Indian Act

File contains a presentation by Howard Restoule of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association that responds to a questionnaire sent by the Commission prior to the hearings. The questions involve topics such as acquiring a land base, self-government, the implementation of treaties, the constitutional and legal position of Metis people and off-reserve Aboriginals, the Indian Act and social issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the previous five presenters and the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Jack Smith. Smith is a sessional lecturer with the department of Native Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Smith discusses off reserve and urban status Indian's concerns, primarily with regard to Treaty Land Entitlement and participation in Band politics. Smith also discusses Aboriginal input into the University of Saskatchewan's policies.

File contains a presentation by James Johnson. Johnson, a member of the Walpole Island First Nation, discusses his personal views on the Indian Act with reference to economic development, education, assistance, and political structures. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Johnson.

This file contains a presentation by Joanne De Laurentiis relating to Aboriginals and Canadian banking. As Aboriginal communities continue to acquire funds through treaty negotiations or land claims settlements, and as Aboriginal people continue to develop new business and entrepreneurial skills, banks want opportunities to respond to those new business demands. The banking industry is taking some steps to work with Aboriginal peoples by sponsoring a number of business training programs, providing loans to viable Aboriginal enterprises, and also providing non-lending services as well.

File contains a presentation by Joe Sanford. Sanford discusses his life as a Non-Status Indian and his thoughts that he has been discriminated against by the Indian Act, and Bill C-31. Sanford asks who has the jurisdiction to define people. Following his presentation Commissioners Sillet, Wilson, and Blakeney discuss this with him.

File contains a presentation by John Corbiere relating to the constitutional and legal position of the Metis and off-reserve Aboriginals. He states that on his First Nations, "The present elected band leadership is denying our off-reserve members the opportunity to vote on the basic things that have a crucial effect on their lives. Those members are being excluded from the social and political prosperity of the band.

File contains a presentation by Kim Gallant. Gallant presents her view on sexual discrimination in the Indian Act, and how it can be reformed to be more egalitarian. Following the presentation is a discussion between Gallant and the Commissioners regarding the issues raised.

This file contains a presentation by Lawrence Coutreille and Jeffrey Rath relating to broken treaties. They state that Fort McKay is 20 kilometers from the two biggest oil-sands in Canada, yet half the community does not have water and sewer, adequate roads and infrastructure. The speakers say that treaty promises have been broken and cite a number of Canadian court cases that favored Aboriginals. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Lawrence Whitehead. Whitehead presents his views on self-governance, treaties, and recounts his personal role in shaping tribal councils in Manitoba. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioner Chartrand and Mr. Whitehead on Treaties and the Indian Act.

This file contains a presentation by Lisa Maracle focusing on taxation of Aboriginal people. She states that the Indian Act directs that there be no taxation for Aboriginal people, yet the federal government is taxing Aboriginals. Maracle also says that the current federal government anti-racism program that advertises on radio, television and in print has not been successful in combating racism. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Phil Maness. Maness, Chief of Chippewas of Sarnia, London District, discusses three elements he views as neccessary for self-government: land, jurisdiction, and resources. Chief Maness also discusses the Treaty of Amherstburg, and the Indian Act. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the ideas raised with Chief Maness.

File contains a presentation by Margaret King and Donna Renneberg offering six recommendations, including an off-reserve driven process recognized by all levels of government for full and equal participation of all constituents regarding matters that directly them, and that this process develop options of self-government for off-reserve people which can be ratified by off-reserve treaty people. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Margaret Jackson. Jackson discusses family support, particularly with reference to single mothers, and complications arising from Indian Act restrictions on the paying of child support by fathers.

This file contains a presentation by Mario Paradis and Rene Boileau whose organization "brings together Metis and non-status Indians of Quebec, to have their status concretely recognized; to study, promote, protect and develop the material, cultural, social, economic and political interests of its members in every way possible; and to maintain a permanent secretariat in order to develop links among the members. The speakers also address the difficulty of determining the origin of the Canadian Metis.

