Images & Stereotypes

File contains a presentation by Marilyn Fontaine, Spokesperson, Aboriginal Women's Unity Coalition. Fontaine discusses her organizations history, and the issues it deals with including sexism, violence, abuse, lack of political representation, self-government talks, and the environment.

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.

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 Mary Pitananakwat concerning the employment of Aboriginals in the Community and human rights. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

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 members of the All Nations Youth Council, Author Thomas, Jolene Lalonde, Tracy Peters, Wanda Willier, Chris Brett, Jason Thomas, April Prince, Pearl Morgan, George Chapman, Carla Aubichon, Karen Aubichon and Dave Norbert concerning activities of youth in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

File contains a presentation by Betty Thomas and Jean Clayton of the Metro United Way (Halifax). Thomas and Clayton discuss their organizational history and their Multicultralism/Anti-Racism Program. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus discusses the program with them.

File contains a presentation made by Donald Favel, member of the Métis Addiction Council, for the Northwest Drug and Alcohol Abuse Centre on the topic of social development. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Oscar Kistabish on Algonquin Economic Development. Kistabish, whose Algonquin name is Osezima, discusses the history of his people, his idea of autonomy and self-sufficiency, the importance of territory and the different conceptions which Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people have of it.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Peter Sinclair, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Sinclair discusses "our day to day nightmare with the ongoing obstruction and interference by Government Bureaucracies." Sinclair relates some of the Cree Nation's history with regard to resource exploitation, residential schools, land use, racism, the negative impact of hydro-electric development, and related concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson discusses some of the issues raised with Sinclair after which the Commission's sitting is concluded for the day.

This file contains a transcript of 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 Elder Ray Prince of the Northern Region of the National Aboriginal Veteran's Association on the topic of the situation of Aboriginal veterans in Canada compared to non-native veterans.

File contains a presentation by Reed Gauthier in French. The presentation relating to the Canadian government's "systematic destruction of the cultures of Aboriginal peoples." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners in English.

File contains a presentation by Rene Tenasco, Councillor of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Tenasco delivers an address on Aboriginal history in Canada, and his opinion on the ongoing move towards reconciliation of which the Royal Commission is a part. Following the statement Commissioner Dussault thanks Tenasco, and Commissioner Robinson discusses Indian Act concerns with Tenasco.

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

File contains a presentation by the Rev. Ken Forrester of the Roman Catholic Church Development and Peace Group. Forrester discusses some of his organizations views on issues like reconciliation, justice, solidarity, and the fight against racism and discrimination. Following the remarks Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Forrester for his thoughts.

This file contains a presentation by Rhonda Alain discussing her group's research project that identifies concerns and issues that impact on the lives of Aboriginal youth and finding solutions to those concerns. She calls for Canada-wide Aboriginal youth groups; school curricula to include an accurate history of Aboriginal peoples; healing circles that include involvement of elders; and recreation programs that promote positive self-image for Aboriginal youth. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Richard Mills and Evelyn Buffalo focusing on the approach Aboriginals have toward health care: the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects. The two presenters state that an Aboriginal health centre is required as non-Aboriginal health care workers do not understand the Aboriginal approach to health care. They anticipate the new health centre to be open in 1993.

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.

File contains a presentation by Ronnie Leah, Sociology Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Leah discusses research she performed in the community which highlights the experience of Aboriginal women in the Lethbridge area in terms of systemic racism they face in their daily lives. Leah discusses her methodology, findings, and some ways in which she thinks the problems of racism in the community can be addressed.

File contains a presentation by Sandra Delaronde, Vice President of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. Delaronde discusses the status of Aboriginal women in their relationship within Aboriginal organizations, and Aboriginal communities, as well as offering a few suggestions to the Commission. Following the presentation is a discussion between Delaronde and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of the issues raised.

The file contains a presentation by Wes Whetung and Sanford Cottrelle of Newberry House (a halfway house). Whetung and Cottrelle discuss the prison system and Aboriginal offenders offering a comparative view of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal halfway houses, compensation for former residential school residents, accessible moneys to implement both cultural and non-cultural programs for children and youth, and stereotypes of Aboriginal people in text-books. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Sarah Anala. Anala is an Innu woman originally from Labrador, a member of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples' Council, and a board member of the New Brunswick Native Indian Women's Council Inc. Anala relates her personal, spiritual, and cultural background.

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.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Shacken Band School. Martha Aspinall, Charmane Sheena, and Sally Holmes discuss a variety of concerns regarding Band Schools, post-secondary funding, racism and discrimination, and jurisdictional issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank the presenters for their thoughts.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Central Okanagan Regional District by Sharron Simpson, Chairperson. Simpson discusses her viewpoint as a Canadian with little knowledge of Aboriginal peoples. Simpson discusses her limited experiences with First Nations and Inuit people in her youth, the colonial mentality, the sociological concept of anomie, the need for mutual respect and understanding to forge a new relationship, work with the Westbank Indian Band, and concerns about the development of self-government. Simpson also makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Sheena Jackson. Jackson discusses racism, particularly in the field of education. Jackson critiques racist portrayals of Aboriginal people in Social Studies curricula, media representations, and related issues.

