File contains a presentation by Michael Cheena and Andy Rickard. Cheena discusses the Constitution, self-governance, and inherent rights. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cheena and Commissioners Dussault and Blakeney on the issues raised.

The file contains a presentation by Michael Eshikibok. Eshikibok, an Ojibwa student at Laurentian University and freelance writer for the Sudbury Star, gives a statistical overview of Aboriginal people in Canada, over-representation in Saskatchewan prisons, poverty, alcoholism, and the need to replace the Indian Act and institute self-government. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Eshikibok.

File contains a presentation by Michelle Harding, Metis Women of Saskatchewan. Harding welcomes the Commission to La Ronge on behalf of that communities Metis Women's Chapter. Harding lists many of the concerns facing Metis women including child care, education, problems facing Metis youth, family violence, and others. She stresses the need for fully subisidized, accessible daycare. She discusses how the current social system has created a destructive welfare cycle amongst her people, and the need to strengthen families through the creation of a crisis shelter.

File contains a presentation by Michelle Lang that provides a brief history of the Metis people at Lac La Biche and area. She states that the "missionaries were invited by the Metis to provide both religious instruction and education." But the missionaries were educated as well, as they relied on the Metis for their survival until they learned the ways of their new land. She hopes the Commission can help get Portage La Biche and the Lac La Biche Mission preserved for future generations. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Michelle Swenarchuk that describes her organization as both an environmental group and a legal aid clinic under the Ontario Legal Aid Plan. She states there is a history of misuse of Aboriginal lands for dumping waste, which may pose serious health issues for those Aboriginals living near these dumping sites. The speaker discusses the potential negative impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Aboriginal lands and Aboriginal government. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Director Gordon King of the Micmac Native Friendship Centre (Halifax, NS). King discusses the role Friendship Centres play in communities, their non-political nature, and the success they have had working with urban Aboriginal populations. King introduces the days presenters from the Friendship Centre and states to the Commissioners that they "have the powers to start the process for change to ensure a better life for Aboriginal peoples residing in urban areas.

File contains a presentation by Crisis Intervention Officer Marie Francis of the Micmac Native Friendship Centre (Halifax, NS). Francis discusses the financial difficulties faced by the Status Indian population in Canada who lives off reserve, and states that Bands often do not live up to their fiduciary obligations to off-reserve people.

File contains a presentation by Mike Cardinal. Cardinal, who is area supervisor for Native Counselling Services in High Level, discusses what his organization is and relates its history. Cardinal then discusses the organizations programming, particularly with relation to the justice system. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cardinal, Robinson, Dussault, and Beaulieu with regard to Native Counselling Services.

File contains a presentation by Mike Chabot. Chabot delivers his personal perspective on the situation of Aboriginal people in Canada. Following his statement Commissioner Dussault thanks Chabot, and the Commission's sitting is closed for the day.

The file contains a presentation by Mike Garson, Split Lake Cree First Nation. Garson discusses self-governance and self-determination; land and resources; colonization and government paternalism; water; Treaty rights; and hydro development. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Garson.

File contains a presentation by Mike Mercredi, Director of Athabasca Native Development Corporation. Mercredi describes the mandate and goals of his organization which represents Metis and First Nations people throughout Northern Alberta, and works to provide economic opportunity for them. Mercredi discusses some of the challenges his organization has faced, and some of the structural problems confronting northern economic development. Following the presentation are some remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Mildred Milliea, teacher of the Mi'kmaq language. Milliea provides a brief history of native languages in Canada and describes her experience teaching the Mi'kmaq language beginning in 1969. She concludes by saying that "native languages and culture should be implemented in the Constitution." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Patsy Paul-Martin of the Millbrook Native Learning Centre. Paul-Martin discusses "the major barriers the Native participants face when they enrol in the Millbrook Native Learning Centre that impedes their upgrading to success." She highlights a variety of concerns and makes some recommendations for addressing them. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Paul-Martin, after which are closing remarks and the conclusion of the day's sitting of the Royal Commision.

File contains a presentation by Miranda Prosper, a grade 6 student from the Wahpeton Reserve School. Prosper discusses changes she would like to see on the Wahpeton Reserve. These include more policing, an alochol ban, more funding for roads, a Dakota language immersion program for young children, a better firehall, and a safer bus stop.

This file consists of a presentation by Monte Hummel relating to conservation objectives in Canada. The World Wildlife Fund of Canada (WWF) believes that government policies regarding parks and protected areas must recognize the moral legitimacy and the legal reality of Aboriginal title, self-government, treaty rights and outstanding land claims. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains a presentation by Laurent Gagnon of Moral Rearmament. Moral Rearmament (now Initiatives of Change International) is an international moral and spiritual movement that, in 1938, grew out of the Reverend Frank N. D. Buchman's Oxford Group. Gagnon discusses the personal development of his changing views as someone from a Quebecois farming background towards the province's Aboriginal people. Gagnon discusses how his organization has worked to build dialogue and partnerships between communities in conflict worldwide, and the parallels between the Aboriginal and Quebecois experience.

