This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes the closing remarks of Co-Chair George Erasmus and moderator Leo Hebert, thanking the presenters and organizers.

The file contains a presentation by Martin Heavy Head. Heavy Head discusses his work with the Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing Authority in Lethbridge, Alberta. Head recommends that the Urban Native Housing Program be continued in the future and highlights some of its success as well as the great need for such programs not only in Lethbridge, but also in Calgary. Following the presentation Martin Heavy Head says a closing prayer which convenes the Commission's sitting for the day.

File contains opening remarks by Senator Elsie Bear of Selkirk, Manitoba. Bear discusses her happiness with the creation of the Commission, and her Metis roots.

File contains comments by Walter Clarke regarding a future visit by the Commission to Gander, Newfoundland. Clarke will give his presentation at that time.

File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, unidentified members of the staff and students of the Northern Lights School and Christina Delaney. The conversation involves the retention and restoration of Aboriginal culture in Canada, and the education system particularly with regards to the merits of cross cultural learning techniques and concerns with post secondary funding.

File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, Terry Legge, Wilbert Wesley, Christina Delaney, Elie Chilton, and Phoebe Sutherland at the Northern Lights School in Moosonee, Ontario. The wide ranging conversation addresses a variety of topics including educational policy, cultural retention and rejuvenation, and social problems.

File contains a Raporteur's report on the preceding three volumes of the Royal Commission. Dean James MacPherson summarizes the themes and offers analysis on RCAP77, RCAP78, and RCAP79, all of which deal with Aboriginal Justice issues in Canada. Following his report are closing comments and a closing prayer which ends the Commission's sitting.

The file contains a discussion between Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillett, and Elders Dominic Eshkakogan, Mary Lou Fox, and Rita Corbiere. Issues covered in the discussion include language issues, the Chartered Lands Act, traditional healing, and diabetes. The discussion is in response to the earlier presentations during this sitting of the Commission by these three Elders. The three Elders' presentations are available for viewing on this site.

The file contains a discussion between presenters Deputy Chief Brian Seymour, Jeanette Castello, and Commissioners Paul Chartrand and Bertha Wilson. Deputy Chief Seymour makes some comments on the possibility of future talks between the Royal Commission and First Nations, and recommends that the Commission return to the area in the future. Following this Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss issues raised in the two presenters previous presentations with them. Presentations by Seymour and Castello can be viewed on this site.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Brenda Wesley. Wesley discusses cultural preservation from her perspective as a Gitksan person.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Elder Margaret Harris. Harris discusses her experiences as a foster parent and the importance of listening to the teachings of one's elders.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Florence Hackett. Hackett discusses her work with the Indian Homemakers' Association, developing job training for First Nations women, funding cutbacks to the organization, and some of the personal lessons she has learned through working with the organization over the years.

File contains a portion of transcript of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. This part of the volume contains the presentation Discussion Paper A given by Dr. John O'Neil on Day 1.

File contains a portion of the transcript of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. This part of the volume contains the presentation of Discussion Paper B written by Rosemary Proctor but given by Karen Ginsberg on Day 1. Also included are questions from the audience concerning the presentation of this paper and the proceeding Discussion Paper A given by Dr. John O'Neil.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Gloria Nicholson. Nicholson, a member of the Professional Native Women's Association, discusses healing issues with relation to emotional and spiritual pain.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Jane Gottfriedson. Gottfriedson discusses some of the struggles of Aboriginal women to be included in the self-governance process and to have a voice in Aboriginal politics generally.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Marie Baker. Baker, "an active disabled woman doing research work with the Aboriginal Women's Council" discusses disabled Aboriginal people's issues in British Columbia. Amongst the issues Baker addresses are ignorance of services available, housing assistance, and their rights, and the issue of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Baker also makes a variety of recommendations to deal with these issues.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Nancy Van Heest. Van Heest discusses family violence and spousal abuse, specifically the approach of her program entitled "Urban Images." Van Heest also addresses some of the systemic causes of the problems her program treats.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Terry Netsena. Netsena, a member of the Aboriginal Women's Council, presents the historical background of that organization and discusses its' operations in areas such as justice. Netsena also makes some recommendations to the Commission regarding policing, police training, sexual assault laws, and women who are being stalked.

File contains the transcript of a portion of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. This part of the volume contains the introduction of moderator Peter Ernerk and the presentation of Discussion Paper C given by Dr. Clare Brant on Day 1.

File contains the transcript of a portion of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. This part of the volume contains the presentation of Discussion Paper D written by Professor Emma LaRocque but given by Jo-Anne Daniels on Day 1. Also contained are a series of questions from the audience regarding this paper and that previously presented paper by Dr. Clare Brant.

This file contains the remainder (see RCAP-7 through RCAP10 for presentations) of a discussion with the four previous presenters from the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council and the Commissioners. The discussion continues on issues such as child welfare, health care and the criminal justice system.

File contains a portion of the transcript the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. This part of the volume contains the Luncheon Address given by Dr. Harriet Kuhnlein on Day 1.

Briefly introduces an article written by Tony Reynolds, the Executive Director of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) from 1993-1996, when the final report was released.

Introduction to a retrospective commentary on the final report of the commission.

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.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Regina Friendship Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes the opening prayer and remarks made by Jim Sinclair, facilitator of the youth circle session, Patricia Saulis and Suzanne McLeod, both youths working with the Royal Commission and organizers of the youth circle.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Adult Education issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants Jane Jackson and Helen Mills discuss post-secondary education concerns (including literacy, upgrading, poverty, and employment issues) with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson. Following the Round Table discussion is a closing prayer which concludes the day's sitting of the Royal Commission.