This file contains a presentation by Mark LaForme relating to his experiences in negotiations with First Nations, Ontario and the federal governments in the area of self-government. He refers to not the overall governance of a community, but with specific matters such as policing agreements for First Nations, and joint stewardship of resources immediately adjacent to First Nations communities. The First Nations negotiations that LaForme has been involved with look for practical, realistic solutions to problems that face Aboriginal people every day.

File contains a presentation by Marlene Pierre and Bernadette Cook focusing on Aboriginal women in politics and they must be included in the decision-making process. She describes the clan system of government and how the benefits of that system could be used in an "Aboriginal Charter," a form of self-government established by Aboriginal women on paper. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains presentations by Marshall Murdock, Bernadette Harrison, and Rosa Walker, of the National Aboriginal Youth Career and Awareness Committee, Clayton Sandy of the Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Career Awareness Committee. Murdock discusses the mission statement of N.A.Y.C.A.C., self-government, aboriginal justice, the future of the department of Indian Affairs, the future of Indian Lands, Taxation of Indian lands, and the Indian Act. Sandy gives an overview of the M.A.Y.C.A.C. organization and some of its' work, issues with policing in Winnipeg, and a conference they held there.

The file contains a presentation by Mary Ann Crow Healy. Crow Healy discusses the Indian Act, and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, arguing that both should be abolished. Crow Healy's second recommendation is that the federal government invite Aboriginal people's into Confederation, and claims that this kind of partnership is a necessity to move forward. Presenters Kurtis Eagle Speaker, Amber Flett, Kelly Healy, Kristen Many Bears, and Michelle Spear Chief also contribute comments on this second recommendation.

File includes a presentation by Mathilda Fontaine on behalf of the Maliotenam School Parents Committee. Fontaine discusses concerns with money being allocated for education not necessarily being spent on it, and also with the recognition of Montagnais teaching certificates. Following her presentation Commissioner Dussault and Wilson discuss these issues with her, while Commissioner Chartrand thanks her for her presentation.

File contains a presentation by Merilda St-Onge, representative of the women of the Montagnais Nation. St-Onge discusses the legal issues pertaining to women's status in the Indian Act, and Bill C-31, as well as the issues she has personally faced as a reinstated individual under that legislation. St-Onge also discusses Montagnais women's economic and political issues in a more general sense, paternity issues, and other related matters. Following the presentation St-Onge discusses these issues with Commissioners Dussault, Wilson, and Chartrand.

The file contains a presentation by Michael Eshikibok. Eshikibok, an Ojibwa student at Laurentian University and freelance writer for the Sudbury Star, gives a statistical overview of Aboriginal people in Canada, over-representation in Saskatchewan prisons, poverty, alcoholism, and the need to replace the Indian Act and institute self-government. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Eshikibok.

This file contains a presentation by Michael L. Rice that first provides a history of the Kahnawake business community and the Caisse Populaire Kahnawake. His organization was involved in the "establishment and implementation of the trust deed arrangement - loan security system." This system allows Aboriginals to use their land and their buildings as security on loans for commercial and housing purposes. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Mr. Patton and Curtis Nelson that addresses the symbolism of the Two-Row Wampum, increasing environmental pollution, and the Oka Crisis of 1990. Nelson states that the "Crown must find ways to provide resources for our original government so that fairness can be achieved, so that we may reverse centuries of colonialism and we can one day become self-sufficient without compromising our integrity as a nation." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Nancy Louis regarding the transfer of responsibility for administering the funding of Aboriginal peoples and the government's inability to fulfill its treaty obligations. Following the presentation is a lively question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File includes a presentation by Director General John Memanskum, and Advisor Paul Wilkinson of the Naskapi Band of Quebec. Memanskum discusses the relocation of the Naskapi-Montagnais people and the history of their band, as well as the James Bay agreement in Northern Quebec, the Indian Act, self-government models and related matters. Following the presentation Memanskum engages Commissioner Dussault in a discussion of the issues raised. After this Commissioner Dussault concludes the day's sitting of the Commission and thanks the days participants.

