Law Enforcement

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.

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.

File contains a presentation by Marvin Frost that begins with a brief biographical sketch of Grafton Njootli, longtime political leader with the Vuntut Gwitch'in First Nation. Frost touches on a number of issues, including justice, alcohol abuse, taxation, unfulfilled treaty obligations and health problems. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Mary Roulette stating that an "Aboriginal justice system would provide justice equitably to all Aboriginal people in Canada in terms that are authentic, efficient, productive and, most importantly, less costly if measured in success in a broad social and economic sense than the existing system." Her organization is the only Aboriginal-controlled unit in Manitoba and believes that more Aboriginal-controlled justice organizations would help Aboriginals more.

File contains a presentation by Mary Veltri focusing on the delivery of Aboriginal legal services in the District of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Veltri's organization has been very successful in assisting Aboriginal people with legal issues, and believes that other communities in northern Ontario could benefit from the same services her organization provides. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation made by Senator Vital Morin for the Métis Society of Saskatchewan on the topic of the justice system pertaining to native communities. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation made by the Muskrat Dam First Nation. Chief Frank Beardy, Juliette Duncan, Sarah Beardy, Victoria Beardy, Shirley Morris, Lucy Beardy and Mary-Ann Morris all spoke to various topics of welfare, medical services, education, general health. Also contained are questions and comments from the assembled Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Naomi Tuglavina and Michelle Kinney that begins with a brief history of the group home dedicated to young offenders between ages 12-18 whose custody orders from Youth Court determine they must go to a correctional facility. Nain's young offenders remain in the community and receive counselling, some schooling and serve their open custody orders. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Noble Shanks focusing on his organization's work in the development of justice services for Metis people in Saskatchewan. He discusses unfair legal representation for Metis people, establishing a Metis court worker program, the poor relationship with the RCMP and Metis people, and the northern fly-in court process. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Norman Quinney and Joe Houle, war veterans whose organization, founded in 1982, had to disband because of no funding. The speakers call for the Commission to ensure continuing funding for the association so it can fight for the rights that Aboriginal veterans were denied upon return of service.

File contains a presentation by Pastor Stanley Reid, of the Crime Prevention Committee. Reid discusses the lack of policing in coastal communities, and the problem of a lack of resources generally to deal with crime and crime related issues.

File contains a presentation by Paul Turmel, General Manager of the Native Para-Judicial Services of Quebec. Turmel discusses the history and mandate of his organization, and its goal of getting more Aboriginal people involved with the justice system, establishing justice institutions based on the cultural values of Aboriginal nations, and helping Aboriginal accused. Following Turmel's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the organization's activities and justice issues generally with him.

File contains a presentation by Pauline Lewis, a Micmac woman from the Eskasoni First Nation. Lewis discusses her experience with the Indian Act and Bill C-31, having been re-listed to the Band in 1991. She discusses spousal abuse, provincial-federal jurisdictional issues in criminal law, and her part in a National Film Board presentation. Following the presentation is a comment from Commissioner Georges Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Peter Nakogee. Nakogee gives a demographic overview of the community of Moosonee, and discusses the composition of the Moosonee Development Board (a system of local governance) of which he is a part. Commissioner Erasmus discusses this governance model with him following the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Peter Sackeney and Holly Kowtook Holopainen relating to the importance of the Native Criminal Court Worker program provided at their Friendship Centre. Despite decreasing funding, their services include translation and after-court assistance. The presenters call on the Commission to ensure funding for the hiring of Aboriginal court workers to continue serving the urban Aboriginal community in Timmins. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Phil Hall, Skowkale Reserve, Chillwack, British Columbia. Hall feels that social issues for Aboriginal people must be given priority over other issues such as land claims and self-government. He acknowledges that he is a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and believes the Canadian government should "take a look at our own backdoor" and address social issues among Aboriginal and also non-Aboriginal people as well. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Phil Fontaine (at the time the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) regarding a wide range of topics including the Commission's mandate, Treaty issues, residential schools, justice reform, self-government, and resources. Following the presentation is a wide ranging discussion between Chief Fontaine and the Commission members on topics raised in the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Phyllis Fisher relating to the use of violence towards Canada's First Peoples, historical and present day. The Canadian Friends Service Committee, a Quakers committee, have previously assisted the Innu in Labrador, the Lubicon in Alberta and were present at the Oka Crisis. The presenters make numerous recommendations, including the establishment of an environmental process that will adequately protect the land, environment and wildlife; and that public policy and funding must give preference to renewable resource development over non-renewable resources.

File contains a summary of the preceding round table discussion on the Oka Crisis of 1990, and related issues of Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal relations in the Oka area by Pierre Trudel, rapporteur. Trudel highlights a variety of themes in the discussion by Non-Aboriginal people which shows the difference in perception of the root causes of the Oka crisis between the Mohawk and Quebecois populations. For a full transcript of the round table discussion see Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples 115: Round table No. 1 on this site.

File contains a presentation by Reg Louttit of the Attawapiskat First Nation, Nation Justice Project. Louttit discusses the project on his First Nation, its origins, aims and difficulties encountered.

The file contains a presentation by Reuben Ploughman. Ploughman discusses his perspective on the High Arctic Relocation as a Hudson's Bay Company employee at Inukjuaq (Port Harrison) and other locations in Northern Canada. Following the presentation Ploughman discusses some of his testimony with the assembled Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Rev. Dr. R. Burn Purdon, Rev. Faye Wakeling and Rev. Pierre Goldberger.

File contains a presentation by Richard McKay, Traditional Resource User. McKay covers a wide variety of topics related to his life as a trapper and fisherman in northern Saskatchewan. McKay expresses frustration by the uneven application of vague resource laws towards Aboriginal peoples by the provincial government, and the unwillingness of the government to consult or make policy in colloboration with trappers. McKay also expresses his problems with the regulations regarding land use in the north, and how they seemingly benefit Americans and other outsiders more than the actual northerners.

