Oratory Skills & Practises

File contains a presentation by Ron George, President of the Native Council of Canada. George discusses the situation of his constituency (non-status and Metis people of Canada) at length, and also discusses his views on Status Indians and the government's dealings with them. Georges presentation covers a wide range of topics including self-governance as it pertains to off-reserve populations, and Canadian Constitutional issues.

File contains a presentation by Mr. Ron Nadeau of Native Communications Inc. Nadeau discusses the history of his organization and the importance of Aboriginal broadcasting, government funding, broadcasting in the Cree language, and their relationship with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Following the presentation is a discussion between Nadeau and Commissioner Blakeney and Paul Chartrand on broadcasting in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

File contains a presentation by Ron Swain of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association focusing on Metis self-government. He provides a brief history of the Metis in Canada. Swain states that the Metis are recognized as Aboriginal people in the Canadian Constitution, but do not have any negotiated rights. He introduces the next speaker, Sheilagh Chief.

File contains a presentation by Rosa Wright discussing the healing of individual persons, families and communities, and the future of children "coming from dysfunctional homes and living in a dysfunctional society." She briefly discusses other negative issues facing youth and elderly persons, discrimination associated with Bill C-31 and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

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 Roy Littlechief focusing on the misuse of power by the chief and band council relating to his unidentified First Nations. Accountability is needed with money and policies and he says reserve residents are denied better housing because of the greed.

File contains remarks by Roy Myke, Jim Brady Metis Local Representative. Myke claims that self-governance has to be established from the bottom-up, at the community level. He states that "if the government ever gets serious about self-government, it has got to start at the bottom and not at the top." Following this Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand have a brief discussion with Myke regarding self-governance.

File contains a presentation by Rt. Hon. Len Simms, Leader of the Official Opposition in Newfoundland. Simms focuses on Aboriginal self-government. He provides the history of Newfoundland as a province and sees parallels between that and Aboriginal self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.

File contains a presentation by Ruth Flowers. Flowers presents on the concerns of the Makkovik Women's Group which include the establishment of daycare in the region, economic development and the impact of hard times for the fisheries, concern with vandalism in the community, and concerns with the justice system. Following the presentation Flowers discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Dussault and Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Ruth Kadlutsiak, Baffin Region Inuit Association, via translator. She provides a brief history of the Association and how it works to preserve the Inuktitut language and Inuit culture.

File contains a presentation by Saalie Peter, Chairman of the Apex Education Council. Peter describes the history of his people and the challenges they have encountered, particularly the depletion of whale stocks, and the assertion of federal control over Inuit communities in the 1950s. Peter also describes the challenges faced across cultures in education and the issues his organization encounters. Following the presentation is a discussion between Peter and the Commissioners on the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Sami Qumaraq, Inuit Women's Group. Qumaraq discusses women's issues on Baffin Island, and especially the challenges faced by youth in their communities. Qumaraq highlights the need for more counsellors and support services for people, particularly in smaller communities than Iqualuit. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks her.

File contains a presentation by Sandra Delaronde, Vice President of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. Delaronde discusses the status of Aboriginal women in their relationship within Aboriginal organizations, and Aboriginal communities, as well as offering a few suggestions to the Commission. Following the presentation is a discussion between Delaronde and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Sandra DeLaronde and Doug Lovestead focusing on post-secondary education, giving the history of Keewatin Community College and statistics on Aboriginal student graduation rates. Proposals include the establishment of an Aboriginal council that participates in the decision making process of Keewatin Community College, and the establishment of an Aboriginal learning centre at The Pas and Thompson campuses. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Saqiasi Sauluapik, Education Council, Pangnirtung. He provides a history of education in Pangnirtung and notes that only until the 1980s that the emphasis was on Inuit language and culture. In 1986, the hamlet was the first Inuit community outside Northern city centres with a high school program. He cites the Baffin Division Board of Education study that set a goal of more Inuit teachers, principals and school administrators by the year 2000. He calls for the Commission to ensure funding to achieve that goal.

File contains a presentation by Sara Jerome. Jerome, (sometimes speaking in Gwich'in which is provided in English translation) discusses her experiences with the education system (post-secondary), and her views regarding the culture and language of the Gwich'in people. She expresses frustration with Commissions visiting the Western Arctic in the past which lead to no changes. She also discusses her frustration with the Canada 125th birthday celebrations which ignored aboriginal peoples languages but put a high emphasis on English and French.

File contains a presentation by Sarah Anala. Anala is an Innu woman originally from Labrador, a member of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples' Council, and a board member of the New Brunswick Native Indian Women's Council Inc. Anala relates her personal, spiritual, and cultural background.

File contains a presentation by Senator Fortunate Guiboche, Metis Senate of Manitoba. Fortunate Guiboche welcomes the Commission to the Metis Homeland, and stresses the importance of this homeland to the Metis people, as well as explaning the significance of the Metis Senate to his people. He then introduces a presentation by Senator Bear.

