File contains a presentation by the Northwest Urban Aboriginal Society of Prince Rupert. Vern Brown, President of the Prince Rupert Local of the Council of Haida Nations introduces his fellow presenters John Stewart, Bill Wright, and Fred Anderson. Brown discusses the urban Aboriginal population in Prince Rupert, its' demographic make-up, educational and language concerns, the need for facilities and resources, land claims issues, housing issues, seniors issues, disabled people's issues, health issues, and general urban and off-reserve concerns.

File contains a presentation by Karen Acorn, Suicide Prevention Officer, and Nowya Williams. Acorn and Williams address the issue of suicide in the region and express the belief that it is something which can often be prevented when the proper information and counselling is available for people. Williams stresses the importance of involving Elders in community counselling to help address the problem. Following the presentations the assembled Commissioners discuss the issue with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Paul Stevens, Wallace Belleau and Bob Pelletier of the Ojibwe Peacekeepers Society. Stevens briefly explains the history of the Society as an organization of concerned Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal persons who are dedicated to the pursuit and the advancement of Aboriginal issues. The society acts as an advocacy group to ensure that treaties are adhered to. The Peacekeepers also peacefully protects citizens in their own land from outside forces if so requested by that tribal government or that particular First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Okalik Curley. Curley discusses the structure of families amongst the Inuit, and the need for greater organization within their communities. Curley discusses the traditional custom of adoption with Commissioner Rene Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Olie Schell. Schell is the manager of Career Development and Employment for the Government of Alberta. Schell discusses programs which Alberta Career Development and Employment have been involved with in the area around Fort McMurray. Following the presentation is a discussion between Schell and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of these programs.

File contains a presentation by Ovide Mercredi, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations. Mercredi discusses his view of the Royal Commission and its goals, his organizations participation in Constitutional talks, and the importance of self-governance and self-determination to Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mercredi and Commissioners Erasmus, Sillet, Wilson, Dussault and Blakeney.

File contains a presentation by Pastor Stanley Reid, of the Crime Prevention Committee. Reid discusses the lack of policing in coastal communities, and the problem of a lack of resources generally to deal with crime and crime related issues.

File contains a presentation by Pat Harper, representative of Metis Women of Manitoba. The topics she covers include representation, housing, education and training, economic development, family services and culture. Following this is a discussion between Harper and the Commissioners on the topics covered.

This file contains a presentation by Patrick J. Lavelle, Robert Campbell and Steven Christianson that focuses on their organization's attempts to bridge the gap economically between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in Canada. The presenters call for the formation of an Aboriginal development bank, and for the creation of an education foundation to assist young Aboriginals to remain in high school and to consider careers in business or as entrepreneurs.

File contains a presentation by Professor Patrick Macklem. He discusses the Consitutional possibilities for handing over jurisdiction in justice affairs to Aboriginal communities.

File contains a presentation by Patrick Polchies. Polchies is a member of the Kingsclear First Nation, and voices his views on a variety of topics including the inherent right to self-governance, the importance of Aboriginal inclusion in the Constitutional process, questions about accountability in Aboriginal governance, fishing rights, the Cultural Properties Act, and religious artifacts. Following the presentation is a brief discussion between Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillet, and the presenter followed by the end of the Commission's session for the day.

File contains a presentation by Patsy Bernard of the Abegweit band. Bernard discusses her problems with the Chief of her band, and accusses him of anti-democratic and authoritarian practices. Bernard also discusses the need for increased cultural knowledge and awareness to be implemented before self-government.

File contains a presentation by Patsy Johnson that begins by Johnson reading a November 1991 letter sent to Pierce MacDonald, Minister of Education for Yukon Territory, relating to lack of daycare facilities, lack of proper housing, and lack of employment opportunities for students at Teslin Campus. After receiving no help from the Yukon government, Johnson calls on the Commission to allow more funding so that students can complete Grade 12 without the burden of minimal funding and poor housing for their families.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation by Patti Williams of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.

File contains a presentation by Paul Daignault, President, Student Association. Daignault makes reference to previous presentations during the day and claims that "all of these things I see as the root of the problem is jobs basically. People do not have jobs and which leads to all kinds of social issues." Daignault goes on to discuss funding for Metis and Status Indian post-secondary education, and how he thinks Education should be a top priority in Canadian Constitutional talks.

File contains a presentation by Paul Dixon stating that the Canadian government has destroyed "most of the hunting societies that have existed since time immemorial." Traplines are being destroyed as forestry operations are wiping out animals' shelter and vegetation for safety of their lives. The cyclical movements of animals and the mating pathways are greatly damaged and Dixon states that innumerable animal and plant species are endangered. He calls on the Commission to help stop the destruction of animals and plants used by trappers for survival.