This file contains a presentation by Rob Bomberry and Glen Foster relating to Aboriginals and the criminal justice system. Bomberry feels that if Aboriginal youth are educated in their culture and traditional ways, perhaps that could help them avoid criminal activity. The speakers feel that elders have been under-utilized to the detriment of the youth. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation made by Ron Caisse on the topic of youth in the Metis community. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

The file contains a presentation by Ross Gibson. Gibson, a government employee, discusses the recruiting process he engaged in in Northern Quebec during the High Arctic Relocation program during the 1950s, and his experiences with said program at Resolute Bay. Gibson gives his testimony under questioning from the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Ruth Flowers. Flowers presents on the concerns of the Makkovik Women's Group which include the establishment of daycare in the region, economic development and the impact of hard times for the fisheries, concern with vandalism in the community, and concerns with the justice system. Following the presentation Flowers discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Dussault and Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Samuel Stevens. Stevens, representing the government of the Northwest Territories, discusses initiatives that his government has taken with regard to Aboriginal people and the justice system.

This file contains a presentation by Sarah Webb relating to the citizens' advisory committee, called Sapitjigiajet, whose purpose is to maintain open communication between the community and the Nain RCMP detachment. She describes the positive changes in Nain and area during the three years of the group's existence. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 the School of Human Justice given by Jim Harding concerning the Justice System as it pertains to the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

The file contains a presentation by Shelagh Grant. Grant, a part-time teacher of History and Canadian Studies at Trent University, discusses sovereignty concerns with relation to the High Arctic Relocation program. Following Grant's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with her.

File contains a presentation by Simeon Tshakapesh, Youth Council and Tribal Police. Tshakapesh discusses the lack of control Innu youth feel over their own lives as the root of many of the serious social problems plaguing Davis Inlet. Tshakapesh stresses the need for community based education, treatment programs, and support groups. He discusses the rights of youth, need for recreational facilities, relocation to a new and better village site, funding, community policing, language and culture issues.

File contains a presentation by Steven Katz. Katz discusses justice issues in Canada, and the need for an overhaul of the system due to systemic discrimination toward Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation Katz discusses some of these concerns with Commissioners Chartrand and Sillet.

The file contains a presentation by Superintendent Brian Krambl, City of Winnipeg Police Department. Krambl discusses the Police services efforts to date regarding employment equity, cultural education, and general policing issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Krambl.

File contains presentations by Winona Diabo and Joyce K. Mitchell of the Kanawahke Court System. Diabo describes how her community has had its own court system functioning for twelve years without government funding. She outlines a list of priorities and requests for assistance from the Commission, as well as giving an overview of how the justice system functions at Kanawahke with respect to both policing and judicial processes.

File contains a presentation by Thelma Chalifoux, Senator Co-Chair, Metis Nation of Alberta. Chalifoux discusses the institution of the Metis Senate in Alberta. Chalifoux gives an overview of its composition and goals, and relates how it draws its inspiration from the Senate of the Metis provisional government of Red River in 1870.

File contains a presentation by Theresa Holizki focusing on the effects of racism toward Aboriginal people. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission deals with complaints from Aboriginals relating to culture, education, the criminal justice system, employment and housing opportunities. She calls on the Commission to help end the systemic and institutionalized racism in Saskatchewan. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Tony Mandamin. Mandamin (a lawyer) discusses the legal system in Canada and Aboriginal societies' interactions with it. Mandamin highlights associated issues such as Aboriginal over-representation in the penal system, and a lack of cultural appropriateness in legal proceedings. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mandamin and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of these issues.

File contains a presentation by Tony Murdoch and Con Graham of the Battlefords Adult Diversion Project. Murdoch delivers a presentation describing the project which exists to reconcile non-dangerous adult offenders with their victims under the direction of a mediator. Murdoch describes the program and its success, as well as the ethnic makeup of the participants (roughly 50% Non-Aboriginal and 50% Aboriginal). Following the presentation Murdoch discusses the program and its particulars with Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus.

File contains an presentation by Vicki Wilson and Kula Ellison focusing on the inability of Aboriginal women's group to be heard and believes that "it is no secret that our women in this province and our sisters elsewhere in this country are presently too busy fighting our own leaders for the recognition of women's rights to be including in moulding and governing of Aboriginal communities and nations." They also state that all levels of government, including First Nations governments, must prioritize family violence as the country's foremost social problems.

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 Zebedee Nungak. Nungak discusses traditional justice amongst the Inuit, and the impact of colonial justice systems on their communities.

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 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 First Nations Tribal Justice Institute by Jim Maloney, Joan Phillip and Doug Farenholtz concerning experiences and issues of the Aboriginal Community in the Canadian Justice System. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

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 of the Cultural Relations Unit of the Regina Police Services given by Karen Pelletier, Constable Rod McKendrick and Staff Sergeant Ken Black concerned with the relationship of the Regina Police with the Aboriginal Community of Regina.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Louise Thompson and Joyce King-Thompson of the Akwesasne Justice Department, on the subject of the Akwesasne court system.

File contains a presentation by Donna Sears and Bernice Ireland on behalf of the Atenlos Women's Group. Sears discusses the "epidemic" of violence in Aboriginal communities, particularly with regard to family violence.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Justice, Charlene Belleau. Belleau, Family Violence Co-ordinator of the Cariboo Tribal Council, discusses justice issues with reference to Secwepemc communities, and makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on these matters.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Grand Chief Joe Norton of Kahnawake, Gordon Peters from Chiefs of Ontario and attorney Micha Menczer on the subject of border crossing rights.

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.