File contains an individual presentation by Peter Kelly that touches on a number of subjects that include the influence of elders, the drum and its meaning, legends and oral history, the Charlottetown Accord and the Indian Act. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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. This part of the volume contains the welcomes and thanks of the co-chairs and others on Day 1.

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 Andrew Rickard. Rickard discusses linguistic, cultural, and Constitutional concerns.

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.

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 Chief David Keenan of the Teslin Tlingit Council. Keenan discusses the differences but also the commonalities in values between Aboriginal people and other Canadians. Keenan also discusses the Canadian justice system, over representation in prisons, the need for more resources toward prevention rather than corrections, initiatives his people have taken in the Yukon, and other justice related matters.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Keenan, Teslin Tlingit Nation, Yukon. He provides a brief history of the Teslin Tlingit people, discussing the Clan system of government and the negative effects of European contact. Keenan notes that Teslin Tlingit Nation is one of the few Canadian First Nations that have a constitution based not on the Indian Act, but on Teslin Tlingit traditional values. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation by Chief Edward John with the First Nations Summit Task Group, regarding Treaty negotiations between the the government of Canada and the Aboriginal Community in the Province of British Columbia. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Beaucage of the Nipissing First Nation. Chief Beaucage discusses the demographic composition of his First Nation, Bill C-31, on and off-reserve populations, housing issues, the Nation's land base and related land issues, a proposed "First Nation Chartered Land Act" with 17 components, land claims, education concerns, and language concerns.

File contains a presentation by Chief Kowaintco Shackelly, Nooaitch Indian Band. Shackelly discusses the Charlottetown Accord, its package dealing with Aboriginal issues, its defeat by referendum, self-governance, language concerns, women's issues (including Bill C-31), and a variety of health concerns especially the need for more Aboriginal health practitioners and participation in the system. Following her presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand and Chief Don Moses, engage Shackelly in a conversation about some of the issues highlighted.

File contains a presentation by Chief Lindsay Cyr and Felix Musqua addressing the failure of the Charlottetown Accord and the position that their organization will still pursue; "the inherent right to nationhood, self-government, jurisdiction, systems of laws, resource rights, distinct languages, cultures and values." Cyr then states that his organization will table its documentation later in the year. Following the presentation is a 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 Dave Barron of the Pacific Metis Federation. Barron discusses the story of his people, their neglect by government, his views on Bill C-31 and how the government has divided Aboriginal peoples starting at the family level. Barron concludes by recommending that "some form of legislation be enacted within the near future to release our people from the bonds of Bill C-31, if they should desire." Following the presentation is a discussion between Barron and Commissioner Erasmus on the ideas raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Elmer Herman. Herman discusses his work for the Metis Nation in Alberta as an advising counsellor, his views on Bill C-31, and the need for a Metis landbase. Following his presentation Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand discuss the issues raised therein with Herman and previous presenter Betsy Brooks.

File contains a presentation by lawyer and general director of inquiries Frances Hudon, and Patrick Robardet, lawyer and director of jurisdictional affairs and research of the Bureau du protecteur du citoyen. The presenters lay out their proposal that the Commission recommend the creation of a federal ombudsman to serve Aboriginal organizations and communities, particularly in the field of justice issues. Following this the assembled Commissioners discuss the proposal with them.

File includes a presentation by Gilbert Pilot of the Nitassinan Coalition. Pilot discusses the work of previous government commissions, court decisions relating to Aboriginal usufruct rights, and the need for a joint statement on people's rights "if peace is really what is wanted in Quebec." Pilot also remarks that he has recently been the target of a criminal act of intimidation. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault engages Pilot in a discussion on the composition of his organization, after which Commissioner Wilson discusses justice and self-government issues with Pilot.

File contains a presentation by Gloria Christmas, Native Justice Court Worker. Christmas, after a brief description of her job, makes a series of recommendations to the Commission on hiring Aboriginal interpreters, Aboriginal court workers, and Aboriginal corrections personnel, in the justice system.

This file contains a presentation by Gordon Labillois focusing on self-government and a vision of the future for the Micmac Nation. The presenter outlines a plan for local government that recognizes the competitiveness of his community and our people, and would reflect the realities of the market-driven economy. Labillois provides a "Native Mission Statement" that provides the vision and focus required for self-government at the national, regional and community levels. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Gordon McGregor, Chief of Police, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. McGregor discusses policing within the community and the initiatives that have been taken, as well as juridictional and cultural issues. Following McGregor's presentation he discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Blakeney, Robinson, and Dussault.

File contains a detailed presentation by Herb George focusing on Aboriginal rights and title. He discusses the effects of the McKinnon-McBride Commission of 1913-1915 and provides legal decisions that favor the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people in their present-day quest for self-government. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Harker, Canadian representative of the International Labour Organization. The International Labour Office is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Harker delivers an international perspective on the issues faced by indigenous peoples, and discusses how his organization seeks to promote the human rights of indigenous peoples and enchancing their position within national societies. Harker also discusses some of the legal history of indigenous issues within the United Nations, and actions taken by his group.

File contains a presentation by Jerry Wetzel of Conne River, Newfoundland, describing in detail the history of the Mi'kmaq people in Newfoundland and the French in the 1700s. He debunks the "Mi'kmaq Mercenary Myth," a common myth that the Mi'kmaq people were brought to Newfoundland by the French to exterminate the Beothuks. Wetzel states that the Royal Proclamation of 1763 has been used by the Canadian government to "try to oppress the Mi'kmaq people and to destroy, to usurp their lands and destroy their self-government.

