Commissions & Inquiries

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 of the Lheit-Lit'en Nation by Erling Christensen concerning self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Lloyd Benedict, Henry Lickers and Richard David for the Mohawk Council, Environmental Division on the subjects of water, air and soil safety.

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 of the Regina Chamber of Commerce given by Bill McFarlane concerned with the economic development on the Aboriginal Community in Regina.

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 of the Regina Friendship Centre and Urban Indians of Regina given by Gordon Westeste concerned with the distribution of social services to the Aboriginal Community in Regina.

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 of the Cultural Relations Unit of the Regina Police Services given by Karen Pelletier, Constable Rod McKendrick and Staff Sergeant Ken Black concerned with the relationship of the Regina Police with the Aboriginal Community of Regina.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This portion is of a presentation of the summaries of Discussion Papers 1, 2 and 8 by Rose-Alma McDonald-Jacobs preceding the Round Table discussion on education.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This portion is of a presentation of the summaries of Discussion Papers 3, 5 and 10 by Marie Battiste preceding the Round Table discussion on education.

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 of the Central Interior Native Health Society by Harold Morin concerning health needs in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

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 of the Healthiest Babies Possible Pregnancy Outreach Program by Marlene Thio-Watts concerning access to health care in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

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 of the Nechako Fraser Junction Metis Association by Jim Pavich concerning National and Provincial concerns of the Metis community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

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 of "Healing the Heart" for the Northern Native Family Services by Violet Prince concerning social issues and changes in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

File contains a presentation by Vydal Sands on behalf of the N'Amerind Youth Group of London, Ontario. Sands discusses the activities of his group, alternative schooling for Aboriginal students, and social issues which affect Aboriginal youth. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with Sands.

This file contains a presentation by Aiden Meltingtallow, Audrey Breaker and Janice ManyGreyHorses focusing on the many successes of various Aboriginal-themed programs and classes at the high school and post-secondary level in Calgary, Alberta.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of All Nations Trust Company by Ruth Williams and Larry Peeters. Williams, President of All Nations Trust, discusses the history of the company and the philosophy behind it. Williams makes mention of their involvement with financing Aboriginal housing and small businesses. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett, Moderator Bob Manuel and the two presenters discuss some of the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Donna Sears and Bernice Ireland on behalf of the Atenlos Women's Group. Sears discusses the "epidemic" of violence in Aboriginal communities, particularly with regard to family violence.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Blood Tribe Tribal Government External Affairs Committee by Les Healy. Healy outlines the history of the Blood (Kainai) people in their traditional territories, the concepts informing their understanding of the Treaty 7 relationship, their rejection of the Charlottetown Accord Canadian Constitutional proposal, and makes a series of recommendations to the Commission to enhance the Treaty relationship. Following the presentation is a comment by Commissioner Georges Erasmus.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of British Columbia Federation of Agriculture by Cor Vandermeulen. Vandermeulen discusses his organization's role and view towards the British Columbia treaty negotiation process. Vandermeulen discusses the uncertainty his farmer and rancher constituency experiences when Aboriginal leaders discuss changes in land management practices, and power structures.

File contains a presentation by Chief Larry Johnson of the Caldwell Nation. Chief Johnson discusses his peoples negotiations for a land base in southwestern Ontario, and the history of the Nation including their war service on behalf of Britain and Canada. Following the presentation Chief Caldwell discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand.

This file contains a presentation by the Calgary Aboriginal Education Consortium, represented by George Calliou, Native Centre, University of Calgary; Elsie Wuttunee, Calgary Catholic Separate School District No. 1; Doreen L'Hirondelle, Calgary Board of Education; Doreen Spence, President, Plains Indians Cultural Survival School; and Nancy Lynch, President, Alberta Vocational Centre. Their presentations focus on the challenges and effort of providing adequate education programs and facilities for Aboriginal students.

File contains a presentation by Curtis Hopkins on behalf of the Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre. Hopkins discusses urban and cultural concerns as they pertain to friendship centres. Hopkins also discusses language, criminal justice, and education issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Hopkins.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Central Interior First Nations Community Futures, Arthur Manuel and Geri Collins. Manuel discusses the overall economic and business situation for First Nations people in the British Columbia interior, and makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission to improve it. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of hte issues raised with Manuel and Collins.