File contains an Evening Session Round Table Discussion on Education and Youth Issues from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. File contains discussions on Secondary School Issues, Post-Secondary Issues, and Adult Education. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains opening remarks and a slide show for the Evening Session Round Table on Education and Youth issues, part of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Bill Butler and Don Mitchell, moderators for the evening, welcome the participants and deliver a slide show highlighting various communities in Northern Ontario, and the way of life therein.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Secondary School issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants John Nakogee, John Long, Christina Duffy, Theresa Phillips, and Glen Sutherland discuss cultural, jurisdictional, financial, boarding, curriculum, and community concerns with each other and with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Post-Secondary Education issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants Virgina Wabano, Shawn Gladwish, Allen Sailors, Larry McLeod, Joe Skouras, and Wendy Young discuss post-secondary education concerns with each other and with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson.

This file contains the first part of a presentation by Frank Palmater focusing on the rights of off-reserve, non-status and Metis people in New Brunswick. Recommendations include federal government recognition of treaty rights and rights to Aboriginal cultures, languages, traditions, values and spirituality; recognition of the right to self-determination; and the right to co-exist with other Canadians. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains further comments by Kathy First Rider. First Rider discusses her experiences growing up on reserve, how perceptions have changed amongst the Blackfoot youth since her childhood, her job educating the children in history and the Blackfoot language, encounters with racism in southern Alberta, and her views on these matters.

The file contains further comments by Jason Goodstriker. Goodstriker discusses the importance of youth, and how racism can be a two way process.

The file contains further comments by Moderator for the day John Stiffarm. Stiffarm recounts some of his personal experiences and the struggles he faced as a youth with racism, discrimination, alcohol, and drug abuse. Stiffarm discusses how he found meaning through traditional culture and spirituality, particularly through drumming, and its importance in healing people and communities.

The file contains further comments by Keith Weasel Head. Weasel Head, who works at the Laverne Elementary School on the Blood Reserve, and is also a post-secondary student, discusses the problems youth face with drugs and alcohol. Weasel Head offers his personal perspective on how people can cope with and overcome these problems.

The file contains further comments by Narcisse Blood. Blood thanks some of the day's participants and states that "Our sun dance was outlawed, but we kept it going. Just the fact that we are still here is testimony to our resilience and it offers a lot of hope that the things that were planned for us did not come to be."

The file contains further comments by Patti Saulis. Saulis, one of the organizers of the Royal Commission's Youth Circles across the country, discusses their purpose and thanks some of the people who helped her organize this particular sitting, as well as the participants.

The file contains further comments by Sheldon Wells. Wells, a part-time student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses his view that there should be support groups for Aboriginal children, including youth treatment centres for drug and alcohol abuse, suicide prevention, and increased cultural programming.

The file contains further comments by Tobias Provost. Provost discusses his view of the federal government, land issues, and their fundamental importance.

File contains a general discussion on Metis issues by presenters Clem Chartier, Isabelle Impey, Cathy LaValley, Alphonse Janvier, Joyce Racette, Lyle Boland, Commissioners Rene Dussault and Viola Robinson. The topic of discussion is Metis issues in Saskatchewan. Topics covered include Metis rights, economics, self-governance, women and social issues.

File contains a general discussion between presenters Cliff Wright, Theresa Dust, Robert Doucette, Jack Smith, Barry Kennedy, Commissioners Rene Dussault, Viola Robinson, and facilitator Murray Hamilton. The topic of discussion is urban Aboriginal issues in Saskatchewan, specifically issues raised in the preceding presentations listed under the presenter's names and available for viewing on this site.

File contains a general discussion between Commissioners George Erasmus and Viola Robinson, Moderator Reggie Crowshoe, and presenters Ronnie Leah, Keith Chiefmoon, and Sheena Jackson from this day's sitting. Comments from the floor are made by Celeste Strikes-With-A-Gun, Denna Jansen, Jim Penton, Myrna Roy, Mary Ann Crow, Jordan Chiefmoon, Devalon SmallLegs, Sandra Vielle and Roderick North Peigan. The discussion covers the topic of the presentations which is racism in Alberta, and the wider Canadian, society.

The file contains a general discussion between Rocky Simpson, Robert Ross, Abbey Crook, and Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand. The participants mainly discuss fisheries, Metis, and general Aboriginal identity issues. Rocky Simpson, Robert Ross, and Abbey Crook's earlier presentations to the Commission on this day can be viewed on this site.

The file contains a general discussion on Women's Issues and a closing prayer. Commissioner Viola Robinson comments on some of the day's discussion paper presentations and engages in discussion with the presenters on issues raised, and general Aboriginal women's issues in Canada. Following the discussion period is a closing prayer to convene the day's sitting of the Royal Commission.

File contains a general discussion on youth education issues between Della McKay, Commissioner Wilson, Matthew Quequish, Karyn Cromarty, and John Dudley.

This file contains a discussion of various issues by the attendees and Commissioners at this session of the Commission. Attendees contributing include Louis McCallum, Gerald Regan, Marie Symes Grehan, Vye Bouvier, Brian MacDonald, Pierre Chartier and Gloria Desjarlais. Issues discussed include health care, land claims and self-government, wild rice production, the RCMP, trapping regulations, lack of housing and education. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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.

The file contains an individual presentation by Alex Morin, a concerned fisherman, discussing the Aboriginal fishery on Great Slave Lake, and his personal struggle for Metis and general Aboriginal fishing rights.