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.

File contains a presentation by Chief Edmond Metatawabin describing the arrival of missionaries in the James Bay and the missions and residential schools that were constructed. He describes the St. Anne's Residential School Reunion and Conference in August 1992 as the beginning of healing for those former students in attendance. He urges the Commission to look at the findings of the Conference and to help address the healing of the survivors in his community and throughout Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Edmund Metatawabin focusing on Aboriginal self-government. He states that local First Nations government must be empowered first to oversee health and family services, education, public works and security, police protection, housing, and other issues relating to First Nations on a local level. Once that structure is in place can Aboriginal leaders call for self-government on a national level. Cecilia Scott, youth representative, speaks briefly about the importance of education for Aboriginal youth.

File contains a opening remarks by the Chief of the Eskasoni First Nation welcoming the Commission to his territory. It also contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus discussing the beginning of the "hearing phase" of the Commission's work, and the areas to be covered in its mandate including: self-government, treaties, a land base for people, economic development, women's issues, elder's issues, youth issues, the constitution, and "just about anything you might think of that affects aboriginal people. Our mandate covers all aboriginal people in all parts of the country."

This file contains a presentation by Chief Jean-Charles Pietacho and Sylvie Basile titled "Learning to Sail in Troubled Waters." It touches on youth suicide, the forced relocation in the 1960s of the Montagnais community of Saint-Augustin (Pakuashipi) to the Lower North Shore, and the despair and hopelessness that Aboriginal people experience "with the marginalization that their cultures and lifestyles have suffered for decades." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Paul Sam. Chief Sam comments on the preceding presentations of Cathy Rutherford, and the two Roman Catholic Peace and Development Group presenters. Following this Sam invites the Commissioners to come in six months time and take in an Aboriginal fastball tournament. Following the Chief's remarks Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand discuss this with him.

File contains a presentation by Chief Roger Kaye that touches on a number of subjects, including education and youth, housing, justice, land claims and a proposed museum in Old Crow. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Stanley Sanquez of Jean Marie River Band and Kerry Hardisty, Grade 9 student, Linowejen School, Jean Marie River Band. Sanquez focuses on land claims and self-government, while Hardisty questions exactly what the rights are of youth relating to self-government.

File contains a presentation by Chief Tom Sampson discussing the cultural significance of the longhouse where the hearings are being held and how that meaning has been lost through the years. He believes that young people do not learn from the wisdom of Elders and that the recent suicides on his First Nations are becoming "a full-time event in our villages" because of the lack of opportunities on Esquimalt Reserve. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Christine Gibson, Co-ordinator fo the Mi'kmaq Child Development Project. Gibson discusses the general child care situation in Canada, in Nova Scotia, and amongst Aboriginal Canadians. Gibson then discusses the specific operation of her project and makes a variety of recommendations for its enhancement. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss the project and related child care issues with Gibson.

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 the Nicola Valley Native Community Law Office, Merritt Legal Services, by Cliff Thorstenson. He discusses his observations on Aboriginal people and the Canadian justice system, particularly with regards to the local situation. Thorstenson offers a critique of justice institutions, and recommends a more culturally appropriate approach to community justice issues. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault on justice concerns.

File contains a presentation by Colin Wasacase and Josephine Sandy relating to the work of their organization in providing culturally sensitive support for Anishinabe families in need. A list of recommendations includes the recognition of the federal government of rights and responsibility to provide support to families in accordance with Anishinabe custom, and recognition of the government's trust responsibility to provide adequate financial resources for the presenters' organization to undertake this work. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Cyndy Desmeules-Bertolin, Fred Anderson and Stan Plante focusing on the effects of funding cuts to their organization. The group calls for the transfer of existing program dollars to Metis institutions. They also call for a Round Table to discuss the needs and provide support to Metis children and families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Daniel Oweetaluktuk. Oweetaluktuk makes a brief statement (via translator) requesting funding to instruct youth "on how to go about in the land" and assistance from the Crown to make "the fur trade accepted."

