File contains a presentation by Robert Gambler that states that the Jean-Baptiste Gambler Reserve has been under the rule of the Bigstone Cree Nation. He expresses dissatisfaction with the Bigstone Cree Nation's governance and wonders how the Gambler Reserve fell under the jurisdiction of the Bigstone Cree Nation.

File contains a presentation by Robert Kanateuat focusing on the adverse effects of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement on his and other First Nations in the James Bay area.

File contains a presentation by Robert Mercredi of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Mercredi discusses his organization, and the problems facing his people. He describes the Metis as Canada's forgotten people, and while offering support for the "Canada clause" of the Constitution stresses the need for the Metis to be recognized on an equitable level with their Indian and Inuit brothers and sisters. He bemoans the lack of a land base for the Metis people of Saskatchewan, and the lack of resources neccessary for basic governmental functioning.

File contains a brief presentation by Robert Michel relating to the history of Aboriginal self-government. He cites the Indian Act as a policy that has "taken away the natural and economic resource base which is necessary for Aboriginal people to remain self-sufficient." He then introduces the next speaker, Desmond Peters.

File contains a presentation by Robert Sam, Councillor from the Songhees Band. Sam has five areas of concern: employment equality, child protection, Treaty rights, justice reform and education. Sam answers questions from Co-Commissioner for the Day Chief David Paul and from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus.

This file contains a presentation by Robert Vachon that focuses on Quebecois geographer Louis-Edmond Hamelin's assertion that non-Aboriginal people have not accepted the hypothesis that Aboriginal peoples have a political culture or tradition whose expressions and presuppositions could be radically different from the Western ones.

File contains a presentation by Robin Dupuis relating to the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse in Labrador. Dupuis provides a history of his organization and states that alcohol and drug abuse is the major problem facing Aboriginal people in Labrador. Once the 28-day treatment program is completed, after-treatment programs are not in place to assist people with their rehabiliation, therefore they relapse and continue to use alcohol or drugs. Dupuis calls on the Commission to ensure adequate funding for after-treatment programs.

File contains a presentation by Rod Martin of the Indian Council of First Nations. Martin discusses the impact of his experiences working for the government, his perspective on the Indian Act and the problems it has caused for First Nations.

The file contains a presentation by Rod Murphy, MP. Murphy, New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for the Federal riding of Churchill, discusses the aftermath of the Charlottetown Accord referendum, his views on Aboriginal issues in Canada, positive achievements in the recent past, educational programs, employment programs, the situation in his own riding, housing issues, transportation issues, water and infrastructure issues, health issues, child care issues, seniors issues, addictions issues, land claims issues, justice issues, the Indian Act, and resource issues.

File contains a presentation by Roderick A. MacDonald, Professor of Law at McGill University. MacDonald discusses "to what extent would the process of adaptation of the existing system of Canadian law involve reforms beneficial of society such as the poor, women and cultural minorities."

File contains a presentation by Roger Cousins. Cousins speaks on the topic of land claims in the Eastern arctic. He discusses Aboriginal land claims in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and then the Nunavut claim in the Eastern arctic. In answerance to Commissioner Dussault's earlier question on where the Commission should start Cousins states "a good place to start would be to make sure that the Inuit have a land base in their home communities." Following the presentation Commmissioner Dussault discusses the topic with Cousins.

The file contains a presentation by Roger Jones. Jones, a member of the Shawanaga First Nation, discusses "solutions and recommendations for self-government, exercising our inherent right and he will also discuss the barriers and resolutions." In doing so Jones discusses the Ojibwa worldview and Canada's obligations to his people. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss the issues raised with Jones.

This file contains a presentation by Roger Obonsawin relating to problems faced by Aboriginal communities and individuals. He offers a number of solutions, including recognizing Aboriginal and treaty rights to form the basis for strong, self-sufficient Aboriginal communities; initiating economic development that focuses on small business development; and that Indian and Northern Affairs Canada be relieved of its responsibility for implementing and negotiating self-government initiatives. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a brief presentation by Romeo Saganash echoing the opinion of the previous presenter, Robert Kanateuat, regarding the fulfillment of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.

File contains a presentation by Ron Bell that calls for increased funding for Aboriginal post-secondary education. He also suggests that an Aboriginal university be established in northern Manitoba. Bell introduces Larry Kaida, also of the University of Alberta.

File contains a presentation by Ron Blinn that focuses on social issues on First Nations such as inadequate housing and water quality, the high cost of food, fire protection, health care, and youth crime and suicide. He invites the Commissioners to tour the Liard River First Nation to experience the way its residents live. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation made by Ron Caisse on the topic of youth in the Metis community. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Ron Eldridge, Vice-President, NORTEP Student Association. Eldridge asks "how are we to be self-governing if we cannot educate ourselves?" He discusses the NORTEP program, and highlights his major concern of funding cuts to it.