File contains a presentation by Paul Doxtator. Doxtator discusses justice and penal issues. Doxtator makes a series of recommendations to improve the penal system for Aboriginal people involving financial resources and programming. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Doxtator.

File contains a presentation by Paul Fritts. Fritts, a Mohawk, and a lawyer, discusses economic issues with particular respect to Status Indian peoples. Included in his presentation are his views on the Indian Act as it pertains to economic matters, and problems attracting investment. Following the presentation are some comments by Commissioners Blakeney and Wilson.

File contains a presentation by Paul Gull expressing frustration with the lack of funding for Waswanipi School and its programs. Gull calls upon the Commmission to ensure that programs such as the elder-student mentor program, Cree immersion and residential school survivor support groups continue. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners and a previous speaker, Peter Gull.

File contains a presentation by Paul Hogan. Hogan discusses his personal views on a variety of issues facing Aboriginal people. These include education, urban issues, self-governance, governmental relations, land rights, language concerns, and the Indian Act. Following Hogan's presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Paul Nadjiwan expressing concern with the failure rate of Aboriginals entering a 12-step recovery program based on English-language, non-Aboriginal values. He also expresses concern with the Fort William treatment centre not being able to use government funding where it is most needed, and not where the government instructs the funding to be spent. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Paul O'Hara that questions why Aboriginal people are "poorly reflected in the health care system." He states that Aboriginal people must be properly represented in the health care system and be given the educational opportunities to do so. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Paul Petrie focusing on the history myths relating to Columbus discovering North America and that children learn Euro-centric history, not true Canadian history. He also mentions that talented Aboriginal musicians in Canada need financial support to further their careers.

The file contains a presentation by Paul Scotchman on behalf of the Western Indian Agricultural Producers Association. Scotchman discusses Aboriginal agriculture as it relates to the Commission's four areas of focus: relationship, self-determination, self-sufficiency and healing.

This file contains a presentation by Paul Shay and Michele Audette focusing on the Aboriginal youth who participate in the Canada World Youth program. Audette recalls her positive experience as a participant living and working in different countries in South America. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Paul Turmel, General Manager of the Native Para-Judicial Services of Quebec. Turmel discusses the history and mandate of his organization, and its goal of getting more Aboriginal people involved with the justice system, establishing justice institutions based on the cultural values of Aboriginal nations, and helping Aboriginal accused. Following Turmel's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the organization's activities and justice issues generally with him.

File contains a presentation by Paul Williams, vicar of the Anglican Church in Rankin Inlet. He presents his concerns as an individual on education and suicide in the community. Williams argues that there is not enough funding for culturally relevant education of the kind that is needed. Williams then discusses the problem of the extremely high rate of suicide in the community, and the lack of help in dealing with it. Following his presentation Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney thank Williams and discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Pauline Decontie, Education Department, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Following a song by the children in the local immersion class, Decontie delivers a presenation on language, culture, identity issues, and their relation to education (for both children and adults). Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss these issues with Decontie.

File contains a presentation by Pauloosie Angmaalik, a resident of Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories, who provides insight into the life of Pangnirtung residents in the 1950s and 1960s.

File contains a presentation by Pearl Calahasen, MLA for the Lesser Slave Lake constituency in Alberta. She begins her presentation by acknowledging she is speaking as an Aboriginal person, not as MLA. She describes her personal experiences with racism when entering high school in a large city, with post-secondary educational institutions, and with her campaign to run for MLA. Calahasen discusses education, economic development, and fishing, hunting and trapping issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Peggy Sinclair focusing on recent cuts in funding and the resulting loss in programs and services at the Slave Lake Friendship Centre and at other Friendship Centres in northern Alberta. She provides statistics for funding cuts throughout the 1980s and calls on the Commission to help secure funding for essential programs. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Penny Ericson focusing on how her association attracts Canadian Aboriginal students in the nursing field. Ericson states the need for additional recruitment and retention of Aboriginal nurses. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Peter Brook, Executive Director of the Prince Albert Tribal Council. Brooks asks the Commission if it is prepared to undertake a special investigation into ongoing land claims disputes involving three Dene nations in northern Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories which the Prince Albert Tribal Council represents.

File contains a presentation by Peter Cooke. Cooke, an Iroquois artist, discusses the history of the Six Nations Confederacy and his hometown of Brantford, Ontario with reference to the overall history of Canada. Cooke discusses land use and his people's philosophy regarding it for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Sillet thank him for his presentation.

File contains a presentation by Peter Decontie, Inuit Elder. Decontie's remarks are in Inuit but translated into English in the text. He discusses problems in his home community including child abandonment (by southern fathers), alcohol and drug abuse, policing, and a lack of policies to help his people. The presentation is followed with remarks by Commissioner George Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Peter Efimoff. Efimoff, a student at Prince Rupert Senior School, discusses his personal views on Aboriginal culture, languages, and relations with other cultures.