File contains a presentation by the City of Quebec. Participants include Deputy Mayor Claude Cantin, and Reginald Gravel of the City Planning Department. Cantin delivers a detailed presentation on the relations between Aboriginal and Quebec societies, Canadian municipalities and Aboriginal governments, and the specific relations between Quebec City and the Huron-Wendat Nation. A host of issues are covered including racism and discrimination, ignorance of culture, economic development, the need for jurisdictional clarity, the importance of history in education, and related topics.

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 Elaine Pichet, General Manager of the Val d'Or Chamber of Commerce. Pichet reads a letter to the Commission expressing the Chamber of Commerce's desire for good relations with the local Cree and Algonquin peoples, and explaining some of the projects and initiatives they have taken to promote those relations. Following her presentation Commissioners Dussault and Polson discuss the Chamber of Commerce, its position, programs, and role in race relations with Pichet. Following the discussion the sitting of the Commission is adjourned for the day.

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 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.

File contains a presentation by Micmac Wallace Libillois. Libillois discusses the history of colonization and his people in Canada, the commonalities between indigenous people across the country in their relationship with the state, residential schooling, proseltization, Aboriginal fishing rights, threats to Aboriginal people's rights, an indigenous view of resource use, the Aboriginal roots of many European democratic concepts, and the importance of Constitutional recognition and inclusion for Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

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 Wilfred Price discussing self-government and he states that "70 percent of our people who are living off-reserve do not get proper representation." He presents the idea that having a small group of people from a population of tens of thousands of Aboriginal people in BC elect a select few to represent them is wrong. He wants self-government where all are involved, not just a few. Comments from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Yvon Allard, Member of the Manitoba Metis Federation regarding Employment Equity for Aboriginal Peoples and Post-Secondary Institutions. In particular Allard discusses discrimination in employment, and the promotion and protection of Aboriginal cultural identity in educational institutions.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This portion is of a presentation for Children of the Earth School by Mary Courchene preceding the Round Table discussion on education.

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 of the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability by Ian Hinksman and Sue Gabriel concerning the issue of cultural advancement through writing and publication. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation for the Lower Fraser Valley Fishing Authority by Ernie Crey and Ken Mallory concerning issues pertaining to the economic independence for the Aboriginal fishing industry in the British Columbia. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes a presentation for Elizabeth Metis Settlement by Wilfred Collins concerning education, philosophy and spiritual believes in the Metis community.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation for the Lower Fraser Valley Fishing Authority by Ernie Crey and Ken Mallory concerning achievement of economic independence for the Aboriginal fishing industry in the British Columbia. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

Transcript of a presentation concerning post-secondary education for the Aboriginal Community. Also included are questions from the assembled commissioners Co-Chair George Erasmus and Viola Robinson.

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 of the United Fishermen and Allied Worker's Union by Dennis Brown concerning the issue of economic independence of the Aboriginal Fishing Community in British Columbia. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

This file contains a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This is a presentation of a Model of an Aboriginal Education Initiative: Saskatchewan Indian Federated College by Dr. Eber Hampton.

File contains volume 3 of the transcript of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This portion of the volume contains a presentation of Discussion Paper K by Lynn Chabot on behalf of Dianne Longboat on Aboriginal Health Professions on Day 3. Also included are questions regarding this paper and the previous Discussion Papers of the day.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This portion is of a presentation of the summaries of Discussion Papers 1, 2 and 8 by Rose-Alma McDonald-Jacobs preceding the Round Table discussion on education.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. This portion is of a presentation of the summaries of Discussion Papers 3, 5 and 10 by Marie Battiste preceding the Round Table discussion on education.

File contains a presentation by President Bernice Ireland and student Roly Williams on behalf of the Nokee Kwe Adult Education Centre. President Ireland discusses the unique needs of Aboriginal adult students, the centre's history and mandate. Williams discusses funding cutbacks, racism and discrimination, cultural concerns, and self-governance issues. Following the presentations the two presenters discuss some of the issues raised with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Inuvik Community Corporation by Vice-Chairman Pauline Gordon and Chairman Glenna Hanson.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Inuvik Regional Multicultural Society by Louis Beck and Simon Jozzy. Beck discusses "the society and what it stands for" through the use of a parable. Simon Jozzy discusses what the multicultural society means to him personally as an immigrant to Canada and stresses that "learning and education is the foundation of understanding." Louis Beck then goes on to discuss racism and combatting it, while Jozzy ads the need for increased education and the important role that parents play in forming children's attitudes about race.