people to negotiate through the justice system in a fair manner. Following the presentation are remarks by Rene Dussault and Mary Sillett.

File contains an individual presentation by Michael Voisey who seeks information on the land claims deal involving Sango Bay, Labrador. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Mrs. Millicent Loder, oldest elder in the community. She describes her childhood, the infrequent visits by doctors, her father's employment with the Hudson's Bay Company, nursing training in the United States, raising her children in Labrador, and her role as a valued elder in her community.

File contains an individual presentation by Mrs. Hilda Lyall focusing on the rights of Aboriginal women. She describes her personal experience with attempting to find work after completing a two-year translator course and feels that men are automatically assumed to be better workers. She calls on the Commission to address the inequality of not hiring women who are as qualified as men. Following the discussion is a short question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Nellie Carlson, founder of the Aboriginal women's group 'Indian Rights for Indian Women' in the early 1970s. She reads a letter from 30 April 1992 that was sent to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney outlining concerns with land claims and discrimination relating to Aboriginal women, and with the overall negative effects of Bill C-31 on Aboriginal women. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Norman Yellowbird asking why Treaty Indians, such as he, are not represented under the umbrella of "Aboriginal Peoples." He states that if self-government is to take place, the Canadian government must address the treaties. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

File contains an individual presentation by Olassie Machmer who has lived overseas in the past. She compares the red tape involved with taking ill in England (none) to taking ill in the Canadian North (substantial). She states that "when you see overseas governments, they seem to run a lot better than here." Machmer concludes by saying the government has to change to meet the needs of the people.

File contains an individual presentation by Patrick Rich, an Innu man, asking for help from the Commission relating to the forced removal and subsequent adoption at birth of several of his children. He asks the Commission for help in locating his children.

File contains an individual presentation by Peter Nakogee, via translator, believing that this Commission will be productive and will result in positive changes for Aboriginal peoples, as opposed to Commissions past. One area of concern lies with programs not being available to off-reserve individuals. Nakogee calls for funding for better housing on reserves and for fire protection and ambulance service in the Moosonee-James Bay area.

File contains a brief individual presentation by Ponis Nuke relating to health care for Innu people, trapping snd low-level flying by Canadian Forces jets in Labrador. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains a presentation by Randy Nepoose relating to social issues, off-reserve Aboriginals, natural resources, and the justice system. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Raymond Cutknife that questions how effective the Commission and its findings will be.

File contains a spirited individual presentation by Rene Lamothe with questions and comments by Commissioner Allan Blakeney throughout the presentation. It focuses on the need for Aboriginal self-government and for a formula for transfer payments so that Aboriginal governments have the resources with which to govern.

File contains an individual presentation by Rod Soosay that focuses on growing up in an alcoholic home and now he has raised his children without the presence of alcohol in their home. He also discusses the lack of identity he feels as a Cree person, an Aboriginal person and as a Canadian. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Rodney Louie, who comes from the Lillooet, British Columbia area where a tribal police force is being formed. He sees policing of Aboriginal communities as being more productive and proactive when done by tribal police, rather than having the RCMP "reacting, then dealing with something after it has happened." Following the presentation is a discussion with Louie and past presenters Leonie Rivers, Robert Michel and Jill Harris and the Commissioners.

File contains two presentations, both read by Rose Gregoire. She begins with Raphael Gregoire's presentation that expresses concern with this Commission being irrelevant and its findings being ignored. Raphael Gregoire asks that issues or problems that need to be addressed immmediately should not be delayed until the final report is finished. Rose Gregoire's presentation addresses the treatment of Innu people under the law and discusses her experiences in the justice system, first as a young offender and now as a court worker.

File contains an individual presentation by Rosie Joamie, who is an educator and teacher of Inuktitut. Ironically, when Joamie began teaching in the 1970s, she consulted community elders for information on Inuit culture and traditiona because she had not been taught them as a child. Joamie calls for more funding to continue the teaching of Inuit culture. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Roy Louis that initially states that the Commission lacks a Treaty Commissioner so he is already skeptical of the findings of the Commission. His presentation covers a number of issues such as joint ventures and economic development, tourism, forestry, agriculture, and racism. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

File contains an individual presentation by Sidney Demore that debates the status vs. non-status Indian issue and how it affects his family, as he is a non-status Indian and his wife is status. He also discusses the abuse of alcohol and the effect on Aboriginal families.

File contains an individual presentation by Simeo Rich expressing sadness that elders were not consulted when the Churchill Falls Hydro Project was being planned in the 1960s. The destruction of hunting lands has been devastating to the Innu and Rich hopes that future self-government will eliminate the federal government's control over the Innu.

