File contains a presentation by Clarence Fournier on behalf of the Beaver First Nation. Fournier discusses post-secondary education and the challenges which his people face in aquiring it including bureaucratic difficulties, and housing concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Fournier and Commissioners Dussault, Robinson, and Beaulieu on post-secondary education issues.

File contains a presentation by Claude Petit expressing frustration with the ability of his organization to offer services and organize events for Aboriginal veterans without funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Claudine Louie relating to Aboriginal post-secondary education in Canada. Samson Cree First Nation falls under the government's Post-Secondary Student Support Program, and Louie questions the fairness of the program regarding Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clem Chartier of the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan. Chartier relays the regrets of President Gerald Morin who was unable to attend the sitting, introduces some of the participants in attendance, then discusses Metis land title and land rights issues, hunting rights, economic concerns, self-government and self-determination, policy ideas, personal and collective healing, racism and discrimination, intergovernmental relations, and the Metis Nation Accord in order to "give a holistic view of our organization."

File contains a presentation by the Nicola Valley Native Community Law Office, Merritt Legal Services, by Cliff Thorstenson. He discusses his observations on Aboriginal people and the Canadian justice system, particularly with regards to the local situation. Thorstenson offers a critique of justice institutions, and recommends a more culturally appropriate approach to community justice issues. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault on justice concerns.

File contains a presentation by Cliff Wright. Following an introduction by facilitator Murray Hamilton, an employee of the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Wright discusses his role as Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and what that entails. Wright also discusses land allocation practices in in the province.

File contains a presentation by Clifton (Francis) Simon, resident of Big Cove, New Brunswick. Simon touches on a number of areas of concern for him: self-government, economic development, discrimination against Aboriginal women, justice and education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clint Buehler, Executive Director, Metis Nation of Alberta. Buehler outlines the steps the MNA has taken towards self-governance both in terms of consultation within its membership and negotiations with the provincial and federal governments.

File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus during the first public meeting of said Commission. Erasmus spoke about how Chief Thunderchild viewed the need to hold on to Aboriginal land rights, and how this was still important in the nineteen-nineties.

File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Rene Dussault during the first public meeting of said Commission. Dussault discusses the importance of discussion, and listening in the Commission process. “We know that many Aboriginal people are tired of being studied by others. They want to speak directly to us, and we want to hear from them. We want to hear their views of history and of what the future could or should hold for them. Similarly, we want to hear from the non-Aboriginal Canadians, who have not only a right, but an obligation to participate in this debate.

File contains a presentation by the Coldwater Band School. School. The presentation is made up of comments by multiple students at both the elementary and secondary level highlighting collective concerns such as the physical, mental, and environmental well-being of their community. 15 students and staff speak in total. Following the presentations are comments by Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thanking the presenters for their contributions.

File contains a presentation by Colin Wasacase and Josephine Sandy relating to the work of their organization in providing culturally sensitive support for Anishinabe families in need. A list of recommendations includes the recognition of the federal government of rights and responsibility to provide support to families in accordance with Anishinabe custom, and recognition of the government's trust responsibility to provide adequate financial resources for the presenters' organization to undertake this work. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Colleen Nadjiwon-Johnson. Nadjiwon-Johnson, a small business owner from the Walpole Island First Nation, discusses a "number of issues affecting myself and other Native small business owners." These include taxation, economic development initiatives, caisse populaires (credit unions), janitorial and personal services, Aboriginal rights (treaty, hunting, fishing, etc.) advocacy, and human resources issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Nadjiwon-Johnson.

File contains a presentation by Colleen Wassegijig and Simon Paul. Wassegijig discusses the history of Aboriginal peoples in Canada with respect to formal education systems, and some of the problems that has created which now must be overcome. Simon Paul, a Dene man originally from Northern Saskatchewan, discusses Aboriginal education programs in Scarborough, Ontario for First Nations and Métis residents.

This file contains a presentation by Colleen Wilkinson, Simon Brown and Mike Dufresne relating to the Ranglin Project, an undeveloped nickel area 60 km west of the village of Cangatsujouat, Quebec. Approximately 20% of the Ranglin site workforce is Inuit and Falconbridge seeks to increase those numbers. Difficulties were encountered with the Inuit in terms of entering a work culture vs. continuing with their traditional lifestyle and being away from their families.

The file contains a presentation by Connie Chartrand, Metis National Council. Chartrand, family violence coordinator for Metis Women of Manitoba, discusses her work establishing self-help groups for Metis women, and her concerns about the possibility of suicides in some instances related to family violence and breakdowns.

File contains a presentation by Connie Eyolfson of the Strong Earth Women Lodge. Eyolfson first discusses her home community of Traverse Bay, and claims they are First Nations (Non-Status), and not a Métis population as the Métis Federation of Manitoba has claimed. Eyolfson then goes on to describe her organization, the Strong Earth Women Lodge, which provides 24 hour care service for crisis situations. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the content.

