File contains an individual presentation by Mavis Gillie focusing on "the idea of a moral and spiritual dimension to the right of Aboriginal peoples to be distinct peoples, to have an adequate land base and to be self-governing." Gillie works within the Anglican Church of Canada and describes her frustration with politicians who are unfamiliar with Aboriginal issues.

File contains an individual presentation by Moses Tom that touches on a number of issues, including elder care and inadequate child and family services programs. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a spirited individual presentation by Rene Lamothe with questions and comments by Commissioner Allan Blakeney throughout the presentation. It focuses on the need for Aboriginal self-government and for a formula for transfer payments so that Aboriginal governments have the resources with which to govern.

File contains an individual presentation by Rhoda Karetak of Rankin Inlet. Karetak discusses social and health issues facing the people of her community, including the cost of travelling to facilities in the south, problems with fatigue among elders, sniffing activity, and suicide concerns. Following her presentation Michael Kugak asks a question on childcare which Kartak answers. Following this, Facilitator Paul Kaludjak makes some comments and welcomes the next presenter.

File contains an individual presentation by Rosie Joamie, who is an educator and teacher of Inuktitut. Ironically, when Joamie began teaching in the 1970s, she consulted community elders for information on Inuit culture and traditiona because she had not been taught them as a child. Joamie calls for more funding to continue the teaching of Inuit culture. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Sidney Demore that debates the status vs. non-status Indian issue and how it affects his family, as he is a non-status Indian and his wife is status. He also discusses the abuse of alcohol and the effect on Aboriginal families.

File contains an individual presentation by Stan Wesley, a 19-year-old man from Moose Factory, focusing on the loss of Aboriginal culture as detrimental to Aboriginal youth in Canada. He feels that youth who leave reserves for the city have no resources to succeed, and reserve youth are lost in the shuffle of bureaucracy as well. Wesley says his generation are the next leaders and they must have complete understanding of their culture. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners and Eli Chilton and Stan Wesley, previous speakers.

File contains an individual presentation by Vickey Josie relating to alcohol and drug abuse in Old Crow, Yukon. She states that the youth of her community are unable to view adults as role models when a significant portion of the adult population has substance abuse problems. Josie believes the community ban on alcohol is not working and calls on the Commission for help to battle these social problems. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains introductory remarks by Cindy Hanson introducing students from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School in Brandon, whose presentations will discuss education, loss of culture and language, abuse, suicide, racism and unemployment.

File contains an opening prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan, on Tuesday, December 8, 1992. The opening prayer was made by Jim Favel and Commissioner of the Day Martin Durocher called on the moderator, Max Morin, to present a Historical Perspective of Ile a la Crosse. Opening remarks were made by Commissioner Rene Dussault and Commissioner Mary Sillett regarding the composition and mandate of the Commission and commenting on the Historical Perspective.

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 the opening prayer given by Ernie Benedict and Taylor Montour as well as opening remarks made by Facilitator Alma Ransom, Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Co-Chair Georges Erasmus and Co-president Rene Dussault. Also included is a brief presentation by 3 to 6 grade students concerning problems facing the Mohawk reservation of Akwesasne.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes opening remarks by Sherry Lawson, moderator for the afternoon discussion on youth activities in the Aboriginal Community; the subject of Aboriginal Women; the Orillia Fish Weirs and the subject of the Extinguishment of Treaty Rights.

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 grade 6 students at Tsi Snaihne School and elders of Iakhihshotha on the subject of the "Adopt-a-Tota" program.

File contains a presentation by Abbie Crook, Representative, Northwest Territories Friendship Centres. Crook provides a history of the eight Friendship Centres in the Northwest Territories and emphasizes its role as "a major link between Aboriginal people and the majority community, bridging the cultural gap between the two worlds and creating an environment of understanding and appreciation." He calls for increased funding as cutbacks in the 1980s have caused hardship to the people the Friendship Centres seek to help.

File contains a presentation by Abe Okpik. Okpik discusses the significance of midwifery to the Inuit people, and on Baffin Island in particular. He also discusses traditional knowledge and its importance in contemporary midwifery. Following the presentation are some comments on it by Commissioners Mary Sillet and Rene Dussault.

File contains a presentation by the Aboriginal Youth Group of the Miawpukek Band. The seven members present discuss a variety of youth concerns such as sporting and recreational facilities, alcohol and drug abuse, and education with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by the Alcohol Related Birth Defects Committee by Betsy Jackson and Lorraine Stick. Jackson and Stick discuss FAS/FAE related issues as they pertain to Aboriginal communities in Yukon. They discuss the composition of their committee and its mandate, as well as their activities and contacts with other organizations across Canada and in Alaska. Following their presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with them.

