Commissions & Inquiries

File contains a presentation made by Edna Daigneault and Sharon Yole on Métis women's issues and the Métis society in general. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

The file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation by Stephanie Sandy concerning the Native child welfare system.

File contains a presentation on Saskatchewan Justice by Annette Montgrand and Robert Woods. Mongtrand discusses property comepnsation by offenders on social assistance, and Saskatchewan Justice's work with parollees, the need for increased resources, family, and community support. Montgrand also discusses the need for distinct programming for nothern residents in the provincial context.

The file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation by Fred Assance, Micheal Lyle and Leland Williams concerning the plight of Canada's Native veterans.

File contains a presentation by President Georges Druwe of the Societe Franco-Manitobaine (the Franco-Manitoban Society). Presentation begins in French then switches to English translation. President Druwe discusses his organization which represents French speakers in Manitoba, its' interest in the proceedings of the Commission, and its' view that "First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities have reached a critical turning point in their history." Druwe goes on to discuss cross-cultural solidarity and shared concerns.

File contains a presentation by Johanne Robertson and Florent Begin of l'Institut culturel et educatif montagnais. Robertson and Begin describe the Institutes origins, purpose, and mandate. They then discuss a host of issues and the Institutes views on federal-Montagnais relations, provincial Montagnais relations, educational policy, and recommend some actions to be taken to advance Montagnais education. Among the recommendations are the establishment of Montagnais primary, secondary, and post-secondary programs and institutions.

File contains a presentation by President Jean-Guy Roch and Serge Gagne of la Federation des policiers du Quebec. Roch and Gagne discuss the viewpoints of their organization which represents municipal police across Quebec, with the exception of Montreal. They deliver a presentation on policing Aboriginal people and Aboriginal communities, the need for increased understanding of Aboriginal cultural and legal issues, and related matters related to law enforcement. Following the presentation is a discussion between the representatives and the assembled Commissioners on law enforcement issues.

File contains a presentation regarding Child Abuse by Patricia Darling. Darling discusses the use of play therapy to treat troubled children in the school setting on reserve. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand engages in a discussion with Darling on the ideas raised.

File contains a presentation re culture by Peter Atkinson of the Cultural Education Program, and Councillor Charlie Nelson. Atkinson discusses Treaties, language, self-government, the need for a land base, and cross-cultural mutual understanding. Councillor Nelson discusses the Anishnabe culture, its society, and history. Nelson also discusses the significance of Treaty and social problems.

File contains a presentation regarding Education by Kathy Nelson and Dawnis Kennedy. Nelson, a sixteen year old grade ten student, discusses education at the Roseau River First Nations Gineau School. Nelson states that it is not as advanced as other reserve schools and that youth require "guidance, education, community support, and recreation programs." Kennedy, another sixteen year old student, discusses the importance of Aboriginal youth, problems associated with alcoholism, the need for more funding and economic development, and the need for more role models for youth.

File contains multiple presentations on the topic of Anisinaabe self-governance. The first presentation is by Chief Rod Bushie, Hollow Water Indian Band (pgs 71-75). Bushie discusses his views on Anicinabe self-governance: the need for it to be community based, and the need for a healthy community in order for it to be effective.

File contains a presentation regarding Women's Issues by Millie Nelson. Nelson, a member of the Roseau River Women's Group since 1975, discusses child welfare, prostitution, and family violence issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Nelson.

File contains multiple presentations on the topic of the environment.

File contains a presentation by the Sagkeeng Education Program. Following an introduction by Gerald Couchene, the participants engage in a free flowing discussion (pgs 191-198) on education in their community, social services, and government funding. Following this, Patrick Bruyere delivers a presentation on the history of local control over education in his community, and the legacy of past failed educational policies administered by the federal government (pgs 198-209). Following this are some brief comments by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the presentation.

File contains a portion of the transcript of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This file a presentation made by Simon Reed followed by questions on Day 2.

File contains a presentation by Alana Dams of the First Nations Confederacy Inc. Dams delivers a pre-prepared statement regarding her organizations views on the Commission, and what it sees as the Commission's failure to properly consult and engage with Aboriginal peoples thus far. Commissioner George Erasmus addresses some of the concerns raised, and the Commissions hearings for the day conclude with a closing prayer by Thelma Chalifoux. First Nations Confederacy Inc. is an organization of Manitoba First Nations which represented 16 band governments in Manitoba at the time of the Commission.

