Indian Act

File contains a presentation by Albert Julian. Julian discusses the possible ramifications of abolishing the Indian Act. He also discusses the Constitution, education, economic development, and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mr. Julian and Commissioners Erasmus, Chartrand, and Robinson on some of the topics covered in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Alfred Scow, B.C. Provincial Court Judge. Judge Scow discusses the detrimental effects of the justice system on Aboriginal peoples, and the Indian Act in particular. Judge Scow also expresses the hope that the Commission will lead to substantive changes in the justice system rather than "window dressing."

File contains a presentation by Anthony Francis, Former Chief, Big Cove, New Brunswick, discussing the effects of the British North America Act, the Indian Act, the Diamond Jenness Policy and the White Paper have had on Canadian Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Art Petahtegoose. Petahtegoose, a Professor at Cambrian College from the White Fish Lake First Nation, discusses Government judiciary education and Treaties. Petahtegoose discusses the Indian Act, Aboriginal rights, traditional governance amongst the Ojibwa, and related issues in this context. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Petahtegoose.

File contains a presentation by Barbara Johnson, a Micmac person from Hants County, Nova Scotia. Johnson discusses a wide variety of issues including Micmac identity, the Indian Act, Aboriginal women's issues, drugs, mobility rights, traditional lifestyles, and Education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners on issues covered.

File contains a presentation by Bob Antoine relating to the Indian Act, Bill C-31 and the acquisition of a land base for Nak'azdli First Nations. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Bob Moore relating to forestry in the Six Nations Confederacy. Moore states that the federal government is not doing enough to protect the forests in the Six Nations area, and states that "successful management of reserve forests would yield social and economic benefits both to the bands and to the federal government.

File contains a presentation by Brian Cook. Cook discusses the need to incorporate Aboriginal history into school curriculums, the importance of having a land base, the Indian Act, the lack of an economic base for the reserve system, and problems with the justice system. Much of Cook's presentation deals with systemic racism. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cook and the Commissioners on the issues he has raised.

File contains a presentation by Brian Lee relating primarily to the Canadian Constitution process and to present-day concerns on the Ermineskin First Nation at Hobbema. Lee introduces Carol Wildcat.

File contains a presentation by Brian Tootoosis and Lawrence Sweeney, Councilors, Poundmaker Band. Tootoosis discusses his peoples views towards the Canadian Federation, the Treaties, the Indian Act, questions of self-governance, Bill C-31, and the contribution of his people to Canada. Sweeney, a veteran, discusses his organization the Saskatchewan Indian Veterans Association and how status Indian veterans were not given the benefits awarded to Non-Aboriginal and Metis veterans.

File contains a presentation by Calvin White of the Flat Bay Indian Band. White discusses a range of issues including the Indian Act, Aboriginal self-governance, and social problems. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with White.

This file contains a presentation by Camille Bolte and Daniele Pion relating to their group's interpretation of the relationship between the Crown and Aboriginal people as being "a political compromise". The group favours a 'delegation' approach that would define self-government in the sense of the powers of a municipality. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Cara Currie focusing on proposed Aboriginal self-government. Currie states that Aboriginal people do not want to be assimilated into society, and that self-government should be defined by Aboriginal people, not the Canadian government. She introduces the next speaker, Violet Soosay.

File contains a presentation by Cecil Currie, an elder from the Montana Band that focuses on Aboriginal self-government. He introduces the next speaker, Cara Currie.

The file contains a presentation by Celeste McKay and Joyce Courchene, Indigenous Womens Collective. McKay and Courchene discuss Aboriginal women's issues with relation to self-determination, economics, and the Indian Act. They make some policy recommendations to the Commission with regard to these issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Chief Allan Happyjack and Jack Blacksmith that first provides a brief history of Waswanipi. Their presentation covers a wide range of issues, including the justice system and policing, hunting and trapping, the environment and health care. The speakers believe that the Canadian and Quebec governments have either ignored, set aside or in breach of major sections of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by four members of the Talka Lake Band addressing a wide range of issues affecting their community, including the Indian Act, land claims and self-government, free trade, Aboriginal war veterans and Aboriginal youth.

File contains a presentation by Chief Carl Quinn focusing on Aboriginal self-government and self-determination. He states that the government should act by repealing the Indian Act and its amendments, abolishing the Department of Indian Affairs, set up a treaty-trust commission, abolish secret agreements between the federal and provincial governments, among other recommendations. He introduces the next speaker, Eric J. Large of the Saddle Lake First Nation.

