Commissions & Inquiries

File contains a presentation by Waldo Berg, Instructor of Northlands College. Berg discusses problems with the adult education system from his perspective as an instructor. Berg higlights four areas: language issues, childcare issues, alcohol issues, and cultural disparity issues. Berg suggests that a vareity of steps be taken to educate southern educators heading to job placements in the north about language and cultural concerns. Berg then discusses the Mennonite people's relation to Aboriginal Canadians and the issues they face.

File contains a presentation by Micmac Wallace Libillois. Libillois discusses the history of colonization and his people in Canada, the commonalities between indigenous people across the country in their relationship with the state, residential schooling, proseltization, Aboriginal fishing rights, threats to Aboriginal people's rights, an indigenous view of resource use, the Aboriginal roots of many European democratic concepts, and the importance of Constitutional recognition and inclusion for Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

This file consists of a presentation by Wally McKay focusing on policing by First Nations men and women on reserves. McKay describes traditional Aboriginal policing models being based on peacemaking and peacekeeping.

File contains a presentation by Wally Samuel concerning how off-reserve Aboriginals "are treated by our own people because of the Indian Act." When off-reserve Aboriginals try to access programs on-reserve, they are denied. Samuel calls for more funding to help those off-reserve people recover and retain their culture. He introduces the next speaker, Wilfred Price.

File contains a brief individual presentation by Walter Davis, a [retired health care worker] who, years ago, travelled by boat doing health education work along the coast of Labrador. He apologizes, as a non-Native, for his ancestors who "exploited your resources for all they were worth." He believes that attitudes are changing, but notes that only two years earlier [1990], there was no government support at any level regarding a proposed commemorative tablet in the Peace Park in honour of the Beothuk people. In closing, Davis thanks the Commission for their work.

File contains a presentation by Walter Madonick who states that past educational policies destroyed generations of Aboriginals, and that "education being a right to Aboriginal peoples has to be constitutionally protected." He also briefly mentions the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry.

This file contains a presentation by Walter Madonick touching on a number of problems he has encountered as a student at Brandon University, including difficulty obtaining student loans, limited funding to move from home reserves to Brandon, and limited support services such as child care and counsellling. A brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Walter Manitowabi. Manitowabi, a business development adviser with Waubetek Business Development Corporation of Birch Island, discusses his "small business development which strengthens Aboriginal business.

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 Walter Stonechild concerning various issues of the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present. In addition brief comments and the closing prayer are also present.

File contains a presentation by Warner Goodvoice, Social Development Administrator, Wahpeton Band. Goodvoice discusses self governance, funding and bureaucratic issues particualarly with regard to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Goodvoice argues that it is neccessary to get more grassroots engagement and funding into these structures. Following the presentation Comissioner Wilson questions Goodvoice on what he thinks self-governance would mean in pratice and he answers here.

File contains a presentation by Warren Williams of the Nicola Valley Tribal Council Family and Children's Services Advisory Board. Williams discusses the Tribal Councils efforts to develop a First Nations Child and Family Services agency and model. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Williams, and Commissioner Chartrand converses with Williams about some of the topics raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Wayne Goodwill of the Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation. Goodwill relates the history of his particular band, and claims that "prior to 1850 our ancestor used to roam right up to the Saskatchewan Rivers and they migrated with the buffalo. In the 1860s when the wars began in the southern area along the Black Hills [South Dakota], most of the people did not migrate anymore." Goodwill protests of being unable to attain adequate funding to complete his people's study of its history in Canada.

The file contains a presentation by Wayne Helgason and Linda Keeper, Indian and Metis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg. Helgason, President of the Centre, and Keeper, a Board member, discuss the history and composition of the Friendship Centre, program and service delivery, Aboriginal urbanization issues, federal-provincial funding disputes, self-determination, and views on the Commission and its' work. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Wayne Helgason, Director, Mamawewitchta Tonta Centre. Helgason discusses his organization in Winnipeg and its mandate to provide Aboriginal people with child and family services, as well as some of the issues he has encountered in such a capacity over the years. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding both his and Marilyn Fontaine's presentations.

