Oratory Skills & Practises

File contains a presentation by Gerald One Feather, Mato Mna Sni, Ta Tiospaye Oglala Oyate. One Feather discusses the spiritual beliefs of his people, the Lakota, and how that informs their ideas about traditional governance. One Feather then goes on to relate some of the institutional history of the Lakota people, going into specific detail with regard to their relationship with the United States government. He also discusses problems experienced by Lakota people with the interenational boundary, and makes some recommendations for their ameilioration.

File contains a presentation by Gerald Thom, Senior Vice-President of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Thom thanks the Commission and introduces several MNA officials, then makes a few general remarks on the political situation for the Metis, Alberta, and Canada. To conclude his presentation he introduces the next presenter Thelma Chalifoux, Senator Co-Chair of the Metis Nation of Alberta.

File contains a presentation by Gerald Thom stating that Metis organizations are finally, in the 1990s, becoming involved in government policymaking. Thom believes that "in order to attain our goals we must support decentralization of powers from the federal and provincial government, and we must have a say on what policies and issues arise through decentralization. He discusses briefly education, language, and employment concerns relating to the Metis. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Geraldine Sebastian focusing on education and social issues. Government funding cuts to education and band peacekeeping programs have adversely affected her community. Sebastian states the Hagwilget community wishes self-sufficiency and calls on the Commission to assist in her community's battle to educate and help its residents. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gerri Collins, Second Vice-Chairman, British Columbia Association of Friendship Centres. She introduces Wilfred Price and Wally Samuel, members of the executive of the British Columbia Association of Friendship Centres. Collins gives a brief history of the Canadian Friendship Centre movement. She questions the validity of holding discussions around urban Aboriginal self-government without the involvement of the BC Association of Friendship Centres, the only urban Aboriginal organization which has a mechanism in place already.

File contains a presentation by Gerry Penney, representative, Conne River, Newfoundland, that reiterates statements made by the previous speaker, Jerry Wetzel, also of Conne River, Newfoundland.

File contains a presentation by Gilbert Cheechoo focusing on the loss of Aboriginal culture. He is frustrated that his years of service with numerous Aboriginal organizations have done little to help. Cheechoo feels the Canadian Government needs to abandon the broken system it has in place and settle the land claims and self-government issues. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Glen Ross discussing the Health Transfer Agreement of 1992 and the difficulties associated with transferring control of health services to First Nations. Other topics discussed include AIDS prevention and dentistry services. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Glen Williams discussing the Gitksan culture immersion program for pre- and primary school children in Gitanyow. The program is modeled on a Maori cultural school program in New Zealand and Williams calls for more funding from the Canadian government to ensure that the Gitksan culture and language does not become extinct. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Carter, member of the Metis Nation. He reiterates comments made by an earlier speaker regarding toxic waste disposal. Carter then acknowledges the historic contribution that Metis people made in the construction of the first buildings in Victoria and Vancouver in the 1700s. He hopes that Metis people will be recognized in the future for their contributions to Aboriginal life.

File contains a presentation by Gordon F.D. Wilson, Leader of the Official Opposition of British Columbia. He believes that the principle of Aboriginal self-government should be entrenched with the Canadian Constitution, and accomplished through negotiation, not litigation. Wilson also calls for commissions that will examine Aboriginal health care and social justice issues. He acknowledges problems relating to Aboriginal people living off-reserve should be considered by the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Grace Delaney. Delaney discusses her personal spiritual views and gives her perspective on the need to "recognize the misdeeds that people are doing in our communities."

File contains a presentation by Grace Menconse, Vice-President of Native Mediation Inc. Menconse, a Bill C-31 person, discusses her groups problems with an undefined self-government, jurisdictional issues, with lack of accountability and transparency in Band politics, and the need to apply the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Status Indians. Menconse also discusses electoral fraud and serious human rights abuses which she accuses Aboriginal leadership of being complicit in.

File contains a presentation by Gregory Penashue expressing frustration with his years of "futile activism" on behalf of the Innu people of Labrador. He protests yearly funding cuts for a multitude of programs in Sheshatshiu and other neghboring communities that would keep Innu culture and language from extinction. He calls on the Commission to consider Innu culture and language important enough to preserve through proper funding. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Harriet Janvier, Director, Mark Amy Centre. Janvier discusses some of the community problems she has encountered in her work for an alcohol addiction treatment centre. She highlights a lack of proper facilities, and some of the social problems in the community.

File contains a presentation by Harriet Lyall. Lyall discusses her son's snowmobile accident, and the problems she experienced with health and community services in the aftermath of this tragic event.