File contains a presentation by Gilbert Anderson that describes the people of his First Nations as being "a little island by outselves." Anderson describes the events leading to the formation of the reserve and 1958, its surrender. Anderson states that descendants of the original Michel Band still select leaders and maintain social ties, and the Band's goal now is to secure a land base. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file consists of a presentation by Chief Gordon Peters focusing primarily on the land claims process and negotiating with the Ontario provincial government, and the Charlottetown Accord. Peters also discusses the negative effects of residential schools upon Aboriginal people and the efforts being made to assist abuse survivors. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Hammond Dick relating to land claims and self-government for the Kaska Nation. He states that the Kaskas would agree only to an offer that provides exclusive control over lands selected for use by their people. The Kaskas also want to play a significant role in the management of renewable and non-renewable resources on their traditional lands. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains welcoming remarks by Chief Lawrence Henry, Roseau River. Henry discusses self government issues and welcomes the Commission to Roseau River. Following Chief Henry's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss jurisdictional and self-governance issues with him.

File contains a presentation by Chief Peter Quaw focusing on economic development, employment, and self-government that has been taking place on that First Nations since the 1980s. He calls on the Commission to ensure that funding continues so that conditions on his First Nations will improve.

File contains a presentation by Chief Randy Kapashesit. Kapashesit discusses the importance of sorting out issues of power, citizenship, and jurisdiction when considering Constitutional questions and the mandate of the Royal Commission itself. Kapashesit also states that any self-governance should be based on traditional models, rather than the Indian Act model of government.

The file contains a presentation by Chief Richard Lebourdais focusing on Aboriginal self-government. He makes a number of recommendations relating to self-government, including that the federal government financially assist First Nations in developing First Nations governments, and that the governments also recognize and uphold the 'pre-Treaty' agreements that are in place and that are presently being negotiated. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Samuel Sam, Esquimalt Reserve, British Columbia, expressing concern with the Indian Act and the loss of culture from the viewpoint of Chief and Elder in his community.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Merritt City Council by Councillor Rick Typusiak. He welcomes the Commission to Merritt. Following this, he delivers a presentation discussing the relations between First Nations and municipal governments, and the City's views and concerns regarding Aboriginal self-government. Typusiak discusses economic issues, and expresses the desire of the Council that the Department of Indian Affairs and the Indian Act both be abolished. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Erasmus thank Typusiak and make some comments on his presentation.

File contains a presentation by Claudine Louie relating to Aboriginal post-secondary education in Canada. Samson Cree First Nation falls under the government's Post-Secondary Student Support Program, and Louie questions the fairness of the program regarding Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clifton (Francis) Simon, resident of Big Cove, New Brunswick. Simon touches on a number of areas of concern for him: self-government, economic development, discrimination against Aboriginal women, justice and education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Corinne Chappell, a Micmac woman. Chappell describes the effect of Bill C-31 on Aboriginal people who have married outside their community, and argues that all succeeding generations should retain their status. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners on this issue.

File contains a presentation by Counsellor Cy Standing of the Wahpeton First Nation. After some introductory remarks in Dakota (not provided), Standing gives a brief summary of his personal history.

File contains a presentation by Dale Awasis, Native Educator. Awasis discusses education, and his general concerns regarding Aboriginal people with Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.

This file contains a presentation by David Peter-Paul that first provides a brief history of government funding and Aboriginal education in Canada. Peter-Paul states that "(T)he federal government, by virtue of its relevant sections outlined in the treaties, the Constitution Act and the Indian Act, has a fiduciary responsibility to provide adequate resources for all levels of education for First Nations people.

File contains a wide-ranging presentation by Dennis Gedeon, New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples' Council, with brief remarks by Carol Wortman of the same organization. Gedeon discusses the history of his organization, its aims, his views on the Constitution, intergovernmental relations, non-status Indians, self-governance, economic development, the Indian Act, Bill C31, Justice and Education issues.

File contains a presentation by Don Ryan focusing on Aboriginal rights and title. He gives the Commission documents that his organization wants recorded in the official record for the purposes of the Commission. He introduces Herb George, speaking for the Wet'suwet'en people.

This file contains a presentation by Donald Eastcott that summarizes his group's proposal relating to Aboriginal self-determination and self-government.