File contains remarks by Morgan McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. McLeod discusses his concerns with drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, child abuse and neglect in his community. He relates how the Metis youth have started a youth centre at Stanley Mission to deal with these problems, but need support on the provincial level to help provide information and recreational facilities.

This file contains a presentation by Morris Merick that first provides a history of the past practices of the federal and Manitoba governments in relation to First Nations child welfare services, particularly with the fostering and adoption of Aboriginal children. He states that "Canada has failed to meet its obligations as a member of the United Nations to defend the human rights of all citizens" and calls for Aboriginal control over fostering and adoption of Aboriginal children. Merick then introduces Mary Roulette, Director, Dakota Ojibway Probation Services.

File contains a presentation by Mosesee Nuvaqik, regarding six areas related to lack of funding, including the inability of Pangnirtung and other Co-Ops to meet annually in Winnipeg, high transportation costs of items and insufficient training for Co-Op employees.

This file contains a presentation by Mr. Patton and Curtis Nelson that addresses the symbolism of the Two-Row Wampum, increasing environmental pollution, and the Oka Crisis of 1990. Nelson states that the "Crown must find ways to provide resources for our original government so that fairness can be achieved, so that we may reverse centuries of colonialism and we can one day become self-sufficient without compromising our integrity as a nation." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Mrs. MacKenzie, president of the Umpherville, MB Women's Group. Translating is Marion Lindsay. Mrs. MacKenzie asks the Commission to have the federal government "ask the people what they want first, no what the government wants for the people to do." A discussion with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation made by the Muskrat Dam First Nation. Chief Frank Beardy, Juliette Duncan, Sarah Beardy, Victoria Beardy, Shirley Morris, Lucy Beardy and Mary-Ann Morris all spoke to various topics of welfare, medical services, education, general health. Also contained are questions and comments from the assembled Commissioners.

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 a presentation by Namerind Housing Corporation given by Christopher LaFontaine and Sterling Brass concerned with the independence of the an Aboriginal Housing Corporation. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

File contains a presentation by Nancy Gaudon, Port-au-Port Band. She discusses how the band has no economic base since the fishery collapsed, and lists a variety of concerns including housing, social needs, language issues, economic development, self-determination for off-reserve and Non-status Indians, Education and Historical Identity. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with Gaudon.

File contains a presentation by Nancy Louis regarding the transfer of responsibility for administering the funding of Aboriginal peoples and the government's inability to fulfill its treaty obligations. Following the presentation is a lively question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Nancy Scanie. Scanie discusses her experiences as a Non-Status woman, and her views on the situation of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with her including reconciling Special Status with Equality, and a gradual transition to self-governance. Following this discussion the day's proceedings are adjourned.

This file contains a presentation by Naomi Tuglavina and Michelle Kinney that begins with a brief history of the group home dedicated to young offenders between ages 12-18 whose custody orders from Youth Court determine they must go to a correctional facility. Nain's young offenders remain in the community and receive counselling, some schooling and serve their open custody orders. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains remarks by an unidentified National Film Board Technician. The Technician announces that the filming of the session will stop so that people feel more comfortable expressing their opinions. Commissioner Wilson concurs. Following this the transcript adjourns and the discussion reconvenes in a private session.

File contains a presentation by the Native Outpatient Centre: Meysncut Counselling Centre by Sara Williams and Jane Caprion. Sara Williams begins with a presentation giving an overview of their organization, and its work dealing with abuse and education in the community. Williams also makes a variety of organizational and funding recommendations to the Commission related to the organization's work. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand engage Williams and Caprion in a discussion on the issues raised, and the activities of the Centre.

File contains a presentation by Neil Colin. Colin complains about the ignorance of the north he has encountered in southern Canada, including from Conservative federal government officials who did not even know where Yellowknife was. He also discusses his concerns about pollution and its effects on the North which he has witnessed himself. Following the presentation Rene Dussault thanks him for it, and closes the days preceedings.

This file contains a presentation by Neil Perley focusing on restrictions placed upon Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneuers because of federal government policy. Perley states that First Nations governments and organizations must be given the authority to make decision and disperse funds which will benefit their communities and people. He also says that economic development should be viewed as the cure to the social problems which occur on every First Nations. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Neil Thompson. Thompson presents a pre-prepared statement on behalf of the Daily Press in Timmins, Ontario by John Farrington. Farrington addresses the Commission about the publications they create for Aboriginal communities, and youth literacy programs they run. Following the presentation Thompson discusses these programs with Commissioner Georges Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Nellie Beardy and Janet Gordon of the [Sioux Lookout] Aboriginal Health Authority. Beardy discusses the health situation in the area particularly with regard to infrastructure, service delivery, disease and injury problems. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Beardy.

