Images & Stereotypes

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.

File contains a presentation by Cindy Sparvier, social worker at the all-Aboriginal high school in Saskatoon. The staff at Joe Duquette address common and painful issues with the students and help them work through their problems, as well as providing an education based on Aboriginal values and history. She calls on the Commission to help secure funding for either an expansion of the present school or for a new facility. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clem Chartier of the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan. Chartier relays the regrets of President Gerald Morin who was unable to attend the sitting, introduces some of the participants in attendance, then discusses Metis land title and land rights issues, hunting rights, economic concerns, self-government and self-determination, policy ideas, personal and collective healing, racism and discrimination, intergovernmental relations, and the Metis Nation Accord in order to "give a holistic view of our organization."

File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus during the first public meeting of said Commission. Erasmus spoke about how Chief Thunderchild viewed the need to hold on to Aboriginal land rights, and how this was still important in the nineteen-nineties.

File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Rene Dussault during the first public meeting of said Commission. Dussault discusses the importance of discussion, and listening in the Commission process. “We know that many Aboriginal people are tired of being studied by others. They want to speak directly to us, and we want to hear from them. We want to hear their views of history and of what the future could or should hold for them. Similarly, we want to hear from the non-Aboriginal Canadians, who have not only a right, but an obligation to participate in this debate.

File contains a presentation by Colleen Wassegijig and Simon Paul. Wassegijig discusses the history of Aboriginal peoples in Canada with respect to formal education systems, and some of the problems that has created which now must be overcome. Simon Paul, a Dene man originally from Northern Saskatchewan, discusses Aboriginal education programs in Scarborough, Ontario for First Nations and Métis residents.

This file contains a presentation by members of the "Making Adult Decisions" (M.A.D.) Youth Group of Kahnawake discussing problems relating to race relations between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals, and relations with the outside police forces, RCMP and Surete du Quebec, that patrol the Kahnawake area. The group has conducted cultural exchanges with Canadian non-Aboriginal youth and with youth from former Soviet republics. M.A.D.

File contains a presentation by Dawn Campbell and Karen Scout, two Native Studies students at North Battlefords Comprehensive High School. The two present on a point by point basis identifying problems in the spheres of racism, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, teen pregnancy, loss of culture, boredom and lack of motivation, crime, violence and abuse, education and job training. They also offer solutions for each point. Following the presentation is a discussion between the two presenters and Commissioner Erasmus and Blakeney on some of the ideas put forth.

File contains a presentation by Diane Schribe-MacPherson, relating the apathy of Aboriginal students towards improving campus life and the lack of co-operation between the Students Union and the BU Native Organization. She also deals with several issues personally affecting her life as a post-secondary student. A discussion with the Commissioners follows the three Brandon University presentations.

This file contains a presentation by Donald Horne relating to the multitude of services his organization provides to the citizens of the Kahnawake community, including alcohol and drug prevention; youth, elder and family social services; family violence awareness programs, community and environmental health programs and child welfare services. Horne states that Kahnawake has a good infrastructure in terms of dealing with social programs, but urges the Commission to help secure continuing funding for these vital programs.

File contains a presentation by Doreen Pichette and Bernice Archibald. The presenters are Aboriginal court workers affiliated with the Friendship Centre.

This file contains a presentation by Doris Fisher and Jackie Esquimox-Hamelin who are employees of the Gazhaadaawgamik Native School, a daycare for Aboriginal children. The purpose of the daycare is to have urban Aboriginal children retain their native languages and cultural identity in a full immersion setting. The presenters state that Aboriginal political leaders need to lobby for permanent responsibility for Aboriginal child care centres across Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by by Earl Campbell, Joe Baptiste, and Amanda Gail Daniels, Anishnaabe Owayishi. Campbell discusses their organization Anishnaabe Oway-Ishi Inc. (based in Winnipeg, MB) which he describes as "a pre-training program for employment and training opportunities program for Aboriginal youth." Amanda Gail Daniels speaks about racism, employment equity, and the welfare system. Joe Baptiste discusses the government and economics as they pertain to Aboriginal people in Canada.

This file contains a presentation by Eric Johnston, Lenore Keeshig-Tobias and David McLaren relating to overcoming roadblocks such as racism in the fight for Aboriginal self-government. The presentation focuses on hunting and fishing rights, with the Saugeen Ojibway recently being recognized as having the right to fish for trade and commerce. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Eric Robinson, President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. Robinson discusses his organizations purpose, and mainly focuses on the problems facing the urban Status and Treaty people in Winnipeg, and across Canada. He stresses the need for the Federal government to take action on behalf of Treaty people who live off reserve to alleviate poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to services. Following the presentation, Robinson introduces Mary Guilbeault's (also fo the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg) presentation.

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 Ontario Provincial Police Inspector Ernie Houghton and Chief of Police Brian David, on the subject of the Akwesasne court system. As well as questions from the assembled Commissioners to this presentation and those made previously.