This file contains a presentation by Connie Laurin-Bowie and Bob Walker focusing on programs and services for Aboriginal disabled persons in Canada living on- and off-reserve. They cite research that Aboriginals living on reserves are almost twice as likely as the average Canadian to have a disability. People who have a disability are economically disadvantaged and vulnerable, and the presenters call upon the Commission to ensure that funding continues for programs to help both disadvantaged Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.

File contains a presentation by Corinne Chappell, a Micmac woman. Chappell describes the effect of Bill C-31 on Aboriginal people who have married outside their community, and argues that all succeeding generations should retain their status. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners on this issue.

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 Corporal Wayne Plimmer regarding relations of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Aboriginal Community in Prince George. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

File contains a presentation by Counsellor Cy Standing of the Wahpeton First Nation. After some introductory remarks in Dakota (not provided), Standing gives a brief summary of his personal history.

File contains a presentation by Wayne Etches, Joe Scout, and Tom Dixon, Creditors of Kainai Industries. The presenters discuss unemployment in the Kainai (Blood) Nation, Kainai Industries organizational history as a constructor of modular housing, its' failure as a business, and the need for its' resurrection. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with the presenters, after which is a closing prayer to adjourn the day's sitting of the Commission.

This file contains a presentation by Crystal King, a Mississauga band member of the New Credit First Nation, relating to the history of the Ojibwa in southern Ontario, the arrival of European explorers, the signing of treaties and present-day membership and facilities on the New Credit First Nation.

This file contains a presentation by Cyndy Desmeules-Bertolin, Fred Anderson and Stan Plante focusing on the effects of funding cuts to their organization. The group calls for the transfer of existing program dollars to Metis institutions. They also call for a Round Table to discuss the needs and provide support to Metis children and families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Dale Awasis, Native Educator. Awasis discusses education, and his general concerns regarding Aboriginal people with Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Dan Haggerty, President and CEO, Robert Hartog, Chairman, and Claude McCabe, Vice-President Canadian Native Programs, Canadian Executive Services Organization. Haggerty discusses the Canadian Executive Services Organization, a non-profit, non-governmental organization with the mandate to provide volunteers as consultants to support the development and management of the Aboriginal businesses and communities in Canada, and of the business and social sectors of developing countries around the world.

File contains a presentation by Dan Vandermeulen that begins with a brief history of the College. He states that there are Aboriginal and Métis people to wish to enrol at the College but inconsistent and insufficient funding stops them from doing so. Vandermeulen says that "it is critical that groups of people are not left stranded" regarding funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Daniel Daniels and Delilah Young speaking about the need for concerned adults becoming involved in the lives of Aboriginal youth. Without positive adult role models, Aboriginal youth may fall prey to alcohol, drug and solvent abuse and youth centres would allow Aboriginal youth to spend free time constructively. A discussion with the Commissioners follow the three The Pas Youth Project Committee speakers.

File includes a presentation by Danielle Descent. Descent discusses health and social services issues (including disease, suicide, addictions, family violence, education, and culturally related matters) in Sept-Iles/Maliotenam. Following her presentation the assembled Commissioners thank her for sharing her views on these issues.

File contains an individual presentation by Danny Henry who relates his experiences as an athlete and how it helped him be a role model for others. Henry does not see the same possibilities available for his children and asks the Commission for more sports funding. He draws attention to the numerous national and international Aboriginal sporting events that have been established in the last 20-25 years and asks that government funding of sport activities be increased for Canadian Aboriginal youth.

File contains a presentation by Danny Pottle, representative, St. John's Native Friendship Centre. He introduces two women from the Friendship Centre as co-presenters. An overview and brief history of the Centre with available services and programs are presented. Among other points, Pottle recommends that the work of interpreting be recognized by government agencies. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a brief individual presentation by Danny Whetung relating to the White Paper, described by Whetung as "a systematic description...for the cultural and racial genocide of the First Nations people of this country." He commends the Commissioners for coming to Esquimalt Reserve and knows they "have come with an open heart," and hopes that examination of the White Paper by the Commission may lead to positive changes for Aboriginal people.

File contains a presentation by Darlene Grexton relating to the Infant Development Program, a part of a continuum of preventive service provided by the Ministry of Community and Social Services for the at-risk population, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike. The program works with infants from to 30 months. She calls for the training more Aboriginal social workers and for more public awareness of the Infant Development Program. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Darlene McLeod, Band Administrator, Wahpeton Band. McLeod delivers a presentation on housing, mortgages, and education financing concerns. Following McLeod's presentation a discussion takes place between the assembled Commissioners, previous presenter Beverly Waditaka, and Darlene McLeod on the issues raised in their respective presentations.