File contains an individual presentation by Stan Wesley, a 19-year-old man from Moose Factory, focusing on the loss of Aboriginal culture as detrimental to Aboriginal youth in Canada. He feels that youth who leave reserves for the city have no resources to succeed, and reserve youth are lost in the shuffle of bureaucracy as well. Wesley says his generation are the next leaders and they must have complete understanding of their culture. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners and Eli Chilton and Stan Wesley, previous speakers.

File contains an individual presentation by Sylvester Andrew, employee of the local school. He briefly describes the history of Aboriginal people in Labrador. Andrew states that hydro projects and low-level Canadian Forces jets have disrupted lives, as well as wildlife, which Innu people depend on for survival. Flooding has destroyed the hunting areas used by the Innu and Andrew believes the Innu must begin land claims negotations to prevent the loss of more land and resources.

File contains an individual presentation by Tommy Evik, resident of Pangnirtung, relating to the difficulty that Inuit people have in dealing with Canadian government documents written in English. He states that the government sought to abolish Inuktitut in the past but "our parents and ourselves have hung on to our own language and we teach it to our children every day." He urges provincial and federal politicians representing Pangnirtung and area to also visit the smaller communities, not just the larger centres.

File contains introductory remarks by Treffrey Yellow Old Woman, representative, Siksika Nation. She describes in brief the issues her group hopes to cover, primarily relating to self-government, community development and Aboriginal women. She then introduces Robert Michel as the first speaker.

File contains an introductory presentation by Henry Wetelainen of the Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association. He introduces five zone presidents of the Association: Sheilagh Chief, Howard Restoule, Ron Swain, Joe Major and Agnes Lidstone. The zones include 63 communities; Metis communities, off-reserve Aboriginal people, those with band membership, those who are treaty, and have chosen to work within the organization. Wetelainen introduces the first speaker, Ron Swain.

File contains a brief prayer in Inuit by Co-Chair Rene Dussault, followed by an introduction of Elder Angus Merrick by Phil Fontaine. Angus Merrick, who is ninety years of age, delivers a prayer in his native language, then makes a few comments on youth regarding cultural awareness and linguistic retention.

File contains opening remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair and Mary Sillett, Commissioner, and the two Commissioners for the Day, Naki Ecko and Abraham Okpik. Dussault discusses the purpose and mandate of the Commission.

File contains remarks and a presentation by Norman Evans, President, Pacific Metis Federation. Evans discusses Aboriginal history pre-contact and how the Metis became "Canada's forgotten people." He shares his frustration in dealing with the Canadian government and as a veteran of many Aboriginal organizations, he hopes this Royal Commission will fulfill its mandate to help make the lives of Aboriginals better. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples held at the Edmonton Inn, in Edmonton, Alberta on June 11, 1992. The Commissioners explain the mandate and goals of the Commission for the audience in attendance.

File contains opening remarks by Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand who explain the purpose and objectives of the Commission.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand, who explain the purpose and objectives of the Commission. Robert Boucher, Commissioner For the Day, is introduced.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Viola Robinson, who explains the purpose and mandate of the Commission. Blakeney introduces Elder Pearl Keenan, Commissioner for the Day, Chief David Keenan and Frank Saligo, Mayor of Teslin, Yukon, who make brief remarks welcoming the Commission.

File contains opening remarks by Allan Blakeney and Viola Robinson, Commissioners, who speak about the purpose and objectives of the Commission. George Miller, representative of the Kaska Tribal Council and Barry Ravenhill, Mayor of Watson Lake are introduced.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioner Allan Blakeney. He introduces his co-chair, Paul Chartrand, a Metis from Manitoba and also introduces Elder George Lathlin from The Pas.

File contains opening remarks by Allan Blakeney, Commissioner, Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. He introduces Commissioner Viola Robinson and the two Commissioners for the Day, Mary Cazon and Gabe Cazon. Blakeney explains the purpose of the Commission. He introduces Chief Gerald Antoine.

File contains opening remarks for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples sitting at Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, on Thursday, June 18, 1992. Remarks by Commissioners Blakeney, Chartrand, and Marcel outline the mandate and goals of the Commission, and translation arrangements for the Fort Chipewyan venue.

File contains opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Port Alberni, British Columbia on Wednesday, May 20, 1992. Commissioner for the day, Chief Nelson Keitlah, and Co-Chairman Georges Erasmus welcome the participants and discuss the mandate and goals of the Commission.

File contains opening remarks by Chief Norm Wesley who introduces Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Viola Robinson, Pat Chilton, and Derek McLeod, Youth Commissioner for the Day.