File contains a presentation by Doug Anguish, Member of the Legislature. Anguish discusses his experiences as a life-long resident of what he terms northwestern Saskatchewan (Meadow Lake-Battlefords area), and MLA for the Battlefords Consituency. Specifically he discusses the Indian Act and the need to replace it, the situation of Indian and Metis youth in the area, and economic concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Anguish and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Marie Battiste, Micmac Cultural Curriculum Coordinator for the Eskasoni School Board. Battiste dicusses Micmac culture, the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation, and the history of educational policy in Canada as it pertains to her people. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Georges Erasmus, Paul Chartrand, and Viola Robinson.

This file contains a presentation by Dwight Dorey and Roger Hunka relating to the "continued marginalization of off-reserve Aboriginals in Nova Scotia that continues to block their participation and full contribution to the broader society." Hunka cites the Navajo Nation in the United States and their success with the George H.W.

File contains a presentation by Ed Isaac. Isaac, a Potawatomi man from Walpole Island First Nation, discusses jurisdictional, policing, international border, hunting, and fishing issues at Walpole Island. Following Isaac's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him. After this the Commissioners make some closing remarks, followed by a closing ceremony and travel song which ends the day's sitting of the Royal Commission.

This file contains a presentation by Edith Cloutier, Ida Labillois-Williams, Louis Bordeleau and Roseanne Petifuay relating to problems encountered by the Friendship Centre movement as it seeks to assist urban Aboriginals. The Centres have developed a significant and unique expertise that could help in establishing self-government mechanisms in the urban setting.

File contains a presentation by Edward Morin of the Enoch Cree Nation. Morin describes his life experiences as a Status Indian in Alberta, including residential schooling, relations with government officials, discrimination in the justice system, and other problems. Morin also offers up his own views on the Constitution and the need to provide people with economic opportunity in Canada, both Aboriginal and non.

This file contains a presentation by Eva Johnson and Elizabeth Beauvais that describes four "touchstones for change: A new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, self-determination, self-sufficiency, and healing." Beauvais reads from an unidentified document "that was presented to the governments in 1985" which expresses the wishes of the Five Nations Confederacy.

File contains a presentation by Gabe Mentouck, a member of Native Mediation Inc. Mentouck relates why he opposes inherent Indian self-government, and tells a personal story of persecution and abuse by the Chief on his reserve. Mentouck highlights problems with a lack of accountability in Status Indian leadership, a lack of respect for individual rights on reserve, gangsterism and threatening behaviour towards those who opposse the status quo, and unfair treatment of himself from the wider Canadian legal system. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Mr.

File contains a presentation by Gary Patsey focusing on self-government of Gitanmaax based on the Gitksan governmental system. He provides a brief history of the ancient village of Gitanmaax and calls on the Commission to assist on the repealing of Section 74 of the Indian Act. Patsey also briefly discusses housing, unemployment and the negative effects of residential schools upon the Gitanmaax population. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by the Gitksan and Wet'suwet'en Government; presenters Alice Jeffrey, Sadie Howard, and Vicky Russell. The presenters discusses self-government initiatives, health care, education, housing, mental health concerns, cultural concerns, traditional governance models, and related issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the topics raised with the presenters. Following this the two Commissioners thank the days' participants and the sitting is concluded with a closing prayer.

File contains a presentation by Grace Menconse, Vice-President of Native Mediation Inc. Menconse, a Bill C-31 person, discusses her groups problems with an undefined self-government, jurisdictional issues, with lack of accountability and transparency in Band politics, and the need to apply the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to Status Indians. Menconse also discusses electoral fraud and serious human rights abuses which she accuses Aboriginal leadership of being complicit in.

This file contains a presentation by five members of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. Subjects discussed by the presenters include arrests of Kahnawake residents in 1988 relating to cigarettes; the Oka Crisis of 1990; negotiations relating to self-government; the removal of the Indian Act; transfer payments to Aboriginal persons; education and housing issues, and the Kahnawake Peacekeepers (police force). A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by the Grand Falls Band, Exploits Native Band Council. Rosemary Francis Williams and Board of Directors, Ignatius Paul. Williams delivers the first half of the presentation which covers concerns facing the Band including recognition by the Federal and Provincial governments, justice concerns, financial concerns, self-governance, cultural concerns, and Indian Act concerns. Paul relates a personal story to highlight the treatment his people have received from government and to ask that their Aboriginal rights with regard to economic pursuits be recognized.

File contains a presentation by Henri-Paul Sioui-Trudel. Henri-Paul Sioui-Trudel discusses the government system of the Huron-Wendat Nation and the need for self government and self determination to be recognized. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks him for his remarks.