File contains a presentation by Evelyn Webster, Vice-President, Indigenous Women's Collective to the Commission. Webster provides a brief historical overview of her organization, and its mandate to address the social, economic, and political issues confronting Aboriginal women in Manitoba. Webster then goes on to discuss the traditional role of women in Aboriginal societies, and traditional Aboriginal values.

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 Francis Jock for the Department of Social Development and Health, Mohawk Council of Akwasasne on the subject of the care for the disabled, senior citizens and children in the Aboriginal Community.

File contains a presentation by Gaby Bird. Bird is a representative of the Mushekegowuk Student Services organization. Bird discusses treaty and educational concerns. Bird sees it as fundamental that non-Aboriginal society be educated in Aboriginal history and culture from an early age to bridge the gaps of ignorance between the two peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson with Beck and preceding presenter Hunter on their educational programs.

File contains a presentation by Gary LaPlante, Kewatin Communications. LaPlante discusses self-governance and the critical view of it he has experienced from some Aboriginal people. LaPlante discusses his own life experiences and his view that race relations are a two way street and that some Aboriginal people harbour racist views and that this must be addressed.

File contains a presentation by Garry Standing, a post-secondary student from the Wahpeton Dakota Nation. Standing describes himself as someone who has spent his entire life on reserve until the September before the Commission. The purpose of his presentation is to relay his "experiences from the last eight or nine months. Some of them have been positive and some of them have been negative." He discusses attending the University of Regina, but having to withdraw due to financing changes in Indian Affairs policy. He complains of paternalism and condescension in the approach of Indian Affairs.

File contains a presentation by Georgette Djan-Drapper, the Saskatchewan representative of the organization, focusing on racism in Canada, retention of Black identity, language and culture, and better treatment from the criminal justice system. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Greta Gunner. Gunner discusses her concerns about the treatment of Aboriginal women and the prejudices they face. Although originally scheduled to discuss her concerns on education, she felt "moved to talk and to speak on behalf of Native women and that the views that I express today are my own views, that I do not speak on behalf of the Native Women's group." She states that "as native women we not only suffer oppression by the white society, but we also [suffer] oppression by our own men" then goes on to discuss the barriers Aboriginal women face.

File contains a presentation by Irene Personius. Personius discusses issues related to education, and how the school system has impacted her own family. Following the presentation are some brief comments from Commissioner Blakeney, followed by Mr. Nathan McGillivary initiating closing prayers by a community elder, and the adjournment of the day's proceedings.

File contains a presentation by James Murray that recommends that post-secondary institutions strike a task force on curricula to critically examine criteria of all courses, as there is no guarantee there would be any Aboriginal content taught at Brandon University. Murray states that lack of education "fosters ignorance of non-Aboriginal people toward Aboriginal people...which re-enforces racism."

File contains a presentation by the Jean-Marc Penosway and Claire Penosway. Jean-Marc and Claire are two youths from Grand Lac Victoria who requested to speak with the Commission. They discuss a variety of problems they have faced including family breakdown, drug and alcohol addiction in the family, racism and discrimination, foster care, and related matters. Claire requests a private audience with the Commissioners later to discuss a personal matter, which the Commissioners accept.

File contains a presentation by Jerry Taylor relating to concerns of the African-Canadian community in Nova Scotia and the comparisons between that group and the Aboriginal peoples in Canada in "battling the ravages of racism." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation, along with remarks by Valerie Firth, a previous speaker.

File contains a presentation by Jim Campbell, resident of Saturna Island, British Columbia. He states that despite the best intentions of government, "Many times in the past the individual has been disregarded" when laws are made. Campbell believes that "[F]reedom of the individual in a civil society...to realize his or her full potential is a worth object for all of us." He believes the Canadian government has obligations to Aboriginal peoples and until they are met, the potential of further conflict will remain.

The file contains a presentation by Jim Penton, Metis Senator. Penton discusses racism in southern Alberta, his solidarity with the Peigan people in their struggles with respect to the Oldman River dam, issues of Metis identity, decolonization, Constitutional rights, urban concerns, education concerns, justice concerns, and general Metis issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus and Jim Penton discuss the definition of Metis people.