The file contains presentations by Allana Dams, First Nations Confederacy, and Rod Young, West Tribal Council, First Nations Confederacy. Dams, a policy analyst, discusses concerns with the Chartered Land Act, Bill C-103, Treaty and inherent Aboriginal rights. Young discusses the organizational history of his tribal council, justice issues, Treaty and other Aboriginal rights issues, economic issues, natural resources and revenue sharing.

The file contains spresentation by Cheryl Pascal, Gwich'in Youth and Eugene Pascal, Chief, Aklavik Indian Band. Cheryl Pascal discusses Gwich'in language; cultural; post-secondary education; and general youth concerns.

File contains presentations by Damon Johnson, Chief, Andrew Kirkness, Grand Chief, Donna Glover, Indian Council of First Nations of Manitoba.

This file contains presentations by eight students from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School in Brandon, Manitoba. The students are: Dennis Peters, Sandy Bunn, Russell Beaulieu, Verna McDougall, Sam Gott, Trena Raven, Marcelline Mason and Lorne Bunn. The presentations focus on issues such as Aboriginal-controlled schools on reserves, loss of Aboriginal culture and language, learning from elders as part of their daily curriculum, prejudice and racism in urban schools, and hopelessness and substance abuse among Aboriginal youth.

File contains a presentation by Jean Allard (in English). Allard discusses colonization and the suppression of Aboriginal peoples, segregation, his problems with the concept of self-government, and the need for fiscal self-sufficiency and economic developments for Aboriginal (specifically Metis) peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding his views on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Jean-Paul Neashit, Vice-President of the Mamo Atoskewin Atikamekw Association. Since Neashit was unable to attend, Michel Ares presents in his place. Ares gives a brief overview of the Association which is a non-profit organization representing the interests of hunters and trappers in the three communities it represents, and its work in the local forests. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses the organization and natural resource issues with Ares.

Covers a variety of topics including workplace integration, racial discrimination, sexual harassment, and colonization.

File contains presentations by Kathy Mallet, Co-ordinator, Sandy Funk, and May Louise Campbell of the Original Women's Network. The presenters discuss their organizations role, their personal backgrounds, resource royalties, history, Treaties, pay equity, the Indian Act, and a variety of other issues their organization has engaged with.

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 presentations made by Lizabeth Hall on adoption and reunification, Sherry Small on Bill C-31 and rights of Aboriginals under the Indian Act and Dennis Fletcher on B.C. Native Housing. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Chief Thomas Bressette of the London District Chiefs. Bressette, Chief of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, London District, discusses his peoples land dispute with the Department of National Defence over an area known as Stony Point. Chief Bressette goes on to discuss land and self-governance issues generally, recommending to the Commissioon that an arbitration board be set up to resolve such disputes similar to the practice employed in labour relations, and that the federal Department of Indian Affairs be dismantled.

This file contains a transcript of part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes opening remarks by Karin Hunt, the moderator for the session and presentations by Rena Kinney, Jessica Lafond, Geraldine Thomas, Brenda Thomas, Rosalind Caldwell, Gloria Lerat, Lillian George, Sophie Thomas, and Betty Ann Barnes and others on the various topics of racism, self-government, Aboriginal woman's issues, taxation, land claims, sexual abuse,healing and the issues of Metis women.

File contains a presentation by Shirley Adamson, Council for Yukon Indians. Adamson, chairperson for the Vuntut Gwich'in Council, discusses the self-governance negotiations which her organization has embarked upon with the Government of Canada. The respective First Nations parties involved in such negotiations included the Vuntut Gwi'chin Tribal Council, the Na-cho Ny'a'k Dun First Nation, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, and the Teslin/Tlingit First Nation.

File contains presentations by the staff and students of Athabasca Delta Community School. Included are remarks by Principal George Vander Loose, students Skylar Nelson, Rebecca Flett, Nicole Martin, Nicole Fraser, and teacher Ms Armstrong. Principal Vander Loose welcomes the Commission and acts as Master of Ceremonies for the other presenters.

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 several presentations made on behalf of youth groups. Given by Veronica Sandy, Stephanie King, Naomi Walser, David Forget, Laura Forget and Erica Louittit concerning activities of youth in the Aboriginal Community.

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 several presentations made on the topic of Aboriginal Women. Given by Dawn Sillaby-Smith, Martha Francis, Joan Simcoe, Shelley Essance-Lamarche, Brenda Black and Gloria Louittit concerning the role of women in the Aboriginal community.

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 made on the topic of the Orillia Fish Weirs and their importance to the culture of the Aboriginal Community of the area. Given by Mark Douglas, Ken Cassavoy, John Pomeroy and Rob Belfry. Included is a question from Commissioner Bertha Wilson.