File contains a presentation by John Giokas, Barrister and Solicitor, Consultant, Federal Government on Aboriginal Justice and Self-Government Issues. Giokas presents his ideas on how a new order is emerging in Canada with respect to justice, and how we can expect new power sharing arrangements to arise.

File contains a presentation by Jeremiah McKay and Abe Kakepitum of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak/Northern Chiefs Council. McKay introduces Kakepitum who delivers an address on environmental concerns, traditional resource use, self-governance concerns, Treaty agreements, problems with federal and provincial policies, the Charlottetown referendum, health care concerns, and language issues. McKay then concludes the presentation by discussing the organization's written submission, and thanking the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Whiteduck discusses a variety of issues concerns, foremost of which are land and land claims. Whiteduck also discusses hunting and fishing rights, past exploitation of resources, Bill C-31, education (including post-secondary) concerns, language loss and assimilation, health services, and justice issues (including courts, Native courts, and policing). Following the presentation Whiteduck discusses some of these issues with the assembled Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Chairperson Kris Ramchandar and Harold Rampersad, of the Community and Race Relations Committee of the City of Winnipeg. The presenters discuss the position of Aboriginal peoples in Canadian society, some of the history of colonization, and make a series of recommendations to the Commission regarding government policy in the social and economic spheres.

This file contains a presentation by Larry Chartrand and Troy Chalifoux of the Indigenous Law Program at the University of Alberta. Chartrand wonders if "my promoting the virtues of a legal education to Aboriginal students is essentially promoting Aboriginal society, or are we promoting the continued subjugation of Aboriginal people by the European-based colonial powers?"

File contains a presentation by Leonard Mandamin. He discusses the nature of the justice system in Canada, the cultural diversity of Aboriginal peoples, and the problems with the term "system," the history of European legal systems relationship with Aboriginal justice, and discusses various models used in the United States, Australia, Canada, and closes by stating that "it is not a question of a unified system or of separate Aboriginal systems...It is a matter of recognizing existing authority and human rights."

File contains a presentation by Lisa Galak, Tseshaht Nation environment representative. Galak describes how pollution and other resource exploitation has adversly effected her people's traditional lands, and her hope that action can be taken to correct the damage. Following the presentation is a discussion between Galak, one Chief Charlie (unidentified) and Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson on measures taken to control pollution, and governments.

File contains a presentation by Mary Ellen Turpel, Professor, Dalhousie University, Constitutional Advisor to the Assembly of First Nations. Turpel discusses her own background, her work with land claims, and gives a critique of some of the fundamental concepts behind Canadian law.

File contains a presentation by Max "One-Onti" Gros-Louis, Former Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation. He discusses his own personal history, and the history of his people with reference to Aboriginal rights, constitutions, and ill treatment by the federal and provincial governments. Gros-Louis discusses the dispossession of Huron lands and harassment of traditional resource harvesters by government officials. Following his presentation the Commissioners make some comments.

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.

File contains a presentation by Crisis Intervention Officer Marie Francis of the Micmac Native Friendship Centre (Halifax, NS). Francis discusses the financial difficulties faced by the Status Indian population in Canada who lives off reserve, and states that Bands often do not live up to their fiduciary obligations to off-reserve people.

File contains a presentation by Professor Patrick Macklem. He discusses the Consitutional possibilities for handing over jurisdiction in justice affairs to Aboriginal communities.

File contains a presentation by Patsy Bernard of the Abegweit band. Bernard discusses her problems with the Chief of her band, and accusses him of anti-democratic and authoritarian practices. Bernard also discusses the need for increased cultural knowledge and awareness to be implemented before self-government.

File contains a presentation by Paul Doxtator. Doxtator discusses justice and penal issues. Doxtator makes a series of recommendations to improve the penal system for Aboriginal people involving financial resources and programming. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Doxtator.

File contains a presentation by Professor Patricia Monture-Okanee. She discusses her identity as a Mohawk woman and as a lawyer, about different conceptions of justice, and about patriarchy and colonialism.

The file contains a presentation by Rita Corbiere. Corbiere, an Ojibwa Elder from the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve, discusses the past of the Anishnabe people, economic and taxation issues, the state of the British Empire and Monarchy, the Chartered Lands Act, fisheries, environmental issues, Ojibwa service in the War of 1812, the 1836 Treaty on Manitoulin Island, and the Chartered Lands Act.

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 Ron Martelle, Mayor of Cornwall and Denis Thibeault, Director of Employment Office, Cornwall on the subject of responsibilities of governments to the First Nations.

File contains an individual presentation by Ron Spencer. Spencer discusses the history of his people and how he thinks Aboriginal people can effectively deal with the government by staying united in the face of outside incursions on traditional lands like Ontario hydro development. Spencer discusses the need to rewrite the Constitution to include Aboriginal peoples and stresses the importance of education.

File contains a presentation by Rt. Hon. Len Simms, Leader of the Official Opposition in Newfoundland. Simms focuses on Aboriginal self-government. He provides the history of Newfoundland as a province and sees parallels between that and Aboriginal self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.

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 members of the Coalition Against First Nations Genocide, a group representing the grassroots of First Nations across Canada.

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 a presentation by the Abitibiwinni Band (Pikogan), Chief Harry McDougal and Edward Kistabish. The Band representatives discuss their land claim, and their unique position as the only Algonquin band in the area who are signatories to Treaty 9. In addition to this they discuss how some members of their communities are subject to the James Bay agreement, which makes for a complex legal situation for their people. Following the presentation the two presenters discuss some of these issues with the assembled Commissioners.