This file contains a presentation by Wayne Taylor illustrating the numerous barriers Aboriginal people face in seeking involvement in small business and economic development in Canada. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce has recognized challenges such as lack of skills, lack of direct linkages with the business community, and prohibitive government policy that impedes the progress of Aboriginals becoming small business owners.

File contains opening remarks by Werner Kurpath, a representative of the Canadian Ethnic Culture Council comprised of immigrants in Canada who arrived after the Second World War. Kurpath offers greetings on behalf of both the CEC and the German Canadian Congress.

File contains a presentation by Michael Low, Manager for the Western Region of Weyerhauser Canada. Low discusses the Weyerhauser Corporation's vision for working with Aboriginal individuals and communities in the forestry industry, stresses the importance of cultural understanding, and highlights some of the developments that have been made in the relationship. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Joe thank Low for his presentation.

File contains a presentation by Wilbert McLeod. McLeod represents the Moose Factory Claimant Group, whose grandparents were "arbitrarily exluded from Treaty No. 9 in 1905 by the Treaty Commissioners." McLeod lays out his organizations claim and discusses how the ancestors of his organization were left out of Treaty 9, and how that Treaty was negotiated in an arbitrary manner by officials who did not consider how the people defined themselves.

File contains a presentation by Wilbert Wesley. Wesley discusses the Cree language and his views on its incorporation into the education system. Wesley states that he thinks Cree should be made compulsory, and that it should also be publicized via media. Commissioner Viola Robinson then responds to his remarks.

File contains a presentation by Wilfred Jacobs of the Lower Kootenay Band. Jacobs briefly discusses research into land claims by his band in the Lower Kootenay River area.

File contains a presentation by Wilfred Price discussing self-government and he states that "70 percent of our people who are living off-reserve do not get proper representation." He presents the idea that having a small group of people from a population of tens of thousands of Aboriginal people in BC elect a select few to represent them is wrong. He wants self-government where all are involved, not just a few. Comments from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by William Andersen, Sr. of the Makkovik Fishermen's Committee. Andersen discusses fisheries issues in Makkovik.

File contains a presentation by William Anderson III pertaining mainly to a submission made to the Commission regarding a Government of Newfoundland and Labrador discussion paper, dated November 1991, on an accelerated approach to Aboriginal land claims in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This file contains a presentation by William Andersen III focusing primarily on land claims of the Labrador Inuit. Andersen expresses disappointment with the Commissioners being unable to "intervene in difficulties between any individual organization and the governments that it has to deal with." Andersen has been involved with land claims negotiations in the past and is frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations.

File contains a presentation by William Koe Councillor, Tetlin Gwich'in Council. William Koe presents on his concerns regarding education and the economy in Fort McPherson. He discusses drop-out rates, upgrading programs, local training courses, trades training, business support courses, writing workshops, and getting jobs for the community. Following the presentation a discussion ensues between Commissioners Rene Dussault and Allan Blakeney with Mr. Koe regarding Education issues.

File contains a presentation by William Lathlin. Lathlin, a Councillor of The Pas First Nation, discusses his views on the workplace, worker's compensation, and discrimination in the workplace. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioner Blakeney and Mr. Lathlin on some of the workplace issues he raised.

This file contains a presentation by Wilson Belbin discussing teacher recruitment and retention of Aboriginal staff. He states that student activities and sports are fundamental to keeping youth in school and suggests a 24 hour youth centre would prevent substance abuse, violence and suicide in his community. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Wilson Okeymaw, executive director of an additions facility on Ermineskin First Nation. He addresses the problem of addictions among Canada's Aboriginal peoples and speaks of his own struggle with alcohol. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Wilson Plain. Plain, an Aboriginal Community Liaison and Resource Co-ordinator with Corrections Canada discusses his own work, community based justice, and rehabilitation concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Plain.

File contains a presentation by Frank McKay, Gerry Wesley, and Elder Jowin Quequish of Windigo First Nations. McKay discusses how the Windigo First Nations Council represents the First Nations of Sachigo Lake, Bearskin Lake, North Caribou Lake, Cat Lake, New Slate Falls, and New Saugeen in Northwestern Ontario.