File contains a presentation by Tom Dockstader, N'Amerind Friendship Centre. Dockstader discusses N'Amerind's history as one of the oldest Friendship Centres in Canada. Dockstader discusses the mandate and goals of the Centre. Dockstader delivers comments on four areas of interest to the Commission: healing, self-determination, self-government, and relationships between natives and non-natives. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Dockstader, after which the Commission conclude's its' sitting for the day.

File contains a presentation by Woody Lethbridge of the Eagle River Development Association. Lethbridge discusses his concerns about the poor state of Metis-Innu relations in Labrador. Lethbridge discusses economic development concerns in the forestry industry with Commissioner Erasmus. Following this the Commissioners sum up the day's proceedings and adjourn the day's sitting.

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 questions and comments from the audience and the assembled commissioners, Mary Sillett and Bertha Wilson, regarding the presentation of the United Indian Councils given by Vice-Chief Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux; Greer Atkinson; Laurie Flynn; Chief Jeff Monague and Vice-Chief Mel Jacobs, at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes questions and a discussion by the Commissioners, Georges Erasmus and Viola Robinson, and the presenters at the Mini-Round table on Expanding Aboriginal Employment Opportunities.

This file contains questions and a discussion with workshop participants from the previous day (7 June 1993). Participants include Joe Karetak, Sappujjijit, NWT Friendship Centre; Topsy Cockney, Cheryl Ann Carr, Admie Sullualuk, Margaret Lavallee, Rheena Diabo, and James Donahue, Representative, Metis National Council. Topics discussed are crisis centre funding, female involvement in politics and leadership roles; holistic and healing centres, and youth suicide. Maggie Hodgson, Chairperson, offers comments throughout the discussion.

This file contains recommendations by Nelson Mayer, Vice-President, United Native Nations. Mayer compiled four reports from the four workshop groupings from the previous day's session (7 June 1993) and labelled the reports Ownership, Governments, Community and Resources. Mayer offers numerous recommendations under each report.

This file contains a brief recommendation presented by Roda Grey stating that Aboriginal men who engage in domestic violence and destructive behaviour should have help available to them.

This file contains recommendations by Ruth Norton that offers 33 recommendations of primary elements of suicide prevention for Aboriginal youth and adults. These include learning about Aboriginal culture, traditions, languages and spirituality; acknowledging the role of women as bearers of language and culture; encouraging youth to have a prominent role in their communities; and having the ability to trust someone, as caring and encouragement are primary ways of preventing suicide.

File contains opening remarks by Alex Skead in the Ojibway language (translation in English given as text). Alex discusses his personal spiritual beliefs, the importance of the sweat, and fasting, and the importance of a healthy culture in producing healthy individuals in the wider society.

File contains opening remarks by Alfred Genaille of Chelan, Saskatchewan. Genaille discusses his two hopes for the Commission which are the return of Metis hunting rights, and a land base for the Metis people.

File contains remarks by Art Wilson, Commissioner For the Day. He provides a history of the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people and the long house where the hearing is held.

This file contains remarks by Beryl Kootenay reiterating ideas from the presentation of the Calgary Native Disabled Society earlier that day.

File contains opening remarks by Boas Jararace (via a translator) regarding the economic and educational problems faced by his people in Labrador and his hopes that the Commission will address these issues. Jararace is from the Belcher Islands.

File contains opening remarks by Senator Dave Barron regarding his impoverished childhood, his father's service in World War 1, and his own service in World War 2. Barron discusses the contributions of Metis veterans to Canada, and stresses the need for Metis to celebrate their unique history, a history he sees as rooted in the Red River area. Barron also expresses his hope that the Commission will benefit his people.

This file contains remarks by Dorothy Spence from the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School. Her remarks emphasize the need to keep Aboriginal students in school.

File contains opening remarks by Senator Fred L'Hirondelle. Included are observations on his service in the Armed Forces and the need for the Commission to address veteran's issues.

This file contains remarks by Fred Yellow Old Woman, speaking as a concerned parent and grandfather. He states: "Maybe we, as a First Nation, should unite together on cultural planes as a way of overcoming limitations in funding and maybe entrenchments of the holistic teachings of our elders and ancestors." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains remarks by Georges Erasmus. Commissioner Erasmus discusses the importance to the Commission of hearing from Aboriginal youth. Erasmus discusses some of the issues faced by Aboriginal youth, and argues that Aboriginal people must take action on their own to address historical wrongs. Erasmus also thanks the participants in the day's youth circle for coming forward and sharing their stories.