File contains a presentation by Harry Baikie focusing on economic development in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay region. He discusses the Trans-Labrador Highway, the industry of pilot training, the resolution of land claims in Labrador, and development of a forestry industry and hydro power. Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Harry Sock, Director, Child and Family Services, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock discusses the effect of unemployment, lack of housing and social problems have on Aboriginal families on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion involving Harry Sock, Leon Sock and the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Harvey Thunderchild relating to high rates of illiteracy among Aboriginal inmates, and the high proportion of incarcerated Aboriginal people for crimes committed involving drugs and alcohol. He states that Aboriginal inmates are prevented from entering treatment programs due to a shortage of programs. He also expressed concern with Aboriginal young offenders lacking appropriate programs as well. He introduces Alfreda Trudeau.

File contains a presentation by Henry Broomfield. Broomfield discusses the Labrador Native Peoples Funding Agreement and what he sees as its many shortcomings. Broomfield sums up by stating "this funding agreement is deficient in alot of areas. It does not provide sufficient dollars for the operation of our communities. It provides dollars to another government, the province, to run our affairs.

File contains a presentation by Henry Phillips with regards to Aboriginal poverty in Canada, and some possible solutions to address the problem. A short discussion with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a detailed presentation by Herb George focusing on Aboriginal rights and title. He discusses the effects of the McKinnon-McBride Commission of 1913-1915 and provides legal decisions that favor the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people in their present-day quest for self-government. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Herb Manak. Manak discusses two concerns: health care in Labrador, and services for the disabled. Manak relates his own experiences with health care in Labrador, and suggests more accessibility for disabled people.

File contains a presentation by the Honourable Paul Connolly, Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, PEI. Connolly expresses his government's support for the principles of Aboriginal self-government, and the reality of large off-reserve populations and their implications for provincial governments. He also expresses support for three way talks between the Federal, Provincial, and Aboriginal governments to define self-government and resolve jurisdictional issues.

File contains a presentation by Howard Restoule of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association that responds to a questionnaire sent by the Commission prior to the hearings. The questions involve topics such as acquiring a land base, self-government, the implementation of treaties, the constitutional and legal position of Metis people and off-reserve Aboriginals, the Indian Act and social issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the previous five presenters and the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Howard Sark with regards to teaching youth the Micmac language, alcoholism, schools, and status issues.

File contains a presentation by Ineaq Korgak, executive assistant for the Baffin Regional Health Board. Korgak discusses many of the social issues facing the Inuit people of Baffin Island, including high mortality rates, low life expectancy, drug abuse, AIDS, alcoholism, gambling, poor nutrition, and a lack of economic opportunities. He also discusses midwifery and makes some suggestions on how these subjects can be addressed in a productive manner. Following the presentation Korgak discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Ipeelee Kilabuk concerning with the lack of adequate health care facilities in Pangnirtung. The hamlet once had a hospital, and now seriously ill people must be flown to Edmonton, Winnipeg and other cities. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will build a hospital and staff it with Inuit health care workers. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Irene Ness focusing on Aboriginal economic programs and Bill C-31 funding. She calls on the Commission to make housing funds available to Bill C-31 persons for use either on or off reserves as per personal situations. She also requests a review of Aboriginal economic programs to ensure the needs of Aboriginal people are met. She speaks personally of being denied program funds for her business despite meeting the required standards for funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Irene Personius. Personius discusses issues related to education, and how the school system has impacted her own family. Following the presentation are some brief comments from Commissioner Blakeney, followed by Mr. Nathan McGillivary initiating closing prayers by a community elder, and the adjournment of the day's proceedings.

File contains a presentation by Irma White-Pattmore, founder and president of the National Urban Aboriginal League (NUAL). NUAL's goal is to "provide a co-existing solution that supports the need for an adequate and comfortable relationship between Aboriginal peoples, the Canadian government and the non-Aboriginals of Canada. She calls for an Aboriginal Embassy in Canada that would provide programs and assistance to Aboriginal women, on-reserve people, Metis people, off-reserve people and Inuit.

File contains a presentation by J. Spencer Rowe. Rowe makes an individual presentation on cultural issues. Rowe discusses the importance of Aboriginal language education, and how he views spirituality as the path forward for Aboriginal peoples but that this root is difficult as they have become seperated from their lands.

File contains a presentation by Jack Harris, Member, House of Assembly, St. John's, Newfoundland. He introduces Clee Newhook, Leader, Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party, who makes a brief statement. Harris is a Member of the House of Assembly for St. John's East district. He states that Aboriginal people in Newfoundland receive different treatment from their provincial government as compared to Aboriginals elsewhere in Canada.

File contains a presentation by Jack Houle that describes the difficulty of opening a business in Edmonton while being an off-reserve resident. Roadblocks for funding come from various Aboriginal organizations and his own First Nations. He calls on the Commission to help him secure funding. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Jack McDonald, Port Alberni Native Council. McDonald discusses what it means to be a Metis in British Columbia, and the challenges that confront his people as well as what he characterizes as an ignorant government and populace when it comes to Metis issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some issues of Metis identity in British Columbia with McDonald.