This file contains a presentation by Neil Perley focusing on restrictions placed upon Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneuers because of federal government policy. Perley states that First Nations governments and organizations must be given the authority to make decision and disperse funds which will benefit their communities and people. He also says that economic development should be viewed as the cure to the social problems which occur on every First Nations. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Paul Fritts. Fritts, a Mohawk, and a lawyer, discusses economic issues with particular respect to Status Indian peoples. Included in his presentation are his views on the Indian Act as it pertains to economic matters, and problems attracting investment. Following the presentation are some comments by Commissioners Blakeney and Wilson.

File contains a presentation by Paul Hogan. Hogan discusses his personal views on a variety of issues facing Aboriginal people. These include education, urban issues, self-governance, governmental relations, land rights, language concerns, and the Indian Act. Following Hogan's presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with him.

This file contains a presentation by Philip Goulais relating to the mandate of the Indian Commission of Ontario: To provide a forum for the negotiation of Aboriginal land claims and self-government; and to assist in the resolution of any other issue of mutual concern to Canada or the First Nations in the Province of Ontario. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Regena Crowchild, President of the Indian Association of Alberta. Crowchild discusses Aboriginal lands in Canada, and argues that the Canadian government uses a racist approach to land claims questions based on the outdated notion of terra nulius. To ameliorate this, Crowchild suggests the Canadian government must recognize "Indigenous ownership to lands and resources." Crowchild then discusses Treaties and the need to discuss the benefits that non-Aboriginal people enjoy from the Treaty relationship.

This file contains a presentation by four members of the Indian Association of Alberta. The first speaker, Regena Crowchild, expresses disappointment with the Royal Commission's recommendation that "the right to self-determination is to 'pursue self-government within the structure of Confederation to join in the process of building a country that derives its strength from the contributions of all its peoples' is to misconstrue the meaning of the right of self-determination." Chowchild believes that "states have a duty to accommodate the aspirations of Indigenous peoples.

File contains a wide ranging presentation by Richard Francis and Darrell Paul of the Kingsclear Maliseet First Nation. The presentation is given on behalf of Chief Stephen Sacobie who was unable to attend due to other commitments. Francis outlines a wide variety of concerns to his people centering around the right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as offering a critique of what he sees as a governmental system driven by greed.

File contains a brief presentation by Robert Michel relating to the history of Aboriginal self-government. He cites the Indian Act as a policy that has "taken away the natural and economic resource base which is necessary for Aboriginal people to remain self-sufficient." He then introduces the next speaker, Desmond Peters.

File contains a presentation by Rod Martin of the Indian Council of First Nations. Martin discusses the impact of his experiences working for the government, his perspective on the Indian Act and the problems it has caused for First Nations.

The file contains a presentation by Rod Murphy, MP. Murphy, New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for the Federal riding of Churchill, discusses the aftermath of the Charlottetown Accord referendum, his views on Aboriginal issues in Canada, positive achievements in the recent past, educational programs, employment programs, the situation in his own riding, housing issues, transportation issues, water and infrastructure issues, health issues, child care issues, seniors issues, addictions issues, land claims issues, justice issues, the Indian Act, and resource issues.

This file contains a presentation by Ron George and Bob Groves focusing on self-determination for Aboriginal peoples in Canada's larger urban centres. The presenters state that nearly half of Canada's Aboriginal peoples live in large urban centres and feel that the Indian Act has left out people who do not live on reserves. Their group was involved in the Royal Commission's National Round Table on urban issues last year and the presenters state their presentation reinforces their concerns from last year's Round Table.

File contains a presentation by Ron George, President of the Native Council of Canada. George discusses the situation of his constituency (non-status and Metis people of Canada) at length, and also discusses his views on Status Indians and the government's dealings with them. Georges presentation covers a wide range of topics including self-governance as it pertains to off-reserve populations, and Canadian Constitutional issues.

File contains a presentation by Ron Swain of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association focusing on Metis self-government. He provides a brief history of the Metis in Canada. Swain states that the Metis are recognized as Aboriginal people in the Canadian Constitution, but do not have any negotiated rights. He introduces the next speaker, Sheilagh Chief.

