Oratory Skills & Practises

File contains a presentation by Jimmy Dick. Dick discusses the inherent right to self-government and his views on it. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney with Dick on the form self-governance should theoretically take, specifically with regard to an urban context like Toronto.

File contains a presentation by Joan Ryan focusing on education for the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people, including programs offering fishery, carpentry, forestry and court worker training. She calls on the Commission to ensure continued funding for programs that educate Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en persons and return them back to their communities to help others. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Joan Tornberg, Tornberg and Associates. Tornberg, a Metis woman, operates a service delivery agency in Northern Alberta. Tornberg presents on issues related to education and job training for Aboriginal people in the community of Anzac, Alberta. Following her presentation are some remarks by Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney.

File contains a presentation by Jobie Epoo, Mayor of Inukjuak. Epoo relays some of the history of the community which was formed from members of three different Inuit camps. Epoo discusses the benefits and drawbacks of the welfare system, and the problem of wealth leaving the community with little benefit to the local population. Epoo also discusses the plight of local youth who have little hope for the future, and a lack of social infrastructure to service the people's needs.

File contains a presentation by Joe Blyan stating that the Commission that all different status groups must meet and determine their courses of action. Blyan says a common vision is necessary when dealing with Aboriginal and Metis groups. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Joe Major of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association focusing on health and justice issues and sport and recreation. He introduces the next speaker, Agnes Lidstone.

File contains a presentation by John Andersen. Andersen dscusses recreation, schools, youth, and related community issues. Following the presentation is a brief discussion between Andersen and Commissioner Dussault.

File contains an individual presentation by John Constant detailing the loss of Aboriginal culture and how "the white man took advantage of our God fearing nature of welcming people into our fold." He relates a number of stories of how Aboriginal people are lacking the "spirituality, respect, honesty, and leadership" that was common pre-contact. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Corbiere relating to the constitutional and legal position of the Metis and off-reserve Aboriginals. He states that on his First Nations, "The present elected band leadership is denying our off-reserve members the opportunity to vote on the basic things that have a crucial effect on their lives. Those members are being excluded from the social and political prosperity of the band.

File contains a presentation by John Edsu of Fort McPherson. Edsu discusses his views on the trapping industry in the area and his view of its great importance to people of the north. Edsu protests southerners coming in as transient labour and taking jobs that he feels northerners are qualified to do. He also discusses rival claims over land by trappers and large multinational resource companies. He requests recognition from the federal Government of the importance of the trapping industry to his people, and criticizes the anti-fur movement as destructive and naive.

File contains a presentation by John Elliot, Saanich Tribal School. He reiterates what a previous speaker, Earl Claxton, said about the disappearance of the Saanich language. He hopes that the Commission recommends continuing funding of a two-year program that teaches the Saanich language and culture. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Jamieson of the PEI Fisherman's Association. Jamieson discusses the fishery in PEI and the Micmac's involvement. He focuses on the need for co-operation to conserve fish stocks, a plan to incorporate Micmac fishermen into the commerical fishery, and relations with the federal government. Following the presentation is a discussion between Jamieson and the Commissioners regarding fisheries in PEI.

File contains a presentation by John Joe Sark, Captain of the Micmac Grand Council. Sark discusses the need to tell Aboriginal history, particularly the positive side, in schools in New Brunswick. He also discusses the Micmac's struggle to hold onto their culture through generations of assimilative pressures. Following Sark's presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Kitchen, chairman of the Elementary School Committee, who reiterates the sentiments of the previous speaker, Edith Gull. Kitchen calls on the Commission to increase funding for more teachers and more supplies for the children. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Moore. Moore, a Cree man from the James Bay area, discusses the significance of the Treaties and what he would like to see in the future for Aboriginal people in Canada. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson, Chartrand, and Blakeney discuss some of the issues raised with Moore.

File contains a presentation by John Shafer discussing the Canadian government's century-old intent to create policies for the purpose of "extinguishment and assimilation" of Aboriginals in Canada and believes that attitude continues today. He also discusses the harmful effects of water pollution of the watershed that drains into Lake Lil'Wat, British Columbia.

File contains a presentation by John Stewart. Stewart, a member of the Youth Justice Committee, discusses youth justice concerns particularly with regard to young Metis children. Stewart asks that funding be provided to treat these children in the community rather than sending them away to jails. Following Stewart's presentation is a discussion between Stewart, Chief Tony Mercredi, and Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney on youth justice issues.

