This file contains an opening prayer by Elder Angela Jones, and opening remarks by Moderator Bob Manuel and Commissioner Mary Sillett. After the opening prayer, the Moderator and Commissioner briefly discuss the day's format.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, June 28, 1993. Commissioner Georges Erasmus introduces the other Commissioners in attendance and discusses the Commission's hearings to date on the High Arctic Relocation, and the purpose of this sitting which is to hear witness testimony from non-Inuit sources involved with the High Arctic Relocation.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn in Ottawa, Ontario, on Monday, June 7, 1993. Following an opening prayer Chairperson Maggie Hodgson delivers welcoming remarks and introduces Commissioner Rene Dussault who discusses the composition, mandate, and goals of the Commission. Dussault also addresses the topic of this particular sitting, which deals with the problem of suicide in Aboriginal communities.

File contains an opening prayer by Mabel Joe and Opening Remarks by Co-Chair Rene Dussault for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Merritt, British Columbia, on Thursday, November 5, 1992. Commissioner Dussault discusses the composition of the Commission, its mandate and goals, as well as welcoming the participants for this session.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the B.G. Sivertz Community Centre, Hay River, Northwest Territories, Thursday, June 17, 1993. Following an opening prayer by Sarah Sibbiston, Commissioner Georges Erasmus welcomes the participants then discusses the mandate, goals, composition, and progress of the Commission to date.

File contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Singituq Complex, Rankin Inlet, NWT (now Nunavut), on Thursday, November 19, 1992. Following an introduction by Facilitator Paul Kaludjak, and an opening prayer by Rhoda Karetak, Commissioner Viola Robinson commences the days proceedings by giving an overview of the Commission, its composition, and its work to this date.

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 an opening prayer from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Fort St. John, B.C. November 20, 1992, followed by a presentation by Sergeant Randy Munroe of the Ft. St. John Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment. Munroe's presentation gives information on the Aboriginal alternate sentencing and supervision programs being piloted in the community. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners ask him a variety of questions about these programs.

File contains the opening prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Wendake, Quebec, on November 18, 1992. File also contains a presentation by Alain Bissonette, Human Rights Centre of the University of Ottawa regarding the encouragement of understanding and harmonious relations between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal societies in Canada. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand engage Bissonette in a discussion on the presentation and how Bissonette's ideas relate to justice system concerns.

File contains opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Westmark Hotel, Whitehorse, Yukon, on Wednesday, November 18, 1992 by Commissioner Georges Erasmus. Erasmus welcomes the participants and explains the Commissions mandate, composition, and goals. He also introduces the Commissioners, including Commissioner for the day Johnny Smith.

File contains a portion of the transcript of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. This part of the volume contains the welcomes and thanks of the co-chairs and others on Day 1.

The file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes the opening prayer for the session and welcoming remarks by Chief Norm Stinson and moderator Sherry Lawson as well as remarks of the assembled commissioners, Mary Sillett and Bertha Wilson concerning the composition and mandate of the Commission.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes an opening prayer given by Emile Piapot and open remarks made by Co-Chair Rene Dussault and Commissioner Viola Robinson concerned with the composition and mandate of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. These are the opening remarks made by Elder Noel Knockwood and the prayer by Elder William Commanda.

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 an opening prayer and opening remarks made by the facilitator and the assembled commissioners concerning the composition and the mandate of the Royal Commission as well as the schedule and procedure for the day.

The file contains an opening prayer by Elder Mary Thomas and opening remarks by Commissioner Mary Sillett from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Chief Louis Complex, Kamloops, British Columbia. Following the opening prayer Commissioner Sillett discusses the mandate, goals, and composition of the Commission.

File contains an opening prayer and opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Battlefords' Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, on Thursday, October 29, 1992. The opening prayer is performed by Harriet Arcand, while the opening remarks of Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus discuss the mandate and goals of the Commission during this second round of its hearings.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes the opening prayer given by Elder Harvey Anderson and the opening remarks of Byron Stiles, moderator of the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

The file contains an opening prayer from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lodge Hotel, Kelowna, British Columbia, Thursday, June 17, 1993. The file also contains a presentation on behalf of the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Service Society by Bett Tsa-me-gahl.