This file contains a presentation by members of the Coalition Against First Nations Genocide, a group representing the grassroots of First Nations across Canada.

File contains a presentation by Seeth Seethram, the only non-Caucasian president of any publicly funded educational institution in Canada. He speaks on a range of subjects, including land claims, the Indian Act, the "erosion" of Aboriginal culture and language, and the role of elders in education. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Silas Wesley of Kashechewan Cree First Nation in Ontario discussing his past work with various Aboriginal organizations relating to self-government. He feels that the Commission will help in the struggle for self-government and hopes that "we can include and justify our land within the Constitution."

File contains a presentation by Stan Nelson regarding Treaty Land Entitlement. Nelson discusses the Indian Act, Self Governance, and Treaty Land Entitlement for Rouseau River. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Roseau.

This file contains a presentation by Stuart Myiow Sr. and Stuart Myiow Jr. Myiow Sr. expresses skepticism that this Royal Commission will be able to influence the federal government and feels that if Aboriginals in Canada achieve self-government, it must be done in conjunction with the Great Law of Peace. Myiow Jr.

This file contains a presentation by six members of Association des Femmes autochtones du Quebec, a group represents approximately 3000 women from Aboriginal nations residing in Quebec. It focuses on three issues: family violence, day care for pre-school children and Aboriginal women in the urban setting. The group deals with obstacles when attempting to help Aboriginal women, such as the lack of support for domestic violence victims and the lack of resources to assist persons who assault or abuse.

This file contains a presentation by Matthew Coon Come, Grand Chief of the Crees of James Bay; Romeo Saganash, Deputy Grand Chief; Chief Billy Diamond; and Bill Nemagoose, Executive Director, Grand Council of the Crees of Quebec. Their presentation focuses on the proposed James Bay Phase II, consisting of two hydroelectric projects: the Great Whale River project and the Nottaway-Broadback Rupert project. The damming, flooding and construction done during the first phase of the project in the 1970s destroyed Aboriginal fishing and hunting grounds and animal migration paths.

This file contains a presentation by Claude Aubin, Metis, Lower St. Lawrence; Rock Matte, Malecite Metis, Lower St. Lawrence; Andy Frost, Metis, Fort Coulonge; Elizabeth Lamadeleine, Metis, Quyon; Cecile Jean Legros, Metis, Ste-Veronique; Sylvie Plouffe, Metis, Mont-Laurier; Rejean Pilote, Metis, Lac St-Jean; Marie Joseph-Riel, representing the Riel family of la Valtrie; Martine Brisebois, Metis, Mont-Laurier and Bruno Meilleur, Metis, Ile du Grand Calumet.

File contains a presentation by Shelley Nitikman, President of the Musqueam/Salish Park Residents' Association. The Association is a non-profit society of non-Aboriginal leaseholders who live on land that was surrendered for lease by the Musqueam Indian Band near the City of Vancouver. Nitikman discusses a variety of taxation and jurisdictional concerns which require legislative clarity, and protests that the people represented by her group are living under a situation of taxation without representation.

This file consists of a presentation by seven members of the Southern Ontario Metis and Non Status Indian Association: Tony Belcourt, Audrey Mayes, Kim Coyle, Dave Jacobs, Paul Day, Trevor Minnie and Christi Belcourt. Their presentation discusses the "inequality being subjected on the majority of Aboriginal people in Canada, the Metis and off-reserve Indian population." The presentation focuses on the Indian Act and other government policies.

File contains a presentation by three Algonquin bands: Jean-Maurice Matchewan (Lac Barriere), Harry St. Denis (Wolf Lake), and Carol McBride (Timiskaming). This presentation on behalf of all three First Nations gives a brief historical background of the Algonquin people, an overview of their contemporary conditions, the outstanding claim of the Algonquin nation, relations with the Department of Indian Affairs, and a summary and policy recommendations to the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Tobique Women's Group. The group's representatives who include Caroline Innis, Karen Perley, Marina Moulton, and Bet-te Paul make a series of recommendations to the Commission which they think will improve the lives and representation of Aboriginal women across Canada.