File contains a presentation by John Turner. Turner presents on behalf of the Mushkegowuk Traditional Harvesters. Turner outlines three reasons why it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a living off the land: the activities of animal rights groups who oppose trapping, the activities of sport hunting groups who oppose subsistence rights to hunt, and the development of hydroelectric projects which negatively impact habitat. Turner then goes on to discuss how Aboriginal people have increasingly adopted European values and look with disdain upon trapping as a career choice.

File contains a presentation by Johnny Inukpuk. Inukpuk relates some of the history of his Inuit people in the area from the time of Hudson's Bay Company contact, through contact with the police and up into the present era. He highlights as one of his primary concerns the preservation of Inuit culture and language. Commissioner Dussault thanks him for his presentation.

File contains a presentation by Joseph Sagutch. Sagutch discusses his artistic contribution to the Commission in designing its offical logo. Sagutch goes over the cultural significance of the different aspects of the logo in his own view as designer.

File contains a presentation by Judith Hill expressing concern about the potential loss of Innu culture and the Inuit language if not continuing to be taught in Peenamin School. She states that the lack of staff and funding to make the materials required for the classroom is limiting learning for the students. Following the presentation are brief remarks by each Commissioner.

File contains a presentation by Judy Gingell, Chair, Council of Yukon Indians. She introduces George Henry, also representing the Council. She offers several recommendations to the Commission: address the inequality of bargaining power between Canada and the First Nations; constitutional protection for self-government; repayment of the loan funding for negotiations; implementation planning funding; and time lines for completing a Yukon land claim settlement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer discussion with the Commissioners, Gingell, Henry, and Chief David Keenan.

This file contains a presentation by Julius Merkuratsuk expressing hope that perhaps one day his Church may have a minister who is from Nain and who is bilingual (English and Inuktitut). He also states that the wisdom and knowledge of elders in his Church and community must be passed on to the Inuit so Inuit culture and language does not become extinct. He introduces Julius Saimat, the next speaker.

File contains a presentation by Karen Pine-Cheechoo. Pine-Cheechoo,an Ojibway woman in a Cree community, discusses her life experiences. In particular she discusses struggles with alcoholism and gender relations in her community.

File contains a presentation by Katherine Morrisseau and Iris Lauzon of the Ojibway Language Immersion Program for Preschoolers in Winnipeg. The presenters discuss reasons for the decline of Aboriginal languages, their importance, curriculum, and their efforts to teach Ojibway to children. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Kathy Martin addressing the need for Aboriginal women to be equal participants in the political, social, economic, legal and education systems. Martin also discusses the justice system and believes that Aboriginals "have the right to form our own justice system."

File contains a presentation by Kathy Sauve relating to Aboriginal literacy and its importance. She states that Aboriginal literacy programs "must continue in order for the survival of our younger generations and the generations yet to come." She feels that when "Aboriginal leaders speak of self-government, literacy is a very important stepping stone to it." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Ken Goodwill of the White Cap First Nation. Goodwill discusses the importance of Treaty and the government's (both Britain and Canada's) obligations to the Dakota people. He discusses the concessions he feels his people have made, and asks that the government deliver the just rights of the Dakota to their people. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and previous presenter Calvin McArthur specifically addressing the historical disspossession of his people's reserve land.

File contains a presentation by Ken Noskiye whose organization in 1989 signed the Metis Settlements Accord with the Alberta government. The Accord established principles for a partnership for Metis self-determination, giving the Metis a land base within to govern themselves in the legislative framework for governance. Noskiye calls for the Commission to ensure the Metis are not left out of government negotiations in the future. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Ken Pruden relating to the difficulties Canadian Friendship Centres have in providing services for its target audience. Pruden says that funding cuts by the Canadian government are inhibiting the Friendship Centres' ability to assist persons and calls on the Commission to bring this matter to the government's attention. Pruden introduces Ray Fox, also of the Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre.

File contains a presentation by Kenneth Spence describing the negative effects of the 1975 relocation of South Indian Lake residents due to flooding by Manitoba Hydro. Spence requests that the Commissioners travel to Leaf Rapids to see the living conditions. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Kevin Scofield, director of Wawatay News. Scofield gives his views on world events, and how he thinks the new Canadian Constitution is a positive development for Aboriginal peoples. Scofield also discusses his experiences with racism and discrimination in Canada.

File contains a presentation by Kim Gallant. Gallant presents her view on sexual discrimination in the Indian Act, and how it can be reformed to be more egalitarian. Following the presentation is a discussion between Gallant and the Commissioners regarding the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Kirk Lethbridge discussing his views of Aboriginal self-government and the "inevitability of self-determination." He feels he may not see it in his lifetime, but says his children will. Lethbridge calls on the Commission to ensure that "soon all Aboriginal people in Labrador, and in Canada, will be under the same flag."