This file contains a presentation by Ron George and Bob Groves focusing on self-determination for Aboriginal peoples in Canada's larger urban centres. The presenters state that nearly half of Canada's Aboriginal peoples live in large urban centres and feel that the Indian Act has left out people who do not live on reserves. Their group was involved in the Royal Commission's National Round Table on urban issues last year and the presenters state their presentation reinforces their concerns from last year's Round Table.

File contains a presentation by Ron George, President of the Native Council of Canada. George discusses the situation of his constituency (non-status and Metis people of Canada) at length, and also discusses his views on Status Indians and the government's dealings with them. Georges presentation covers a wide range of topics including self-governance as it pertains to off-reserve populations, and Canadian Constitutional issues.

File contains a presentation by Mr. Ron Nadeau of Native Communications Inc. Nadeau discusses the history of his organization and the importance of Aboriginal broadcasting, government funding, broadcasting in the Cree language, and their relationship with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Following the presentation is a discussion between Nadeau and Commissioner Blakeney and Paul Chartrand on broadcasting in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The file contains a presentation by Ron Nadeau, Native Communications Incorporated. Nadeau discusses the operation of Aboriginal broadcasters like NCI in Canada, touching on mandate, cultural, government policy, and funding issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Nadeau.

File contains a presentation by Ron Swain of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association focusing on Metis self-government. He provides a brief history of the Metis in Canada. Swain states that the Metis are recognized as Aboriginal people in the Canadian Constitution, but do not have any negotiated rights. He introduces the next speaker, Sheilagh Chief.

File contains a presentation by Ronnie Leah, Sociology Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Leah discusses research she performed in the community which highlights the experience of Aboriginal women in the Lethbridge area in terms of systemic racism they face in their daily lives. Leah discusses her methodology, findings, and some ways in which she thinks the problems of racism in the community can be addressed.

File contains a presentation by Rosa Wright discussing the healing of individual persons, families and communities, and the future of children "coming from dysfunctional homes and living in a dysfunctional society." She briefly discusses other negative issues facing youth and elderly persons, discrimination associated with Bill C-31 and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Rose Dufour, Department of Community Health, Laval University Hospital. Dufour delivers a presentation entitled "Intercultural Encounters: Health professionals and the Inuit clientèle." Dufour discusses different cultural perspectives on health and suggests some approaches to reconcile them in a community approach to health. Following her presentation the assembled Commissioners engage Dufour in a discussion on some of the issues raised.

This file contains a presentation by Rosemary Brown focusing on education, the First Nations Chartered Lands Act and the Lubicon Lake Cree land claim. Education funding cutbacks are threatening to close the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School, an important facility for Aboriginal youth education in Calgary. The Lands Act will empower Chiefs and Council to request that reserve lands by privatized and available for mortgages, and Brown requests that the Act be scrapped.

File contains a presentation by Rosemarie Kuptana, President, Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. Kuptana discusses the Royal Commission and her organizations hopes for it, as well as some structural concerns they have with it related to incorporating Inuit perspectives. Kuptana discusses the Inuit's experiences with land claims and modern treaty processes, and tells the Commission that there is much that can be learned from it.

File contains a presentation by Rosemarie Moffit. Moffit discusses identity issues of a personal and collective nature, and then describes some Ojibway spiritual beliefs and how she feels they are relevant to dealing with the problem of drug and alcohol abuse. Following the presentation are comments by the assembled Commissioners and a discussion between Moffit and Commissioner Chartrand on issues of mixed-background, Metis, and Non-Status identity designations as they apply in Ontario.

File contains a presentation by Rosie Okpik, Inuit artist who states that the Inuit have made everything they need to live in their own way. For Inuit people, "It was the art of making these things that was most important, not the thing itself that the white man admired." With European contact, the Inuit gradually no longer made tools, clothing and shelters, and thus they began to lose their culture "because our culture is the things we make." Okpik introduces Ed McKenna, Okpik's secretary and manager, and together they answers questions from the Commissioners.

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 presentations made by Roy Bird, Clive Diller and Del Anaquod of the Saskatchewan Indian Equality Foundation, concerning economic development, loans and banking in the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included.

File contains a presentation by Roy Cheechum on Community Project Development. Cheechum delivers a brief history of La Loche, an overview of problems the community faces such as high unemployment and high dependency on outside goods and services, housing issues, economic developments, tourism, and government spending in the community, the lack of a community tax base, and the success of the non-profit Methy Construction. Cheechum suggests that government spending has generally been ineffective and poorly delivered given the communities needs.

File contains a presentation by Roy Littlechief focusing on the misuse of power by the chief and band council relating to his unidentified First Nations. Accountability is needed with money and policies and he says reserve residents are denied better housing because of the greed.

File contains remarks by Roy Myke, Jim Brady Metis Local Representative. Myke claims that self-governance has to be established from the bottom-up, at the community level. He states that "if the government ever gets serious about self-government, it has got to start at the bottom and not at the top." Following this Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand have a brief discussion with Myke regarding self-governance.