File contains a presentation by Winnifred Felker, Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. Felker discusses the activities and programming of the Friendship Centre, and protests that the National Association of Friendship Centres was only granted 17% of a funding request, when these Centres do work dealing with 15 of the Commission's 16 points of mandate. Following Felker's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Winona Fontaine, Student, Sagkeeng High School. Fontaine presents on the Indian Act, why she views it as "dehumanizing and patronizing" and how she thinks it should be replaced with a piece of legislation that it becomes "a document that will protect Indian land and ensure civil, human, treaty and Aboriginal rights." Following her presentation Moderator Gerald Courchene thanks Fontaine and the two preceding student presenters for sharing their thoughts.

File contains a presentation by Woody Elias, of Fort McPherson. Elias discusses residential schools, government and the fur trade (accusing the government of collusion with the anti-fur lobby), oil companies, and unemployment. Following the presentation is a discussion between Elias and Commissioners Dussault, Snowshoe, and Blakeney.

File contains a presentation by Yance Sheehan and Lisa Blandford, Aboriginal youths concerned with education (particularly the teaching of Metis history and culture) and the lack of recreational facilities for Aboriginal youth. They suggest that the Royal Commission plan a session only for Aboriginal youth to hear their ideas. Following the presentation are comments made by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Yvon Allard, Member of the Manitoba Metis Federation regarding Employment Equity for Aboriginal Peoples and Post-Secondary Institutions. In particular Allard discusses discrimination in employment, and the promotion and protection of Aboriginal cultural identity in educational institutions.

File contains a presentation by Yvon Dumont of the Manitoba Metis Federation regarding the history of the Metis in Canada and the issues they face, particularly the need for a land base, and self-government, for the Metis people. Dumont tells the Commissioners what he expects to come out of the Commission, and what he views as their role in redressing past injustices towards the Metis by Canada.

File contains a presentation by Yvonne Kisoun. Kisoun welcomes the Royal Commission to Whitehorse, and proceeds to deliver a brief history of the area and its development. Following Kisoun's presentation Commissioners Sillet and Erasmus make comments.

File contains a presentation by Yvonne Myers, Pathways Co-ordinator for Newfoundland and Labrador. Pathways works with other educational institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador to provide the necessary services for Aboriginal people to secure employment. Myers requests that government funding not be cut. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Zebedee Nungak. Nungak discusses traditional justice amongst the Inuit, and the impact of colonial justice systems on their communities.

File contains a presentation by Georgio Kooster and Gilles Graveline of de'Medici North Bay Inc.; a joint venture between Nipissing Indian Band Holdings & Investments Limited and de'Medici & Co. Inc.; a Canadian holding company owned by de'Medici & Co. SPA, fur dressers and dyers of Milan, Italy. Kooster discusses how the venture came about, its organizational history, and its economic activities. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Sillett discuss the partnership and issues raised with Kooster and Graveline.

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 for Children of the Earth School by Mary Courchene preceding the Round Table discussion on education.

Portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples held in Vancouver, British Columbia dealing with treatment of HIV and AIDS; includes questions from George Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by the St. Basil First Nation, Floyd Bernard on behalf of Chief Richard Wallace. Bernard discusses many of the problems of his small community, mainly a lack of adequate infrastructure and service (such as Police and Fire services) provisions. File also contains a conversation between Erasmus and Bernard on these issues, as well as the purpose of the Royal Commission.

This file contains a presentation made at a round table discussion for a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Wednesday, June 2, 1993. This presentation was made by Jim Bear, Chairman for the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg and Sandi Funk, Vice-President of the Council. The topics of self-determination and issues concerning the urban Aboriginal and urban Metis communities.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes a presentation for the Aboriginal Peoples Business Association by David Seymour concerning economic development and housing in the Aboriginal Community. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion includes a presentation of the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability by Ian Hinksman and Sue Gabriel concerning the issue of cultural advancement through writing and publication. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation for the Lower Fraser Valley Fishing Authority by Ernie Crey and Ken Mallory concerning issues pertaining to the economic independence for the Aboriginal fishing industry in the British Columbia. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes presentation for the British Columbia Medical Association by Alan Clews, Phil Hall and David Martin concerning the health system in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes a presentation for the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement by Mike Sigurdur concerning the health system, services and programs of the Metis community.