File contains a presentation by Joe Blyan stating that the Commission that all different status groups must meet and determine their courses of action. Blyan says a common vision is necessary when dealing with Aboriginal and Metis groups. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by John Constant detailing the loss of Aboriginal culture and how "the white man took advantage of our God fearing nature of welcming people into our fold." He relates a number of stories of how Aboriginal people are lacking the "spirituality, respect, honesty, and leadership" that was common pre-contact. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Elliot, Saanich Tribal School. He reiterates what a previous speaker, Earl Claxton, said about the disappearance of the Saanich language. He hopes that the Commission recommends continuing funding of a two-year program that teaches the Saanich language and culture. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Joe Sark, Captain of the Micmac Grand Council. Sark discusses the need to tell Aboriginal history, particularly the positive side, in schools in New Brunswick. He also discusses the Micmac's struggle to hold onto their culture through generations of assimilative pressures. Following Sark's presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by John MIller, Jeannette Assinewai, Marjorie Mishihinijima and Sarah Bondy whose organizations works in the best interests of disabled Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal persons. Both groups deal with "discriminating legislation and policies which limit access to support offered to Aboriginal communities with developmental handicaps." Also discussed are findings from a Round Table on Aboriginal persons with disabilities held in early 1993. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Kahn-Tineta Horn and Dale Dione focusing on Iroquois democracy. The speakers provide a brief history of the Mohawk Nation and then discuss their form of democracy, their structure for resolving issues and their present struggles. The speakers also discuss the Oka Crisis of 1990. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Karen Commanda. Commanda, a First Nations librarian from the Nipissing First Nation, discusses funding concerns, discrimination concerns, and allege misappropriation of funds meant for First Nations libraries. Without naming names Commanda asks that the Commission recommend an independent investigation into these concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson poses questions on some of the issues raised which are answered by community member Reg McCormick.

File contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon. Chiefmoon discusses racism "as it pertains here today" with a focus on off-reserve life. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the city of Lethbridge in the employment, post-secondary, and provincial government services. Chiefmoon also discusses what he deems discriminatory law enforcement practices, and Aboriginal over-representation in prisons. Chiefmoon also makes recommendations about languages, land claims, political representation in the federal parliament, and the need for an "off-reserve Indian government."

The file contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon on social housing. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the Lethbridge rental market, homelessness, and Aboriginal student's housing needs. Chiefmoon also discusses the exclusion of the disabled from on-reserve housing programs at the Blood Reserve. Chiefmoon makes recommendations regarding emergency housing, the establishment of an urban Indian housing program, the establishment of a student housing program, and the need for Aboriginal representation on the city's Landlord-Tenant Board.

The file contains a presentation by Kelly Healy. Healy presents a video clip from a trip her class took to Calgary to watch a debate between Progressive Conservative leadership candidates Jean Charest and Kim Campbell. During the trip the group experienced an incidence of overt racism which is referred to, and Healy states that she shares it to "show how much racism affects us. I just want something to be done about it."

The file contains a presentation by Kristen Many Bears. Many Bears, a grade 10 student at Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge, Alberta, discusses stereotypes and discrimination. Many Bears also discusses some ways in which racism and discrimination can be addressed.

File contains a presentation by Kevin Scofield, director of Wawatay News. Scofield gives his views on world events, and how he thinks the new Canadian Constitution is a positive development for Aboriginal peoples. Scofield also discusses his experiences with racism and discrimination in Canada.

This file contains a presentation by Kim Fraser and Cathy Bomberry focusing on the self-esteem of Aboriginal youth. The youth need to learn about their culture and classes could be offered in Aboriginal culture, history and language. Fraser also suggests that if high schools and post-secondary education institutions be built on First Nations to less the cultural shock that the youth suffer when leaving their families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Larry Soldier, Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre. Soldier discusses the background of the Friendship Centre, its' operations, and some of its' organizational history. Amongst the issues Soldier raises are race relations; elder's issues; recreation and youth issues; cultural programming; self-governance; housing; addictions; education; and service delivery. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Soldier.

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 Lisa Raven, Hollow Water Band, Wanipigow School. Raven discusses her theory that the government has deliberately underfunded Status Indian education which she equates with an act of genocide. She also discusses the need for significant investments in education and economic development on reserves.

File contains a presentation by the Aboriginal Advisory Council. Chairperson Louise Chippeway, Dan Highway, Elsie Moar, Bernice Hilts, Brian Ranville, and Clayton Sandy all contribute. The presenters are all civil servants with the provincial and federal governments and discuss affirmative action programs, overcoming racism, and Aboriginal participation in the labour force. Chairperson Chippeway and Ranville deliver most of the presentation. Following it the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by Margaret McCullough of the Yukon Human Rights Commission. McCullough discusses the Commissions activities and her witnessing of racism and discrimination in Yukon society. She also discusses some of the steps the Commission has taken to educate about racism. Following her presentation McCullough discusses racism and related issues with the assembled Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Marguerite Cardin and Pierre Taillon relating to their group that represents Aboriginal people living off-reserve and Metis in Quebec. Cardin states that these persons suffer with a lack of identity and cites multiple examples of this problems. She also states that Aboriginal women need to fight to improve conditions for themselves, as Aboriginal male leaders "appear not to be interested" in being involved in the struggle for Aboriginal women's rights. The Commissioners provide questions for the presenters during the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Marie Pitawanakwat and Carol Martin relating to "the relationship within and among ourselves, the Native people," because of their experiences as Aboriginal women and businesswomen. They have experienced oppression and paternalism from Aboriginal men relating to starting their own businesses. They believe self-government cannot be achieved when Aboriginal men do not consider Aboriginal women as their equal. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.