File contains a presentation on behalf of Chief Pat Martel, Hay River Dene Band. Commissioner Allan Blakeney reads aloud Martel's letter to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Martel is seeking federal assistance with establishing agreements in the Northwest Territories regarding reserve funding.

File contains a presentation by Doug Willy, Human Resources Manager and Tom Holford, General Manager of NWT Chamber of Mines. Willy and Holford discuss the involvement of Aboriginal people in development, employment, and training. Following the presentation Willy and Holford discuss some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Inter-tribal Forestry Association by Harold Derickson. Derickson discusses Aboriginal participation in the forestry sector, barriers to participation, co-management practices, problems with Department of Indian Affairs forestry policy, job training issues, and business development issues. Derickson makes a variety of recommendations with regard to forestry. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses most of the issues raised with Derickson.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Interior Indian Friendship Society by Executive Director Ruth Williams. Williams discusses the organizational structure of the Friendship Centre, its funding, the demographic situation in Kamloops, and some of the issues facing urban Aboriginal populations. Williams also makes a series of recommendations to the Commission with respect to Friendship Centres and urban Aboriginal concerns generally in the economic, social, and cultural spheres. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Williams.

File contains a presentation on behalf of MLA John Todd in letter form read aloud by Mayor Paul Kaludjak. Kaludjak reads the letter which includes best wishes for the Commission and expresses regret that Todd is unable to meet with them due to inclement weather (Todd is in the capital of NWT, Yellowknife). He states that he will send the Commissioners a written submission soon, and Commissioner Robinson states that she looks forward to receiving it.

File contains a presentation by Elder Dorothy Day on behalf of the N'Amerind Elders Group of London, Ontario. Elder Day discusses Aboriginal history, colonization, education, reserve life, government policy, and crime concerns. Following Elder Day's presentation Commissioner Erasmus thanks her for sharing her views with the Commission.

File contains a presentation by President Bernice Ireland and student Roly Williams on behalf of the Nokee Kwe Adult Education Centre. President Ireland discusses the unique needs of Aboriginal adult students, the centre's history and mandate. Williams discusses funding cutbacks, racism and discrimination, cultural concerns, and self-governance issues. Following the presentations the two presenters discuss some of the issues raised with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Mayor Paul Kaludjak. He is also facilitator of the day's proceedings, gives a brief overview of the communities history and discusses its economic and social composition. Kaludjak also discusses his hopes for the creation of Nunavut, Rankin Inlet's role as an administrative centre, and the possibility of it becoming capital of the new territory. Following his presentation, he introduces the next presenter.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Red Crow Community College by Marie Marule. Marule discusses post-secondary issues with respect to Treaty rights, First Nations relations with the provincial and federal governments, and self-governance. Marule discusses these issues in both a general and specific sense with relation to her own institution in Southern Alberta. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Marule.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re: Chiefs Memorial 1910 by Chief Nathan Matthew, Chief Antoine Archie, Chief Lenny Sellars, and Bob Manuel.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Gonzaga University and Secwepemc Cultural Education Society. Elizabeth Pete, John Hart, and Chief Nathan Matthew discuss the programs available at the University, and the role of Secwepemc Cultural Education Society in Secwepemc communities. Commissioner Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with Pete, Chief Matthew, and Hart.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Housing by Bruce Mack. Mack discusses two main problems with regard to Secwepemc housing: a lack of funding and a lack of resources. Mack also makes a recommendation to the Commission regarding housing.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Justice, Charlene Belleau. Belleau, Family Violence Co-ordinator of the Cariboo Tribal Council, discusses justice issues with reference to Secwepemc communities, and makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on these matters.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Resource Management. Fred Fortier and David Moore, both of the Shuswap Nation Fisheries Commission, discuss declining salmon and steelhead populations, mismanagement of fish stocks, the B.C. Fishermen's Survival Coalition's "racially-oriented campaign against the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy," and recommendations to deal with these problems. Chief Lenny Sellars, Caribou Tribal Council, discusses enviornmental protection, land stewardship, and co-management.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Self-Government, Chief Willie Alphonse. Chief Willie Alphonse, Chief of the Cariboo Lake Band, discusses self-government concerns of the Secwepemc with reference to the Treaty making process, land claims, jurisdiction, and Indian Act concerns. Chief Alphonse makes a variety of recommendations with respect to these issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Moderator Chief Nathan Matthew.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Taxation. Presenter Chief Manny Jules discusses First Nations taxation issues, specifically with respect to the situation around Kamloops, relevant federal and provincial legislation, property tax and land issues, sales tax, income tax, corporate tax, the Charlottetown Accord, and infrastructure. Bob Manuel, an entrepreneur, discusses business taxation. Andre Ledressay discusses the Shuswap contribution to tax coffers. Commissioner Sillett and Moderator Chief Matthew also discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Ska-hiish Holdings Limited by Arthur Manuel. Manuel discusses the company which is owned and operated by his extended and immediate family. Manuel discusses land, taxation, and start-up capital issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Manuel, after which a closing prayer concludes the day's sitting of the Royal Commission.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Sto:lo Tribal Council by Chief Clarence Pennier. Chief Pennier gives an overview of his organization's composition and activities representing 11 of the 24 Sto:lo Bands. Chief Pennier discusses the importance of culture to the Sto:lo, historical wrongs committed by the Canadian government upon them, problems with the Indian Act elections structure, and explains the traditional Sto:lo governance principles.