File contains a presentation by Alethea Baril, Adam Kilukishak and Tara Lindsay, Grade 7-8 students, Nanook School, Apex, Northwest Territories [Nunavut]. The students call for amending the Education Act to accept elders as qualified teachers, consultation from students and parents when building schools and planning classes, and free daycare for those students babysitting siblings during class time. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Alex Nelson, Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association of British Columbia. Nelson describes himself as a sports addict and has been involved with coaching sports his entire adult life. He sees the North American Indigenous Games as the pinnacle of Aboriginal sporting achievement, and he hopes that sports funding at the local levels is increased so that Aboriginal youth continue to have the opportunity to play sports. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Alfred Beaver that focuses on financial accountability of First Nations governments. He sees young children sleeping in train cars at night on his First Nations and wonders how band councils can ignore this problem. He calls upon the Commission to make First Nations accountable for their finances.

File contains a presentation by Aboriginal Students from Algonquin College. The students voice a variety of concerns related to education, race relations, grass roots politics, cultural revival, the justice system, history curricula, drug and alcohol abuse, health service facilities, and assimilation. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the students concerns with them.

File contains a presentation by Allan Hunter. Hunter is a student from Mushkegowuk Student Services. Hunter discusses the composition of his organization and then introduces the next presenter, Gaby Bird.

File contains remarks by Allison Ballantyne, Kiknahk Friendship Centre. Ballantyne discusses the Centre's programming and some of the issues it faces, notably a lack of adequate resources for its programming.

This file contains a presentation by Alwyn Morris, Canadian Olympic medal winner in 1984. He sought in 1986 to establish an organization for Aboriginal sport development, but was turned down by the Department of Indian Affairs. Eventually Morris created his own foundation in 1988. He eventually received some funding from Indian Affairs and now calls to the Commission to ensure funding continues for this essential organization for Aboriginal youth. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

Historical note:

File contains a presentation by Angel Sampson, Pre-School Director, Songhees Band. Sampson recalls her difficulty in receiving funding to finish her final year of childhood education studies, but she eventually did receive it so she could graduate. She calls on the Commission to help establish daycare services for young mothers while completing their education.

File contains a presentation by Anna Samisack, Atiraq Women's Group. Samisack presents on women's issues in the community including daycare, funding for her group, and the loss of traditional culture. Following the presentation is a discussion between Samisack, Mayor Jobie Epoo, and Commissioner Dussault on daycare facilities in the community.

File contains a presentation by Annie Napayok on behalf of the Keewatin Legal Aid Society. She discusses justice issues in the Keewatin region, for which she is the only legal aid representative. Among her concerns are culturally insensitive applications of law, a lack of funding, and youth justice concerns. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney discuss some of these issues with Napayok.

File contains a presentation by Arnold Blackstar, Battlefords Indian and Metis Friendship Centre. Blackstar presents a letter on behalf of the President of the Friendship Centre who was unable to be in attendance which welcomes the Commission and outlines what the Friendship Centre does in the Battlefords. Following that, Blackstar, who is the Centre's youth co-ordinator, presents on some of the issues youth programming faces, particularly a lack of stable and adequate funding. Blackstar also discusses some of the challenges faced by Aboriginal youth in post-secondary education.

This file contains a presentation by Arnold Lazare discussing the need for the Kahnawake Youth Centre to continue providing activities and programs for young people. Recently, despite funding cutbacks, the Centre has offered programs for adults as well. Lazare calls on the Commission to ensure funding continues as the Centre now serves adults. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Baptiste Cazon, who is concerned about poverty levels among Inuit, the lack of opportunities for young people and financial discrimination against pensioners. Cazon was on the Royal Commission when John Diefenbaker was Prime Minister and feels this Commission may be a wasted opportunity as well.