File contains a presentation by Larry Kaida that describes various programs offered by some Canadian universities relating to encouraging and advising Aboriginals upon entrance into university. Kaida is also involved in a program where Aboriginal students have on-the-job training with oil and gas companies in Alberta, with guaranteed employment upon graduation. He calls upon the Commission to ensure that funding continues for these local and national university programs.

File contains a presentation by Laverne Cook. Cook explains how she has been hired by the Port Alberni Friendship Centre to do a survey of "the disabled natives in the Port Alberni area" and how she feels that their needs in areas such as transportation, housing, and medicine need to be addressed.

File contains a presentation by Lawrence Whitehead. Whitehead presents his views on self-governance, treaties, and recounts his personal role in shaping tribal councils in Manitoba. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioner Chartrand and Mr. Whitehead on Treaties and the Indian Act.

File contains a presentation by Lee Ann Hilsen. Hilsen, a Metis student, gives her views on the Education system and why she thinks it is substandard and ineffective for Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a discussion between Hilsen and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Leetia James of the Baffin Region Uvik Society. James descibes the history of her organization which was founded in 1984 "to provide and co-ordinate services for women who are living in violent relationships." James discusses the overall social problems she sees within her society such as drug and alcohol abuse, spousal assault and suicide. She also stresses the inability of the Canadian justice and legal system to deal properly with Inuit culture at the local level. Follownig the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses James' group's shelter with her.

File contains an individual presentation by Leo Marcellous. He states that the Aboriginal way of life has been lost due to colonization and compares the Ten Commandments to the four circles once taught to Aboriginals - 'I' (yourself), family, community and nation (all peoples). He states that elders speak of this time in the past where "the old way of our people, our forefathers, the way they used to think, the way their values were of life" would be essential in helping Aboriginal people to heal themselves. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Leon McAuley, Director, Provincial Metis Housing Authority. McAuley describes the problems facing Metis communities in the North, and advocates a new level of government (a Metis local government) to facilitate self-governance, as well as discusing economic development and a land base. Following the presentation a brief discussion on the definition of the Metis people takes place between Commissioner Chartrand and McAuley.

File contains a presentation by Leon Sock, Economic Development Officer, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock says that "the failure of deal seriously with the question of Indian economics in Canada can be rated as one of the greatest failures in our national policy." He lists obstacles the Canadian government must overcome to work with Aboriginal leaders and proposes the reorganization of the defunct Big Cove Economic Development Program to start the process on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Leonard Matthew regarding a number of issues relating to the James Bay area. He discusses his group's wish to help in the preservation of "our land, our culture and traditional way of life, and also with our language." Matthew states that more Aboriginals are completing post-secondary education but there are no jobs for them in their home communities. He calls on the Commission to help with funding and employment in the James Bay area. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Leonie Rivers that focuses on Aboriginal women's issues. Her presentation highlights the role and position of Aboriginal women under existing social conditions of Aboriginal government. She describes discrimination against Aboriginal women as "massive" and believes that Aboriginal self-government must ensure rights for Aboriginal women as well. She then introduces the next speaker, Jill Harris.

File contains a presentation by Lewis Debassige discussing Aboriginal control over Aboriginal education. His organization has made improvements with curriculum and school facilities without corresponding rises in funding from the Canadian government. Debassige calls on the Commission to gather information where other groups in Canada are attempting to rectify these and numerous other problems to pass on to Debassige. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Lillian Sanderson, La Ronge Native Women's Council. Sanderson discusses why she thinks the issue of family violence needs to be addressed for Aboriginal society to be healed. Erasmus discusses some of these issues with Sanderson following the presentation and notes that it is ironic these are labelled "women's issues" when "in reality it is the insecurity of men, it's the problem that men have that is creating the violence on women."

File contains a presentation by Lillian Sanderson. Sanderson presents her views on the condition of Aboriginal people in the north. Throughout her presentation she critiques the actions of multinational companies and governments in their dealings with Aboriginal people. Specific points of grievance include resource exploitation with little benefit to the people of the area, unfair treatment from the justice system, trappers being abused by the forestry industry, and a lack of investment in community development and social spending.

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.

File contains a presentation by Linda Andersen focusing on legal resources for Aboriginal people in Labrador. She provides a history of her organization and states its purpose is to assist Aboriginal people in their dealings with the justice system. Andersen calls upon the Commission to ensure that funding from the Native Court Worker Program continues so that her organization can establish programs for young offenders to attempt to lower the rate of recidivism. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Linda Hill George expressing concern with her organization's lack of funding from the Canadian government and the resulting lack of programs and services for Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people. She cites statistics of monies provided for similar organizations in British Columbia and calls on the Commission to help increase funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.