File contains a presentation by Robert George on behalf of the Stony Point First Nation. George discusses his peoples history, how he says they were defrauded of their lands and kicked off their reserve by the government, how the Kettle Point Council claims they were one reserve together but that they dispute this, and details of the dispute between his people, Indian Affairs, and Kettle Point. Following the presentation Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand discuss the issues raised with George.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Coalition Against First Nations Genocide by Stewart Phillip and Pierre Kruger. Phillip discusses the organization's demographic composition and mandate which involves pressuring federal and provincial governments to ensure their policies are involve "credible processes of community level consultations" and "full and complete democratic participation and decision-making based on informed consent."

File contains a presentation by Irene Tiktaalaaq and Joan Scottie of the Concerned Citizens of Baker Lake. Tiktaalaq discusses unemployment and poverty among the people of Baker Lake, and her efforts with others to establish a community food bank without any government assistance to alleviate these problems. She concludes by recommending that the government raise welfare and pension levels to the amount that northerners do not run out of food money before the end of the month.

File contains a presentation by Henry Zoe, MLA, on behalf of the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council. Zoe outlines some of the problems facing the Treaty 11 Council and presents solutions on settling their land claim, institutions of self-governance, and regional economic development. The Treaty 11 Council represents the communities of Rae/Edzo, Lac la Martre, Rae Lakes, and Snare Lake. Following Zoe's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Mayor Paul Kaludjak on behalf of the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet. He discusses education, health care, justice, self-governance, and alcohol and drug problems in the North. Following his presentation Commissioner Robinson thanks Kaludjak, and Commissioner Blakeney discusses the different municipal categories and funding frameworks in operation in the Northwest Territories.

File contains a presentation by Ollie Itinuar on behalf of the Inuit Cultural Institute. He is an elder who speaks Inuktitut. His address is given in English translation and covers topics such as cultural preservation and the importance of the transmission of traditional culture to younger generations. Following his presentation Commissioner Robinson thanks Itinuar, and Commissioner Blakeney discusses transportation and the preservation of oral records on tape with him.

File contains a presentation by Elizabeth Palfrey of the Keewatin Regional Health Board. Palfrey introduces herself as a Southern Aboriginal woman who has relocated to the North.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Metis Association of the Northwest Territories by Gordon Lennie, Vice-President. Lennie, presenting on behalf of President Gary Bohnet, raises concerns with underrepresentation of Metis peoples in the first round of Royal Commission sittings, as well as Commission composition and funding issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Lennie.

File contains a presentation by Lynda Powless and Dan Smoke on behalf of the Native Journalists Association. The presenters discuss the composition and mandate of their organization which is national in scope, its' history, and upcoming founding convention. They also discuss some of the journalistic work their members have done. Following the presentation the presenters discuss some of the issues raised with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Commissioner Betty Harnum of the Northwest Territories Language Commissioner Office. Harnum discusses official languages status and other Aboriginal language issues. Harnum discusses the NWT unique classification of six Aboriginal languages (in addition to English and French) as official languages, and a variety of language concerns dealing with the country as a whole. Following Harnum's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss language concerns with her.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mackenzie by Sister Marie Karowny. Karowny discusses "the rebuilding of the relationship between the church and Aboriginal people, as well as Aboriginal governments, economic development, health and social issues." Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Sister Karowny.