File contains a presentation by Peter Gull whose corporation's objective is to create local employment in the forestry industry and to bring economic opportunities to the community. He believes that non-fulfilment of the government's obligations with the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement "creates more damage and greater hardship to the individual." Gull calls upon the Commission to pressure the government to respect their obligations according to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Peter Haavlik, Director, Treaty Eight Tribal Association. Haavlik discusses his organizations views of Treaty Eight and the ongoing land claims and self-government process its members are engaged in with the Federal government. He makes a series of recommendations to fix problems he sees with the process as it is currently ongoing in British Columbia, one of which is to copy positive aspects of the Saskatchewan government's Treaty Land Entitlement process. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Havlik.

File contains a presentation by Peter Owl. Owl discusses the history of a specific land claim that his Sigma-Anishinabe First Nation is involved in in "the Hudson Bay lands" of the North Shore area of Espanola and Bine River, Ontario. Following his presentation Commissioners Wilson and Sillett discuss the claim with Owl.

The file contains a presentation by Peter Paradis. Paradis, a Staff Counselor at Newberry House (a half-way house), discusses the mandate direction of the Royal Commission, action plan suggestions and implementation, and the relationship between the Royal Commission, the Canadian State, and the political process. Following Paradis' critique, Commissioners Dussault and Sillett respond to some of the points he raises. Following this is a closing prayer to convene the day's sitting of the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Peter Ponich that believes the School Division as not doing enough to keep Aboriginal and Metis students in schools. He offers a number of initiatives that may combat that problems, including engendering pride in the language and culture of the student, providing Aboriginal role models in a variety of jobs, providing students with a better understanding of the value of education, and encouraging Aboriginal students to complete secondary education. He calls on the Commission to help secure funding for these proposed initiatives.

File contains a presentation by Peter Sackeney and Holly Kowtook Holopainen relating to the importance of the Native Criminal Court Worker program provided at their Friendship Centre. Despite decreasing funding, their services include translation and after-court assistance. The presenters call on the Commission to ensure funding for the hiring of Aboriginal court workers to continue serving the urban Aboriginal community in Timmins. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Phil Hall, Skowkale Reserve, Chillwack, British Columbia. Hall feels that social issues for Aboriginal people must be given priority over other issues such as land claims and self-government. He acknowledges that he is a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and believes the Canadian government should "take a look at our own backdoor" and address social issues among Aboriginal and also non-Aboriginal people as well. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Phil Fontaine (at the time the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) regarding a wide range of topics including the Commission's mandate, Treaty issues, residential schools, justice reform, self-government, and resources. Following the presentation is a wide ranging discussion between Chief Fontaine and the Commission members on topics raised in the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Philip Goulais relating to the mandate of the Indian Commission of Ontario: To provide a forum for the negotiation of Aboriginal land claims and self-government; and to assist in the resolution of any other issue of mutual concern to Canada or the First Nations in the Province of Ontario. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Phillip Sinclair with translator, representing the Shoal River Indian Reserve. It focuses on the water pollution found in the Swan River Valley area and other rivers and creeks that are connected to Shoal River and flow into Lake Winnipegosis. He believes that farmers upstream are using Shoal River as a disposal site and seeks compensation from the Canadian government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Phyllis Fisher relating to the use of violence towards Canada's First Peoples, historical and present day. The Canadian Friends Service Committee, a Quakers committee, have previously assisted the Innu in Labrador, the Lubicon in Alberta and were present at the Oka Crisis. The presenters make numerous recommendations, including the establishment of an environmental process that will adequately protect the land, environment and wildlife; and that public policy and funding must give preference to renewable resource development over non-renewable resources.

File contains a presentation by Pia Kooneelusie that details housing costs in the community, starting at $2 a month in the 1960s and now are faced with $1400 for monthly rent. Rene Dussault, Co-Chair, advises that the Commission will contact the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for more information on the rental rates.

This file contains a presentation by Pierre Minville focusing on tourism in the Oka area. He lists some spots such as Lac des Deux Montagnes and the beautiful and historic coniferous hardwood forests that surround the village of Oka that could be turned into tourist attractions, which would create jobs for Aboriginals in the area. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a summary of the preceding round table discussion on the Oka Crisis of 1990, and related issues of Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal relations in the Oka area by Pierre Trudel, rapporteur. Trudel highlights a variety of themes in the discussion by Non-Aboriginal people which shows the difference in perception of the root causes of the Oka crisis between the Mohawk and Quebecois populations. For a full transcript of the round table discussion see Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples 115: Round table No. 1 on this site.