File contains a presentation by Darlene Spiedel, Dakota Nations of Canada, Saskatchewan Cultural Centre. Spidel presentes from "two points of view, one from the Dakota/Lakota Nations and the other from the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre."

File contains a presentation by Darrell Bretton, First Nations Freedom Network. Bretton discusses his organization which he says is "a unique agency which deals with the transition from incarceration to reintegration of our people into overall society...developing a network of aboriginal groups and professionals to address the widespread societal problem of aboriginal recidivism."

File contains a presentation made by Darren Deschambeault on Aboriginal language preservation and history preservation in general. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Dave Barron of the Pacific Metis Federation. Barron discusses the story of his people, their neglect by government, his views on Bill C-31 and how the government has divided Aboriginal peoples starting at the family level. Barron concludes by recommending that "some form of legislation be enacted within the near future to release our people from the bonds of Bill C-31, if they should desire." Following the presentation is a discussion between Barron and Commissioner Erasmus on the ideas raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by the Dave Courchene, Jr. of the Mother Earth Spiritual Camp, and closing remarks for the Commission's sitting by Chief Jerry Fontaine. Courchene's presentation deals with his historical perspective on "the spirit of indigenous people," and the need to return to traditional spirituality to heal Aboriginal communities of their social ills. Courchene then delivers his views on the importance of self-governance and Aboriginal sovereignty. Following the presentation is a discussion between Courchene and Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the issues raised therein.

File contains a presentation by Dave Mowat, a University of Manitoba student, regarding education funding, band governance, self-government, and issues he's encountered as a Bill C-31 person.

The file contains a presentation by Dave White. White, Native Access Manager for Wabnode Institute Anisnabe Studies Division of Cambrian College, discusses cultural programming at the College and some of the difficulties they face in creating such programs. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with White.

File contains a presentation by David Arnot, Battlefords Justice Advisory Council. Arnot, presenting on behalf of the Battlefords Justice Advisory Council delivers a presentation first dealing with the Katapamisuak project which deals with community justice, and the workings of the general justice system as they pertain to Aboriginal peoples. Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus discuss justice issues with Arnot following the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by David Chartrand and Pat Harper of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Chartrand and Harper, representing the Winnipeg Region of the Federation, discuss a brief history of their organization as an urban based entity, Metis membership's issues from an urban perspective, self-determination and self-governance in an urban setting, education and training issues, employment issues, economic development issues, family issues, cultural issues, child care, and cultural issues.

File contains a presentation by David Chartrand, President of the National Association of Friendship Centres, with comments by Terry and Tom Doxidurn, executive director and Vice-President, respectively, of said organization.

File contains a presentation by David Kaosoni on behalf of the Katimavik Society, a counselling service for persons in the Cambridge Bay area who are dealing with alcohol and drug-related problems. He states that the staff turnover rate is extremely high as the number of cases overwhelm his staff. Kaosoni calls on the Commission to increase the federal government's funding of his organization. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by David Makahounuk. Makahounuk, a student at Confederation College in Sioux Lookout discusses post-secondary financial concerns at that institution. Makahounuk also discusses the need for additional counsellors and support staff, self-governance issues, and budget figures. Makahounuk makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission to alleviate these problems. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson discusses some of the figures with Makahonouk.

File contains a presentation by David Murray, Regional Director General, Employment and Immigration Canada (EIC). He first introduces Yvonne Myers, Pathways Co-ordinator for Newfoundland and Labrador. Murray provides the history of Pathways, a program developed by EIC to help Aboriginal people enter the workforce. Pathways works with other educational institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador to provide the necessary services for Aboriginal people to secure employment.

File contains a presentation by David Newhouse. Newhouse, a professor of Native Studies at Trent University, delivers a presentation highlighting six ways that he thinks Aboriginal society is changing: 1) urbanization, 2) "retraditionalization", 3) institutionalization, 4) the process of self-government, 5) cultural identity reinforcement, and 6) textual transformation. Newhouse elaborates on these sociological concepts, and then discusses their implications with Commissioners Blakeney, Wilson, Sillet, and Harper.

This file contains a presentation by David Peter-Paul that first provides a brief history of government funding and Aboriginal education in Canada. Peter-Paul states that "(T)he federal government, by virtue of its relevant sections outlined in the treaties, the Constitution Act and the Indian Act, has a fiduciary responsibility to provide adequate resources for all levels of education for First Nations people.

File contains a presentation by Dawna LeBlanc expressing concern for the acceleratred rate at which Aboriginal languages are becoming extinct. The death of community elders plays a large part in the elimination of languages today. She states that "language has a direct bearing on how we see ourselves as a people and our role in self-government, on land claims and our claim to a distinct society." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.