File contains a presentation by Serena Francis, born in Big Cove and now a social worker with Child and Family Services in Big Cove, New Brunswick. Francis wanted to meet with members of the Family Respect Project, also located in Big Cove, to formulate a presentation but were unable to do so.

File contains remarks by Sharon McCallum, President, La Ronge Metis Women's Chapter. McCallum makes a brief statement seconding the sentiments contained in Mary Wiegers' previous presenation. She then introduces the next presenter, Bernice Hammersmith.

File contains a presentation by Sharon Pelletier at the University of Manitoba regarding her personal experiences as a mature student, single parent, and Bill C31 person. Following this is a discussion with the Commissioners also involving the preceding presenter, Dave Mowat, also a student at the University of Manitoba, regarding the issues raised in their two presentations.

File contains a presentation by Sharon Venne, Lubicon Cree First Nation. Venne discusses the history of the Lubicon Cree, how they were left out of Treaty Number Eight, and the negative impact the oil industry has had on their community. Venne discusses the Lubicon land claim and the standoff between the Cree and the government of Canada. Following the presentation is a discussion between Venne and Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Sheilagh Chief of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association discussing the role of elders in community politics. She is also concerned with funding for adult education. She introduces the next speaker, Joe Major.

File contains a presentation by Silas Wesley of Kashechewan Cree First Nation in Ontario discussing his past work with various Aboriginal organizations relating to self-government. He feels that the Commission will help in the struggle for self-government and hopes that "we can include and justify our land within the Constitution."

File contains a presentation by Simon Michel that briefly discusses environmental concerns such as water pollution, the Churchill Falls hydro project and low-level flying of Canadian Forces jets. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Simonie Alainga, resident of Iqaluit, Northwest Territories [Nunavut], via translator. He relates his memories of Iqaluit beginning in 1938. He recalls the relocation of Inuit people to Iqaluit by 1945 and the unwillingness of his people to move.

File contains a presentation by Snowden Parsons. Parsons discusses the importance of education for young Labradorians. He points out that 85 percent of Labradorians have never completed high school, and that the time has come for "a center to press for workforce education and quality education."

File contains a presentation by Sonny Flett, President of the Fort Chipewyan Metis Local. Flett presents on the concerns of the Metis people of the area, mainly with regard to the impact of industry on the Metis way of life. Flett discusses the negative impact of the Bennett Dam on the Athabasca Delta, polluted water, and a lack of access to education and assistance. Flett also discusses the state of local fisheries and relations with the rest of the Metis Nation of Alberta and the provincial government.

File contains a presentation by Stan Louttit that states the ultimate goal for First Nations organizations in Canada is to "attain a self-government structure suitable to their unique values and traditions." Louttit says that water claims should be an issue as well as land claims. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with Viola Robinson and Georges Erasmus, Commissioners, and Commissioner For the Day Chief Thomas Archibald.

File contains a presentation by Stan Sinclair and Brian Sinclair of the Moose Lake Metis Federation. The Sinclairs discuss how they feel that the Metis' aboriginal rights have been suppressed, that government assistance provided is completely inadequate, and that the Metis have lost many of their cultural traditions. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney and the two presenters on some of the issues raised in the presentation.

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 Stephen Rolland of the Fort Simpson Historical Society who gives a slide show of persons and buildings that have historical significance in the Fort Simpson area.

File contains opening remarks by Elder Stephen Augustine who explains the significance of the sweetgrass and drum ceremony. Augustine also provides a history of the Mi'kmaq First Nation of Big Cove, New Brunswick. Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillett and the honorary Commissioners, Elder Anthony Francis and grandson Justin Francis, are introduced. File also contains opening remarks by Commission Co-Chairs Rene Dussault and Mary Sillett about the history and purpose of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, and what the Commission hopes to accomplish.

File contains a presentation by Steven Jakesta that discusses the Cassiar mine closure scheduled for late 1992. There is no other economic base for the area and Jakesta foresees the deterioration of existing infrastructure in Good Hope Lake once the mine closes. He calls for funding to assist the town in maintaining services and programs. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney and Blakeney's closing remarks.

File contains a presentation by Susan Beaver, President of Two Spirited People of the First Nations. Beaver discusses her organization's origins and history, including how and why it changed its name in 1991 from "Gays and Lesbians of the First Nations" to "Two Spirited People of the First Nations." Following the presentation are comments by the Commissioners and a discussion between Commissioner Blakeney and Beaver on ideas of self-governance and how they are viewed by Two-Spirited People of the First Nations.