File contains a presentation by Jackie Adams on behalf of herself and a group of Aboriginal woman. Adams discusses some of the issues facing Aboriginal women in her community and explains why she thinks it is neccessary to have a community centre and treatment programs geared specifically towards Aboriginal women's issues. There is also a discussion between Adams and Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Viola Robinson regarding her presentation and the issues raised therein.

File contains a presentation by James Cardinal on behalf of Chief Peter Ross of the Arctic Red River community of the Gwich'in people (in the Mackenzie River Delta). Cardinal's presentation disucsses alcohol problems, land claims, band issues, education, and a host of other issues. Following the presentation is a conversation between the presenter and the Commissioners (mainly Allan Blakeney) regarding some of the issues raised, notably the effectiveness of alcohol prohibition in Gwich'in territory.

File contains a presentation by James Mercredi representing the Fort Simpson Dene Council. He expresses concern about proposed uranium mining and how it will affect the Deh Cho River system. Mercredi cites Treaties 8 and 11 and various governmental papers and believes aspects of these documents are unconstitutional. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by James Murray that recommends that post-secondary institutions strike a task force on curricula to critically examine criteria of all courses, as there is no guarantee there would be any Aboriginal content taught at Brandon University. Murray states that lack of education "fosters ignorance of non-Aboriginal people toward Aboriginal people...which re-enforces racism."

File contains a presentation by Janet Macdonald, a Micmac woman formerly involved with producing the Native Council newspaper in PEI. Macdonald relates the story of her papers demise due to funding cuts, and explains the importance of having independent Aboriginal media in her view. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with the Commissioners on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Jaypeetie Akpallaluk, Mayor, Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories, who begins by comparing the "qallunaaq" (European) way of life and the Inuit way of life and how the two do not work together well. He states that Inuit culture is being lost and that the wisdom and knowledge of elders is not being utilized by younger generations. He hopes that the future government of Nunavut will provide more funding to allow the creation of much-needed cultural, educational and family programs in Pangnirtung.

File contains a presentation by Jennifer Scott relating to her organization, whose mandate is to provide services to adults with disabilities in order to assist them to become contributing and participating members of their communities. The association provides two non-facility based programs, the first being an outreach program designed to assist disabled persons acquire skills to live independently.

File contains a presentation by Jerry Wetzel of Conne River, Newfoundland, describing in detail the history of the Mi'kmaq people in Newfoundland and the French in the 1700s. He debunks the "Mi'kmaq Mercenary Myth," a common myth that the Mi'kmaq people were brought to Newfoundland by the French to exterminate the Beothuks. Wetzel states that the Royal Proclamation of 1763 has been used by the Canadian government to "try to oppress the Mi'kmaq people and to destroy, to usurp their lands and destroy their self-government.

File contains a presentation by Jill Harris that summarizes the presentations of the previous four speakers. She notes that students from the Aboriginal Government class at the University of Victoria are present and feels their presence represents the action being taken by Aboriginal governments to work for a better life for Aboriginal youth. Harris believes that "reconciliation between our Aboriginal governments and the Canadian governments must be a priority". A discussion between the presenters and Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Jill Henderson, a student at the Sagkeeng School. Henderson, who is Junior Chief of her school, presents on the value and importance of learning the Ojibway language. Henderson discusses her views on how language is a key aspect of one's culture, as well as her personal attempts to learn her people's language.

File contains a presentation by Jim Andersen. Andersen discusses his life in Makkovik and the struggles he has gone through, as well as his great interest in the struggles of Aboriginal people to attain their rightful place in Confederation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Jim Antoine, Member of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly for Nahende. He gives a brief introduction to Treaty 11 relating to his constituency and to the future formation of Nunavut. Antoine discusses what land claims and self-government would mean to the Northwest Territories, focusing on the extinguishment clause. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Jim Campbell, resident of Saturna Island, British Columbia. He states that despite the best intentions of government, "Many times in the past the individual has been disregarded" when laws are made. Campbell believes that "[F]reedom of the individual in a civil society...to realize his or her full potential is a worth object for all of us." He believes the Canadian government has obligations to Aboriginal peoples and until they are met, the potential of further conflict will remain.

File contains a presentation by Jim Carberry. Carberry discusses his favourable impressions of Canada as a youth in Northern Ireland, and his shock and disgust at the position of Aboriginal people in Canadian society when he arrived here. Carberry discusses how he sees Aboriginal problems as mirroring those of other minorities around the world, and makes some suggestions to increase Aboriginal pariticipation in the wider society. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney with Carberry on some of these topics.

File contains a presentation by Jim Learning focusing on recognition and acceptance of the Labrador Metis people. His organization works for "equity of the treatment of our our people in Labrador through the land claims process." He states that the Canadian government must not longer continue to deny the rights of the Labrador Metis people. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.