Commissions & Inquiries

File contains opening remarks by Georges Erasmus and Viola Robinson explaining the purpose and objectives of the Royal Commission.

File contains remarks by Harrison Bull, representative of the Louis Bull Cree Nation. Because of the political upheaval on that First Nation, a written submission will be forwarded when ready.

File contains remarks by three previous presenters that were missed in their initial presentation. Issues addressed include Inuit adoption, the Goods and Services Tax, and poaching of archaeological sites in the North.

File contains remarks by Jerome Syrette, Commissioner For The Day and elder, that briefly touch on a number of subjects such as the influence of elders upon youth, living in harmony with the Creator and Mother Earth, and the Clan system.

File contains opening remarks by Johnny Epoo(via a translator) who represents Inuit from northern Quebec in land claims negotiations. He speaks about the Elders from his part of Canada and their concerns regarding the education system in its current state and how it could be improved. Epoo also discusses social problems like suicide, chronic welfare, problems with the RCMP, general poverty, and the need to look towards the future rather than dwelling excessively on the past.

File contains concluding and opening remarks by Justice Sinclair. The closing remarks direct participants from the morning session to lunch. The opening remarks introduce the afternoon session which is an informal opportunity for the Elders of the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal community present at the Winnipeg sitting to introduce themselves and say whatever they would like to say to the Commissioners about any issue they choose to address.

File contains remarks by Karyn Cromarty. Cromarty discusses the issue of post-secondary drop-outs with Commissioner Wilson.

File contains brief remarks by Lawrence Saddleback who briefly discusses issues not mentioned earlier in the proceedings of the day. Issues he mentions are hunting and trapping and revenue from natural resources. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains opening remarks by Leetia Tookaie (via a translator) regarding taxation, social programs, rent, hunting and fishing in the north.

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 the opening remarks of Leo Herbert, moderator, and Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair of the Commission. The remarks are of an introductory nature as they outline the purpose and mandate of the Commission and outline the manner for the day's proceedings.

File contains remarks by Luke Kudlak relating to arrangements for a drum dance that the Elders of the area wish to perform for the Commission.

File contains remarks by Matthew Quequish. Quequish discusses self-governance with Commissioner Wilson and advocates a form of governance based on an Elders Council.

File contains opening remarks by Michael Thrasher of Victoria, B.C. Thrasher relates his experiences of learning from Elders, engaging people across the country in addressing addictions and culture reclamation issues, the importance of solidarity amongst Status Indian, Metis, Non-status Indian, and Inuit peoples, the reality of racism and discrimination in Canadian society, and the need for people to be committed to addressing these issues rather than just involved with them.

File contains opening remarks by Ruth Skead of Raw Portage, Ontario. Skead relates how the way of life for her First Nation has changed over her life time, and the importance of learning about her culture as a way to survive.

File contains opening remarks by Samaria Reynolds of The Pas, Manitoba. She touches on a variety of issues including education accessibility, medical care for northerners, her own disability and the issues that has raised for her, issues arising with her reinstatement under Bill C31 (which gave many Aboriginal women back their Status under the Indian Act), her children and grandchildren and the experiences they've faced, the problem of youth suicide, and the importance of learning from Elders.

File contains opening remarks by Silpa Edmunds(via a translator, in addition to a few in English) regarding the economic and cultural problems faced by her people in Labrador and her hopes that the Commission will address these issues. She reiterates some of Boas Jararace's concerns, and also adds the problems of alcoholism, family breakdown, and a loss of cultural identity amongst Inuit, First Nations and Metis people in Labrador. Edmunds is an Inuit woman from Hopedale, Labrador.

File contains remarks by Verlin James. James expresses his agreement with the views already expressed, and then a discussion begins between Commissioner Wilson, Matthew Quequish, Karyn Cromarty, and James on justice issues.

The file contains remarks by Viola Robinson. Commissioner Robinson thanks the participants in the day's youth circle for coming forward and sharing their stories. Robinson also discusses the importance of education for Aboriginal youth, and for Euro-Canadian society.

File contains opening remarks by Vital Morin of Ile A La Crosse, Saskatchewan. Morin discusses his own life including a stint in World War 2, and his actions in helping to organize the Metis Society of Saskatchewan, how the Metis were overlooked by government, hunting rights, and his hope that the Commission will lead to concrete action on behalf of Metis people.

File contains a presentation by the Reverend Verna Jebb and Mr. Ron Buck of the Moose Lake Bible Group. Jebb and Buck discuss some of the social problems afflicting their community including gas sniffing, a lack of recreational opportunities for youth, alcholism and other substance abuse, illicit drugs, gambling, violent crime, property crime, and the need for community based funding. Following the presentation is a short discussion between the presenters and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on the issues covered, as well as community policing and police resources.

File contains an open round table discussion on Aboriginal justice issues in Canada with 34 participants. The theme of the discussion is whether the existing justice system can be remodelled to fit the needs of Aboriginal peoples, and examining the development of culturally appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms. Following the discussion is a closing prayer (pg. 548).

File contains an open round table discussion on Aboriginal justice issues in Canada with 24 participants. The theme of the discussion is the creation of a separate Aboriginal justice system(s), what such a system(s) would deal with, and whether it would be possible to establish such a system(s) under the current Constitutional framework.

File contains a round table discussion on urban Aboriginal concerns with Bruce Yacatto, Isabel Bassett, Michael Bliss, Janet Maher, Susan Eng, Colleen Wassegijig, and Commissioners Blakeney, Harper, Sillet, and Wilson. The discussion incorporates a wide variety of issue relating to urban Aboriginal peoples including education, social services, community policing, and governance issues.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation by Allan Giroux at the Round Table discussion on Addictions.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation by Doug Vivier at the Round Table discussion on Addictions.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation by Gloria Manitopyes at the Round Table discussion on Addictions.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation given by Jodie Goetz at the Round Table discussion on Addictions.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation given by Matthew McGinnis at the Round Table discussion on Addictions. The next speaker, Jodie Goetz from the Metis Association of Alberta, is introduced.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation by Yvonne Meunier at the Round Table discussion on Addictions.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the 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 Round Table discussion on Addictions.

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

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

This 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 given by Chief Norman Stinson at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community. This presentation is followed by the two Commissioners present, Mary Sillett and Bertha Wilson.

This 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 given by Cynthia Wesley-Esquamaux at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Harold Orton at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Judy Contin at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Lorraine McRae at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Martha Francis at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Matilda Snache at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Neil Monague at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Sharon Douglas at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Sherry Lawson at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Stephanie Sandy at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Ted Williams at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 given by Yvon Lamarche at the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This 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 comments made by the representatives of the Royal Commission, Bertha Wilson and Mary Sillett concerning the presentation made during the Round Table discussion on Healing issues(Body, Mind and Soul) in the Aboriginal Community.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation given by Alice Wylie at the Round Table discussion on Metis Issues.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation given by Cheryl L'Hirondelle at the Round Table discussion on Metis Issues.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation given by Ephram Bouvier at the Round Table discussion on Metis Issues.

This file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hunters Room, Skyline Plaza Hotel, Calgary, Alberta. This part includes a presentation given by Gloria Contois at the Round Table discussion on Metis Issues.