File contains a presentation by Taig Connell, Employment Officer, Canada Employment. Connell presents on his concerns over the lack of jobs in Fort McPherson: notably long term, good paying jobs, and the lack of federal assistance to provide such jobs. Connell argues that plenty of potential exists for such jobs particularly in the natural resource areas if government would provide the start up capital and programming. Following the presentation is a discussion between Connell and Commissioner Rene Dussault regarding the quality of jobs currently available.

File contains a presentation by Tat Tatoosh, Linguistic Graduate, University of Victoria. Tatoosh discusses Nuu-Chah-Nulth language programs for children within the British Columbia School District No. 70/Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council area. Tatoosh discusses the Nuu-Chah-Nulth language, its importance to the culture, Euro-Canadians difficulty in learning it, and curriculum development. Following the presentation is a discussion on language and culture issues in education between Commissioner Georges Erasmus, Commissioner Viola Robinson, Tatoosh, and previous presenter Denny Grisdale.

File contains a presentation by Ted Harlson. Harlson discusses individual rights and why he thinks they must be absolute for a successful application of self-governance to Aboriginal peoples. Harlson presents a philosophical paper outlining why individual rights are important, and what he views as the dangers of collectivism. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Ted Langford relating to the development of the Alberta Vocational College (AVC) in Lac La Biche. Langford describes the education and training programs in place at AVC for Aboriginals that he sees as vital to the improvement of economic and social conditions for Aboriginals in that area. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Theresa Neegan. Neegan discusses what she sees as the discrepancy between the views of the Aboriginal political leadership with regards to their views towards women, and the reality at home in the communities. Following her presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss her presentation and the other three preceding presenters which dealt with women's issues (Grace Delaney, Karen Pine-Cheechoo, and Brenda Small) regarding the issues raised in their presentations.

File contains a presentation by Tim McNeill. McNeill discusses issues related to education. McNeil's presentation covers secondary education, housing for students, language issues, teacher training, literacy concerns, and cultural concerns. Following the presentations Commissioners Dussault and Sillet discuss these findings.

File contains a presentation by Tim Paul, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council, Curriculum Co-ordinator. Paul discusses the partnership and relations between the Tribal Council and British Columbia School District No. 11. Also included are some remarks by School District reprentative and preceding presenter Denny Grisdale on similar issues. Following the presentation is a short discussion between Commissioner Georges Erasmus and the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Toby Andersen, Labrador Inuit Association. Andersen addresses the issue of the Inuit land claims agreement for northern Labrador which he has been involved with negotiating for several years. Andersen gives his own views on the process and the agreement (including discussion of tourism and fisheries issues), and asks that the Commission intervene on his organization's behalf. Following the presentation is a discussion between Andersen and Commissioners Dussault and Sillett.

File contains a presentation by Tom Erasmus who is a community development worker for the Alberta Mental Health Association located in the northeast region of Alberta. He is also a co-ordinator of native services for the northeast region of Alberta.

File contains a presentation by Tom Nepetayo of the Indian Council of First Nations. Nepetayo addresses the Commission, and Commissioner Blakeney in particular, with regards to Aboriginal self-governance and intergovernmental affairs in this context. Blakeney addresses the points raised by Mr. Nepetayo, and following this a discussion occurs between the two Commissioners and the three presenters from the Indian Council of First Nations (Chief Andrew Kirkness, Rod Martin and Tom Nepetaypo) on a variety of issues raised in their presentations.

File contains a presentation by Tony Mandamin. Mandamin (a lawyer) discusses the legal system in Canada and Aboriginal societies' interactions with it. Mandamin highlights associated issues such as Aboriginal over-representation in the penal system, and a lack of cultural appropriateness in legal proceedings. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mandamin and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of these issues.

File contains a presentation by Tony Punko, Executive Director of the Athabasca Tribal Corporation. Punko outlines his views on Federal policy towards First Nations, with particular attention to legislative, economic, and social issues. Punko suggests that more attention need be payed to issues of local self-governance. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Punko on these topics.

File contains a presentation by Trustee Heather Maloney, School District Liaison Committee. Maloney discusses how the liaison committee between the District No. 70 School Board (British Columbia) and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council operates. Following her presentation are a series of remarks by the two preceding presenters, Denny Grisdale, and Donna Brett, also from the School District, on programs and policies they have implemented with relation to Nuu-Chah-Nulth students.

File contains a brief presentation by an unidentified female speaker who believes that before larger issues can be solved, "We need to take care of the people at home first." The speaker says the childhood abuse she suffered made her stronger as an adult, but more adult role models and more child services programs are required to help children before abuse occurs.

File contains a discussion between an unidentified teacher at the Northern Lights secondary school in Moosonee, Ontario and Commissioner Georges Erasmus. The teacher asks a question of Erasmus for an unidentified student who wishes to know why the Assembly of First Nations doesn't have students needs as its number one priority. Following this query is a discussion between Erasmus and the student via the teacher on youth issues, and then on the Commissions work with the Metis people.