File contains a presentation by Catherine MacQuarrie. She is executive director of Native Communications in the western Northwest Territories, presents as an individual and discusses Native Communications and media issues. MacQuarrie also discusses self-governance, justice, languages, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with MacQuarrie.

File contains a presentation by Cathy Adcock focusing on troubled Aboriginal youth who move to Thunder Bay from reserves without a support system. These youth may have experienced hardship in their family life and are on their own once they arrive in the city, looking for employment, continuing with their education or leaving a troubled family situation. Adcock calls on the Commission to help secure more funding for programs and services to assist youth in the transition from reserve life to city life. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cathy LaValley. LaValley discusses the federal "Pathways to Success" educational and job-training program in Saskatchewan, specifically as it pertains to Metis residents.

File contains a presentation by Cathy Rutherford. Rutherford discusses her observations as the foster parent of 16 Aboriginal children and 10 white children. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank her for sharing her views.

File contains a presentation by Cecil Currie, an elder from the Montana Band that focuses on Aboriginal self-government. He introduces the next speaker, Cara Currie.

The file contains a presentation by Celeste McKay and Joyce Courchene, Indigenous Womens Collective. McKay and Courchene discuss Aboriginal women's issues with relation to self-determination, economics, and the Indian Act. They make some policy recommendations to the Commission with regard to these issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Charles Morris of Tikinagan Child and Family Services. Morris discusses the operations, mandate, and goals of his Aboriginal service organization. Morris also discusses some of the pressing social problems the organization encounters such as jurisdictional problems, substance abuse (sniffing), suicide, chronic depression and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Morris.

File contains a presentation by Charles Solomon. Solomon provides a brief historical overview of the Kingsclear Maliseet First Nation's reserve. Following the presentation are some brief remarks by Commissioner Mary Sillet on the Commission's mandate.

File contains a presentation by Charlie Evalik that first describes the life of the Inuit in the Cambridge Bay area beginning in the 1950s, where the Inuit were forced to adapt to a more permanent home life in settlements, rather than continue with their nomadic way of life. He discusses some issues that are affecting Cambridge Bay residents, such as lack of post-secondary opportunities, employment, lack of proper housing, and a high rate of residents on welfare. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Charlotte Hazel and Alenda Dejarlais-Louish, Native Council of Nova Scotia.

File contains a presentation by Charlotte Ross, La Ronge Native Women's Council. Ross discusses her personal experience with family violence, and discusse the La Ronge Native Women's Council of which she is a part. Ross discusses her view that abusers as well as the abused need treatment for behaviour they have internalized.

File contains a presentation by Charlotte Wolfrey, Rigolet Housing and Toby Andersen, Chairman of the Torngat Regional Housing Association. Wolfrey gives an overview of the housing situation in Labrador, and Andersen discusses the rural native housing program for Inuit and rural residents in the province. Commissioners Dussault and Robinson contribute some questions on housing in the area.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Lynn Hagan-Deschamps of the Tawaak Housing Association. Hagan-Deschamps discusses her organizations work in providing urban Aboriginal housing, and recommends that Aboriginal organizations be exempted from government cutbacks to housing funds going on at the time. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss Aboriginal housing and funding concerns with Hagan-Deschamps.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Ogram and Cal Albright relating to the Aboriginal Relations Subcommittee, part of the Race Relations Committee. A number of recommendations are offered, including policies and programs affecting Aboriginal people be reviewed for systemic racism as well as cultural sensitivity and appropriateness, after consultation with Aboriginal people. Also recommended is all municipalities consulting with the Aboriginal community on any new policies that affect the community. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Sibbeston discussing four areas of concern: having educational facilities closer to home, alcohol and the negative effects on families, more health care facilities in settlements, and land claims and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Starr whose organization working in conjunction with the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Prevention Program. She is a strong advocate of the numerous Aboriginal youth conferences happening more frequently in Saskatchewan and Canada, and feels this forum is critical for youth to speak for themselves and lobby for positive changes affecting them and their families. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Agnes McCoy, St. Mary's Indian Band. McCoy delivers a structured presentation presenting the Band's viewpoint on a variety of topics including: 1) Education, 2) Land Claims, 3)Jurisdiction, 4) Self-Government, 5) Language, 6) Justice, 7) Aboriginal Government, 8) Provincial Government (in terms of relationship with). Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Phillips engage McCoy, preceding presenter Denise Birdstone, and future presenter Sophie Pierre, in a discussion of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Chief Allan Happyjack and Jack Blacksmith that first provides a brief history of Waswanipi. Their presentation covers a wide range of issues, including the justice system and policing, hunting and trapping, the environment and health care. The speakers believe that the Canadian and Quebec governments have either ignored, set aside or in breach of major sections of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains remarks by Chief Andrew Kirkness welcoming the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba, and expressing his hopes for the process.