File contains a presentation by Nelson Sanderson regarding the need to connect Metis youth and the general public with the history and culture of the Metis people. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding these issues.

File contains presentations by Lorraine Moses, and Chief Gordon Antoine (Coldwater Indian Band), both of the Nicola Valley Indian Development Corporation. Moses presents on a variety of economic issues her organization is concerned with including the tourism industry, financing, education, and related matters. One key point she highlights is the relationship of Aboriginal people with Canada's banks.

File contains presentations by Mandy Na'zinek Jimmie, and Amy Thom of the Nicola Valley Language Advisory Group. Jimmie delivers a presentation on Aboriginal language use, its importance, and the need for self-governance. Following remarks on this by Commissioner Dussault, Thom makes some personal remarks on the issue from the perspective of both a First Nations person and a language instructor. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank the presenters for their thoughts.

File contains a presentation by John Novak of the North Bay Chapter of the Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association (which represents Metis and Non-Status people). Novak discusses the difficulty for his people in obtaining resources, their difference from Status Indian people, a lack of educational assistance, a request for "some kind of structure that we would be able to get our own funding," the desire for a land base, economic concerns, hunting and fishing rights, racism and discrimination concerns, the problem sustaining the organization's locals, and housing concerns.

File contains a presentation by Elder Noah Eagle relating his experiences growing up in bush country in the 1920s. He compares his childhood to the childhood of some residents on his First Nation and he expresses sorrow that the culture of his ancestors is disappearing.

File contains a presentation by Noble Shanks focusing on his organization's work in the development of justice services for Metis people in Saskatchewan. He discusses unfair legal representation for Metis people, establishing a Metis court worker program, the poor relationship with the RCMP and Metis people, and the northern fly-in court process. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Donna Roundhead of Nodin Counselling Services. Roundhead discusses the high suicide rate in Nishnawbe-Aski communities, calls for a federal inquiry into the high suicide rate, discusses the need for Aboriginal mental health consultants, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Roundhead.

File contains a presentation by Norma Shorty, Kwanlin Dun First Nation. Shorty describes the history of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation, and its reserves in the Whitehorse area. Shorty suggests that since the government contributed to the destruction of traditional systems of Kwanlin Dun learning, it should contribute to rebuilding them. Following Shorty's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss language, education, and rights issues with Shorty.

File contains a presentation by Norman Quinney and Joe Houle, war veterans whose organization, founded in 1982, had to disband because of no funding. The speakers call for the Commission to ensure continuing funding for the association so it can fight for the rights that Aboriginal veterans were denied upon return of service.

File contains a presentation by Antoinette Lemaigre of NorSask Native Outreach. Lemaigre discusses her work as an employment counsellor, the need for increased education funding, acommodations for instructors, the need for permanent jobs, urananium mining in northern Saskatchewan and related employment issues, and the need for a trade school north of Prince Albert. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillet discuss some of the issues raised with Lemaigre.

File contains a presentation by Bill Butler and Lynn Bennett of the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre. The presenters discuss housing, employment, child care, and other urban issues. Bennett also discusses the Low Income People's Involvement agency, or LIPI, and some of the advocacy work it does. Following the presentation Butler and Lynn discuss some of the issues raised with Commissioners Wilson and Sillett.

File contains a presentation by Paul King of the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital. King discusses Aboriginal mental health, training, and teaching. King also provides an overview of the hospital, its' geographic service area, staffing, and mandate. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with King.

File contains a presentation made by Gary Tinker for Northern Disabled People, on the topic of the education system pertaining to disabled people of northern Saskatchewan communities and the lack of services available. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Northern Lights School Division by Rick Laliberte and Gordon Rutten. Laliberte discusses his own background as a Cree person and educational issues in Northern Saskatchewan, the need for a child centred approach, and linguistic issues. Rutten delivers a series of 13 recommendations to the Commission on education in Nothern Saskatchewan dealing with administrative, finance, cultural, and linguistic concerns. Following the presentation the two presenters discuss educational concerns with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Bill Nothing and Isaac Beaulieu of the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council. Nothing, Executive Director of the Council, discusses his work with the people of the Nishnawbe-Aski area for the past twenty years. It expresses his personal views as well as those of the Education Council.

File contains a presentation made by Rick Laliberte and Harold Schultz for the Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) and the Northern Professional Access College (NORPAC) on the topics of the the Royal Commission's mandate, the education opportunities for northern communities, economic development and self-government in Aboriginal communities. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation made by Donald Favel, member of the Métis Addiction Council, for the Northwest Drug and Alcohol Abuse Centre on the topic of social development. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.