File contains an individual presentation by Danny Henry who relates his experiences as an athlete and how it helped him be a role model for others. Henry does not see the same possibilities available for his children and asks the Commission for more sports funding. He draws attention to the numerous national and international Aboriginal sporting events that have been established in the last 20-25 years and asks that government funding of sport activities be increased for Canadian Aboriginal youth.

File contains a presentation by Darlene Grexton relating to the Infant Development Program, a part of a continuum of preventive service provided by the Ministry of Community and Social Services for the at-risk population, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike. The program works with infants from to 30 months. She calls for the training more Aboriginal social workers and for more public awareness of the Infant Development Program. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 Debbie Foxcraft, Manager, USMA Nuu-chah-nulth Housing and Related Infrastructure. Commissioner Georges Erasmus asks Foxcraft a variety of questions related to her organization and its activities in the sphere of child and family services to which Foxcraft replies. Following this are some comments by Commissioner for the day Nelson Keitlah on children's issues.

File contains a presentation by Debbie Groat that focuses on the lack of Aboriginal cultural content, a drop-out rate of students and the lack of parental support as roadblocks to improving the educational system for Aboriginal youth. Groat states that the problems continue when students graduate from high school and seek post-secondary education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Regina Friendship Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes a presentation made by Delbert Majer in the youth circle on the topic of youth involvement in the Aboriginal Community and the education system after which a discussion of the presentation is recorded.

File contains a presentation by Denny Grisdale, District No. 70 School Board. Grisdale discusses the trust and relationship between his School District and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council. He relates several anecdotes about the importance of First Nations language instruction, First Nations teaching approachs, and respect for First Nations culture in a more general sense. Grisdale then introduces the next presenter who is also from his school board, Donna Brett.

File contains a presentation by Diane Dokkie. Dokkie discusses Aboriginal education concerns in Fort St. John. She emphasizes the need for curriculum changes, greater understanding and awareness on the part of non-Aboriginal educators, and related concerns. Dokkie also discusses band schools. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners engage Dokkie in a discussion on some of these issues.

This file contains a presentation by Dolores Andre, Debbie Dedam and Veronique Thusky focusing on the view that "urban Aboriginal women should have inherent rights like all of the First Nations." Their group offers the following recommendations for urban Aboriginal women: Access to social, health and child care services equal to those of the communities; construction of a network of housing co-operatives be developed in Montreal, Quebec City and Hull, which would be accessible to all Aboriginal people; and that greater financial resources be allocated to the Pathway to Success program to provi

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.

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 Doug Anguish, Member of the Legislature. Anguish discusses his experiences as a life-long resident of what he terms northwestern Saskatchewan (Meadow Lake-Battlefords area), and MLA for the Battlefords Consituency. Specifically he discusses the Indian Act and the need to replace it, the situation of Indian and Metis youth in the area, and economic concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Anguish and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Marie Battiste, Micmac Cultural Curriculum Coordinator for the Eskasoni School Board. Battiste dicusses Micmac culture, the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation, and the history of educational policy in Canada as it pertains to her people. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Georges Erasmus, Paul Chartrand, and Viola Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Earl Claxton, Saanich culture teacher at the Saanich Tribal School. Claxton teaches the Saanich tribal language to students in a two-year immersion program. The Commissioners are appalled to learn that out of approximately 3000 Saanich band members, there are only 20 people who can speak the language. Claxton hopes that the Saanich language program continues to be funded as the Saanich language may die out if younger generations do not learn the language. A discussion with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Edith Gull expressing deep frustration with the drop-out rate of students and the apathy of parents. A new school was built in 1989 but attendance is poor and Gull feels that drug and alcohol abuse, among other social issues, are common roadblocks for getting an education. Gull introduces the next speaker, John Kitchen, chairman of the Elementary School Committee.