File contains a presentation by Chief Archie Waguan of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. Waguan discusses the relationship his people have had with the government of Canada since they signed Treaty Eight in 1899, and the negative impact that the Canadian government and industry have had on their community and the environment which sustains it. Waguan questions the intentions of the Commission and its mandate. Commissioner Blakeney responds to the concerns raised by Waguan, and Commissioner Chartrand also contributes some comments.

File contains a presentation by Chief Berna Landry of Fort Providence Band, also representing the Deh Cho Divisional Educational Board. Landry discusses Dene life pre-contact and how the lives of elders and youth have been affected. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bernard Meneen, Narcisse Moberly, Chief Johnson Sewegaham, Francis Meneen, Gabe Meneen, Cliff Kazony, and Harold Cardinal, High Level Tribal Council. The file consists of two formal presentations by the Tribal Council and a dialogue between the representatives and the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Berni Metecheah, Halfway First Nation. Chief Metecheah outlines some of his concerns over resource development (specifically logging activities) disrupting trap lines, and associated pollution. Metecheah also highlights his concerns with sport hunters wasting moose carcasses and over-hunting in the area, as well as the detrimental impact of herbicides on his community.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bert Mack, Toquaht Nation Economic Development. Chief Mack discusses his ideas on the importance of self-reliance with respect to government funding agencies and self-governance. Mack also highlights a complaint about the conduct of consulting firms towards his people.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bill Erasmus of the Dene Nation. Erasmus welcomes the Commission to Denedeh, the Dene homeland, and discusses "the policy that the government has adopted over the years regarding discussions with our peoples in Canada concerining the spelling out of our rights and the requirement for extinguishment," as well as the traditional Dene economy of hunting and trapping. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Chief Calvin McArthur of the Pheasant Rump Nakoda Band. McArthur is also a representative of the Dakota Nation Chiefs. McArthur explains his view that the Treaties are nation to nation agreements, and relates how his own band signed an adhesion to Treaty No. 4 in 1876.

File contains a presentation by Chief Carl Quinn focusing on Aboriginal self-government and self-determination. He states that the government should act by repealing the Indian Act and its amendments, abolishing the Department of Indian Affairs, set up a treaty-trust commission, abolish secret agreements between the federal and provincial governments, among other recommendations. He introduces the next speaker, Eric J. Large of the Saddle Lake First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Charlie Cootes, Uchucklesaht Residential Schools. Cootes relates the often painful history of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth's experience with residential schools, and its legacy on their communities.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor Danny Watts. Watts discusses housing and infrastrcture, as well as his orgnaization's need for increased revenue to meet its obligations. Watts also discusses the Federal government and his views on affordable housing provision.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor Earl Smith. Smith addresses his concern over justice, and how it relates to self-government and the lands claims process. Smith sees an indigenous system of justice based on his people's values as fundamental to self-governance. Following the presentation is a brief conversation between Mr. Smith and Commissioner Erasmus on the topics discussed.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor, Francis Frank, Tla-O-Qui-Aht First Nations Financial Relations between Governments. Chief Frank's presentation discusses relations between Federal and Provincial governments and First Nations, and what he thinks the is need for governments to adjust their attitude in dealing with each other. Frank discusses housing issues, and the need for governments to demonstrate trust and faith in their relationship with First Nations.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor, Kelly Dennis, Ohiaht Child Protection. Kelly discusses the traditional cultural approach of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people to childcare, the breakdown of the traditional process during colonization, the impact of the residential school system, the need for self-governance, social programs in place and who administers them, and what can be improved in Mr. Dennis' view.