File contains an individual presentation by Barbara Becker describing the effects of residential schools, Bill C-31 and discrimination against Aboriginal women have had on her family. She urges Canadian non-Aboriginals to understand their history because without that background, she feels that understanding Aboriginal history is impossible. Becker suggests having Commissioner Viola Robinson lead a closed hearing for Aboriginal women to present their concerns and ideas. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Ben Weenie of Battlefords, Indian Health. Weenie presents on his concerns for Aboriginal children and youth. Specifically he addresses the condition of youth offenders, who he views as being often caught in a destructive cycle. Weenie also discusses concerns with the Saskatchewan Education curriculum and its attempts to incorporate Native Studies courses which he feels are inappropriately taught (especially with regards to spiritual views). Following the presentation is a discussion between Weenie and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Bertram Maksagak, Kim Tologanak, Vicky Palviolok and Michelle Gillis relating to the difficulties of keeping the Cambridge Bay youth away from drug and alcohol abuse. The group proposes a recreational facility as the young children and teenagers "have nothing to do and nowhere to go." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Bill Gower. Gower, an active member of the community who's on the hamlet Council, discusses the problems he sees with the Education system. He stresses that unless something is done to create jobs in the area in the near future the effects of its failings will be catastrophic. Commissioners Robinson and Blakeney discuss these concerns and possible solutions with Gower.

File contains a presentation by Bill Riddell and Leah Inutiq, members of Tuvvik, a committee of the Baffin Regional Council that delivers alcohol and drug counselling programs in Iqaluit. They express concern that social programs are being funded as a result of "political decisions that are popular and are likely to result in re-election." There is no longevity with social programs which ultimately harm the people they are trying to help. They also state concerns with the justice system. Following the presentation is a discussion with the commissioners.

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 Rob Cree for the Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education of on the subject of the educational system in Akwesasne.

File contains a presentation by Brian Thorne relating to the destruction of the Aboriginal family and how to restore pride in family and in one's self. Thorne believes that the restoration of Aboriginal culture, values and beliefs are essential is Aboriginal self-government is to succeed.

File contains a presentation by Bryan Pearson. Pearson discusses problems faced by Inuit communities in the fields of health and education. Pearson also discusses the cultural gap between Inuit and Euro-Canadians and the problems that can cause in implementing social policy. Following this presentation the Commission's sitting for the day is officially ended with a closing prayer.

File contains a presentation by Carol Croxon. Croxon, who works for the Ojibway Family Resource Centre, Nipissing First Nation, discusses family violence and associated issues. Following the presentation Croxon discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Wilson and Sillett.

This file contains a presentation by Caroline Solomon focusing on the establishment of Ecotivik, a proposed home for battered women and their children, to be located in Nain. She calls on the Commission to help secure funding for this much-needed facility. The next speaker, Silpa Edmunds, is introduced.

File contains a presentation by Cathy Adcock focusing on troubled Aboriginal youth who move to Thunder Bay from reserves without a support system. These youth may have experienced hardship in their family life and are on their own once they arrive in the city, looking for employment, continuing with their education or leaving a troubled family situation. Adcock calls on the Commission to help secure more funding for programs and services to assist youth in the transition from reserve life to city life. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cathy Rutherford. Rutherford discusses her observations as the foster parent of 16 Aboriginal children and 10 white children. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank her for sharing her views.

File contains a presentation by Charles Morris of Tikinagan Child and Family Services. Morris discusses the operations, mandate, and goals of his Aboriginal service organization. Morris also discusses some of the pressing social problems the organization encounters such as jurisdictional problems, substance abuse (sniffing), suicide, chronic depression and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Morris.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Sibbeston discussing four areas of concern: having educational facilities closer to home, alcohol and the negative effects on families, more health care facilities in settlements, and land claims and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Cheryl Starr whose organization working in conjunction with the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Prevention Program. She is a strong advocate of the numerous Aboriginal youth conferences happening more frequently in Saskatchewan and Canada, and feels this forum is critical for youth to speak for themselves and lobby for positive changes affecting them and their families. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by four members of the Talka Lake Band addressing a wide range of issues affecting their community, including the Indian Act, land claims and self-government, free trade, Aboriginal war veterans and Aboriginal youth.

File contains a presentation by Chief Charlie Cootes, Uchucklesaht Residential Schools. Cootes relates the often painful history of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth's experience with residential schools, and its legacy on their communities.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor Danny Watts. Watts discusses housing and infrastrcture, as well as his orgnaization's need for increased revenue to meet its obligations. Watts also discusses the Federal government and his views on affordable housing provision.

File contains a presentation by Chief Councillor, Kelly Dennis, Ohiaht Child Protection. Kelly discusses the traditional cultural approach of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people to childcare, the breakdown of the traditional process during colonization, the impact of the residential school system, the need for self-governance, social programs in place and who administers them, and what can be improved in Mr. Dennis' view.