File contains a presentation by Rt. Hon. Len Simms, Leader of the Official Opposition in Newfoundland. Simms focuses on Aboriginal self-government. He provides the history of Newfoundland as a province and sees parallels between that and Aboriginal self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.

File contains a presentation by Ruth Flowers. Flowers presents on the concerns of the Makkovik Women's Group which include the establishment of daycare in the region, economic development and the impact of hard times for the fisheries, concern with vandalism in the community, and concerns with the justice system. Following the presentation Flowers discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Dussault and Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Ruth Kadlutsiak, Baffin Region Inuit Association, via translator. She provides a brief history of the Association and how it works to preserve the Inuktitut language and Inuit culture.

File contains a presentation by Saalie Peter, Chairman of the Apex Education Council. Peter describes the history of his people and the challenges they have encountered, particularly the depletion of whale stocks, and the assertion of federal control over Inuit communities in the 1950s. Peter also describes the challenges faced across cultures in education and the issues his organization encounters. Following the presentation is a discussion between Peter and the Commissioners on the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Sami Qumaraq, Inuit Women's Group. Qumaraq discusses women's issues on Baffin Island, and especially the challenges faced by youth in their communities. Qumaraq highlights the need for more counsellors and support services for people, particularly in smaller communities than Iqualuit. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks her.

The file contains a presentation by Sadie Parnell of the Kermode Friendship Centre. Parnell discusses the Friendship Centres operations and goals. Parnell requests more assistance from the government in terms of programming and education, particularly with reference to disabled people and non-Aboriginals to foster cross-cultural understanding. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson comment on the presentation.

File contains multiple presentations on the topic of Gaming related issues. The first presentation is by Mary Star and Gary Courchene of the Sakeeng Gaming Commission (pg. 82-84). Star discusses the creation of the Gaming Commission and the hope that proceeds could be used for the betterment of the community. Star also discusses conflict with the provincial government over their plans. Courchene introduces himself but declines to comment on these issues.

This file contains a presentation by Sam Horton whose organization recently acknowledged that "Ontario Hydro is really a company which failed to respect the Aboriginal people as individuals and nations with a proud history that were inhabitants of this land since time immemorial." Horton states that the presentation is more a status report on Ontario Hydro's experiences in working with Aboriginal people in Ontario.

File contains a presentation by Samuel Stevens. Stevens, representing the government of the Northwest Territories, discusses initiatives that his government has taken with regard to Aboriginal people and the justice system.

File contains a presentation by Sandra Delaronde, Vice President of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. Delaronde discusses the status of Aboriginal women in their relationship within Aboriginal organizations, and Aboriginal communities, as well as offering a few suggestions to the Commission. Following the presentation is a discussion between Delaronde and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Sandra DeLaronde and Doug Lovestead focusing on post-secondary education, giving the history of Keewatin Community College and statistics on Aboriginal student graduation rates. Proposals include the establishment of an Aboriginal council that participates in the decision making process of Keewatin Community College, and the establishment of an Aboriginal learning centre at The Pas and Thompson campuses. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Sandra Delaronde, President, Metis Women of Manitoba. Delaronde discusses the history of the Metis people, land issues, issues with curricula, the need for rights recognition, social problems, environmental issues, self-governance,and international women's issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Delaronde.

File contains a presentation by Sandra Green, First Nations Women's Group. Green, a member of the Haida Nation and Eagle Clan, discusses the mandate and issues of the First Nations Women's Group of Prince Rupert. Their mandate is to "preserve the First Nations family in a healthy and positive way" and their issues include "social issues of family violence, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual abuse" AIDS, and high youth mortality generally. Green goes on to highlight a number of root causes of these problems, and recommend solutions to the Commission.

The file contains a presentation by Wes Whetung and Sanford Cottrelle of Newberry House (a halfway house). Whetung and Cottrelle discuss the prison system and Aboriginal offenders offering a comparative view of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal halfway houses, compensation for former residential school residents, accessible moneys to implement both cultural and non-cultural programs for children and youth, and stereotypes of Aboriginal people in text-books. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Saqiasi Sauluapik, Education Council, Pangnirtung. He provides a history of education in Pangnirtung and notes that only until the 1980s that the emphasis was on Inuit language and culture. In 1986, the hamlet was the first Inuit community outside Northern city centres with a high school program. He cites the Baffin Division Board of Education study that set a goal of more Inuit teachers, principals and school administrators by the year 2000. He calls for the Commission to ensure funding to achieve that goal.

File contains a presentation by Sara Jerome. Jerome, (sometimes speaking in Gwich'in which is provided in English translation) discusses her experiences with the education system (post-secondary), and her views regarding the culture and language of the Gwich'in people. She expresses frustration with Commissions visiting the Western Arctic in the past which lead to no changes. She also discusses her frustration with the Canada 125th birthday celebrations which ignored aboriginal peoples languages but put a high emphasis on English and French.