File contains a presentation by Chief Dan Koosees of Kashechewan First Nations in Ontario. He describes living conditions on his First Nations as "below sub-standard" and gives the Commissioners a written proposal relating to a five-year housing and infrastructure construction program on Kashechewan First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Darrell Boissoneau that focuses on treaty violations and particularly on the Indian Act. He calls on the Commission to help begin the healing and to ensure funding for the essential programs that are necessary to help Aboriginal people reclaim their culture. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Keenan of the Teslin Tlingit Council. Keenan discusses the differences but also the commonalities in values between Aboriginal people and other Canadians. Keenan also discusses the Canadian justice system, over representation in prisons, the need for more resources toward prevention rather than corrections, initiatives his people have taken in the Yukon, and other justice related matters.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Keenan, Teslin Tlingit Nation, Yukon. He provides a brief history of the Teslin Tlingit people, discussing the Clan system of government and the negative effects of European contact. Keenan notes that Teslin Tlingit Nation is one of the few Canadian First Nations that have a constitution based not on the Indian Act, but on Teslin Tlingit traditional values. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Walkem, Cooks' Ferry Indian Band, Nlaka'pamux Nation. Walkem presents on natural resource concerns on behalf of the Nlaka'pamux Nation. He makes a series of recommendations including the signing of a Treaty and a direct relationship between the overall Nlaka'pamux Nation (see previous presentation by Chief Robert Pasco) and the federal government. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Walkem and Pasco.

File contains a presentation by Chief Don Moses, Lower Nicola Indian Band. Moses discusses the economic history of the Nicola Valley, and the history of his people. Moses gives some concrete recommendations to develop a land use and economic development framework for his people, for which Commissioners Dussault and Chatrand thank him.

File contains a presentation by Chief Edmond Metatawabin describing the arrival of missionaries in the James Bay and the missions and residential schools that were constructed. He describes the St. Anne's Residential School Reunion and Conference in August 1992 as the beginning of healing for those former students in attendance. He urges the Commission to look at the findings of the Conference and to help address the healing of the survivors in his community and throughout Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Edmund Metatawabin focusing on Aboriginal self-government. He states that local First Nations government must be empowered first to oversee health and family services, education, public works and security, police protection, housing, and other issues relating to First Nations on a local level. Once that structure is in place can Aboriginal leaders call for self-government on a national level. Cecilia Scott, youth representative, speaks briefly about the importance of education for Aboriginal youth.

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 a presentation by Chief Edward John with the First Nations Summit Task Group, regarding Treaty negotiations between the the government of Canada and the Aboriginal Community in the Province of British Columbia. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

File contains a presentation by Chief Eli Mandamin relating to the treaty relationship between Anishinabe First Nations and the federal government.

File contains a presentation by Chief Flett regarding issues including self-government, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, land, resources, the environment, gambling, fiscal arrangements, health, social services, economic development, on-reserve policing, the justice system, education, housing, and community infrastructure. Following the presentation is a discussion between Chief Flett and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand regarding the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains remarks by Chief Flett of the Pas First Nation welcoming the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba.

This file contains a presentation given by Chief Fred Fraser stating that "the Bill C-31 citizens of the Tsuu T'ina Nation are a direct result of discriminatory legislation and creates a special consideration for the federal government to give official recognition of the Tsuu T'ina Bill C-31 Band as equal and distinct.

File contains a presentation by Chief Fred Holmes. Holmes discusses his views on the situation in Upper Nicola and the "environment vs the environmentalist." Holmes discusses the importance of self-education and recognition of key issues including education, land claims, political organizations, and immigration. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Holmes for his thoughts.

File contains a presentation by Chief George Fern, Prince Albert Tribal Council. Fern states that he is the Chief of the Fond du Lac First Nation, and that resource co-management and revenue sharing is the position his Nation takes on economic development in the area which he believes is consistent with Treaty.

File contains a presentation by Chief George Watts. Watts discusses the land claims, or Treaty, process in British Columbia, the Canadian Constitution, and self-governance issues. Watts lays out how he sees the three issues as intertwined, and the resolution of them to be related. Following the presentation the presenter discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Erasmus, and Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Antoine on behalf of the Deh Cho Regional Council. The presentation was prepared by Rene Lamothe and Betty Hardisty, who consulted with Elders, band members, Metis locals and municipal council of the Deh Cho Region. Visitations in the Deh Cho Region generated feedback regarding the Canadian Constitution and a discussion of the existing constitutional revisions in Canada. Briefly listed are statements of positions by members of the various local councils.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Antoine and Rene Lamothe that lists "the 12 statements of principles that are based on statements of Elders and leaders with reference to the history of the people on the land and constitutional consideration." The presentation then focuses on land claims and self-government using the framework of the 12 statements. Following the presentation is a lengthy discussion between Lamothe and Commissioner Allan Blakeney.