File contains an opening prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan, on Tuesday, December 8, 1992. The opening prayer was made by Jim Favel and Commissioner of the Day Martin Durocher called on the moderator, Max Morin, to present a Historical Perspective of Ile a la Crosse. Opening remarks were made by Commissioner Rene Dussault and Commissioner Mary Sillett regarding the composition and mandate of the Commission and commenting on the Historical Perspective.

File contains Opening Remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Davis Inlet, Labrador, on Tuesday, December 1, 1992. Commissioner Georges Erasmus explains the mandate and goals of the Commission, as well as giving a summary of what the first round of hearings accomplished. Commissioner Mary Sillet discusses the Commission and some issues specific to the Innu Nation, as well as Davis Inlet.

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 first sitting of the Royal Commission in The Pas, Manitoba. Blakeney reflects on the mandate of the Commission and its composition, while Chartrand reflects on the historical significance of The Pas and his own families association with the community.

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 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 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 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.

This file contains opening remarks and introductions by Alma Ransom and Grand Chief Mike Mitchell. Mitchell explains the purpose and goals of the Commission, and he introduces the Commissioners. Mitchell then introduces Jake Thomas, who will give a Wampum Belt Reading.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes the opening prayer given by Ernie Benedict and Taylor Montour as well as opening remarks made by Facilitator Alma Ransom, Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Co-Chair Georges Erasmus and Co-president Rene Dussault. Also included is a brief presentation by 3 to 6 grade students concerning problems facing the Mohawk reservation of Akwesasne.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes opening welcomes and remarks from by Ambrose Lepine, Wilfred Collins, Paul Chartrand and Georges Erasmus concerning the format for the day as well the composition and mandate of the Commission.

This file contains opening remarks by Billy Two Rivers, Commissioner of the Day and Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair.

This file contains opening remarks by Billy Two Rivers and Joseph T. Norton who introduce the Commissioners.

File contains opening remarks by Chief Justa Monk, facilitator.

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.

File contains opening remarks by Chief Pat Chilton welcoming attendees to the evening potlatch and hearing. Chilton explains the purpose of the Commission and emphasizes that elders have a large role to play with their presentations. He introduces Chief Norm Wesley of Moose Factory.

File contains opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, on Thursday, October 29, 1992 by Commissioner Allan Blakeney. Blakeney adds to Erasmus' earlier remarks by pointing out associated literature on the premises to the participants, and by stating that the Commission may ask pointed questions, not to be "pushy or offensive" but to gain a better understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal Canadians from the grassroots level.

File contains Opening remarks by Commissioner Bertha Wilson for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Wendake, Quebec City, Quebec, on November 17, 1992.

File contains opening remarks mainly by Chief Lorne Waditaka, Chief of the Wahpeton First Nation. Waditaka discusses national issues such as the Constitution and First Nations place in it, the development of self-governance structures, the need for continued federal responsibilities and the importance of the treaties, the Metis people and their place in Canada, urban aboriginals, justice issues, social issues, and what he hopes will be gained from the hearings of the Royal Commission. Waditaka then introduces Commissioners Bertha Wilson, Paul Chartrand, Rene Dussault, and Mary Sillet.

The file contains opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lodge Hotel, Kelowna, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 16, 1993. Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses the composition, mandate, and goals of the Commission, while welcoming the participants and expressing her hopes for the day's proceedings.

File contains Opening remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Wendake, Quebec City, Quebec, on November 17, 1992.

This file contains brief opening remarks by Darrell Paul, Moderator. He introduces Ron George, representing the Native Council of Canada.

File contains opening remarks by Ed Sackeney, facilitator and Victor Power, Mayor of Timmins, Ontario, who welcome those in attendance. Bertha Wilson, Commissioner, is introduced.

File contains brief opening remarks by Garnet Landon, Moderator.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lodge Hotel, Kelowna, British Columbia. Following an opening prayer by Elder Dave Parker of the Okanagan Reserve, Councillor Gary Swite of the Westbank Indian Band welcomes the day's participants and discusses the need for self-determination and self-governance for the Okanagan people.