File contains a presentation by Emma Robert. Robert discusses concerns affecting working women, particularly those with children, in the community. She sees the biggest problems as being a lack of daycare and babysitter facilities. Another concern she raises is rents being too high for working people. She highlights her biggest concern for people in the community in general as being proper job training which isn't available at the moment. Following the presentation, Commissioner Rene Dussault offers a comment and question on daycare and housing which Roberts answers.

File contains a presentation by Ernest Beck. Beck discusses social and child services arrangements in James and Hudson Bay communities. Specifically he discusses his organization Paykotayno, which was designated a Children's Aid Society in April, 1987. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses the composition of Beck's organization with him.

File contains a presentation by Ethel Blondin, MP, who briefly discusses a multitude of concerns relating to Aboriginal, Metis and Dene peoples. She calls for a national youth conference on issues such as AIDS education, substance abuse and single parent families. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Fabian Morrisseau and Harold Fontaine. Morrisseau presents on the impact of drug and alcohol abuse on First Nations communities. Fontaine, as an Aboriginal social worker, offers some observations on what he deems unequal citizenship in Canada with regard to drug and alcohol treatment care. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Fontaine and Commissioners Chartrand and Sillet on treatment issues.

File contains a presentation by Gerri Collins, Second Vice-Chairman, British Columbia Association of Friendship Centres. She introduces Wilfred Price and Wally Samuel, members of the executive of the British Columbia Association of Friendship Centres. Collins gives a brief history of the Canadian Friendship Centre movement. She questions the validity of holding discussions around urban Aboriginal self-government without the involvement of the BC Association of Friendship Centres, the only urban Aboriginal organization which has a mechanism in place already.

File contains a presentation by Gilbert Cheechoo focusing on the loss of Aboriginal culture. He is frustrated that his years of service with numerous Aboriginal organizations have done little to help. Cheechoo feels the Canadian Government needs to abandon the broken system it has in place and settle the land claims and self-government issues. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Glen Ross discussing the Health Transfer Agreement of 1992 and the difficulties associated with transferring control of health services to First Nations. Other topics discussed include AIDS prevention and dentistry services. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Glen Williams discussing the Gitksan culture immersion program for pre- and primary school children in Gitanyow. The program is modeled on a Maori cultural school program in New Zealand and Williams calls for more funding from the Canadian government to ensure that the Gitksan culture and language does not become extinct. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gloria Mehlmann and Karen Chamone focusing on education as it relates to Indian and Metis peoples. They recommend that Indian and Metis materials must be an integral part of the curriculum; Indian and Metis materials must be presented in all subject areas; and contemporary materials on Indian and Metis people must complement historical material, among other recommendations. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gordon F.D. Wilson, Leader of the Official Opposition of British Columbia. He believes that the principle of Aboriginal self-government should be entrenched with the Canadian Constitution, and accomplished through negotiation, not litigation. Wilson also calls for commissions that will examine Aboriginal health care and social justice issues. He acknowledges problems relating to Aboriginal people living off-reserve should be considered by the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Harriet Arcand, Elder, Aboriginal Women's Council of Saskatchewan. Arcand raises concerns about Aboriginal youth in correctional centres, the issues they face due to neglect, and the dysfunctionality of the system. Arcand also comments on funding for her women's organization. Following her statement she discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Georges Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Harry Sock, Director, Child and Family Services, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock discusses the effect of unemployment, lack of housing and social problems have on Aboriginal families on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion involving Harry Sock, Leon Sock and the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Executive Director Roy Fabian of the Hay River Treatment Centre. Fabian discusses cultural oppression in Dene history, and the healing process which is neccessary to treat its effects. Fabian stresses the need for the Dene to listen to the Elders and practice their teachings. Fabian also discusses his views on the land claims process, and how cultural oppression has lead to social issues such as child abuse, family violence, and housing problems. Fabian also elaborates what he sees as the need for Aboriginal individuals to start healing themselves.

File contains a presentation by Heather Clements. Clements discusses her experiences as a Scots-English Canadian nurse living on a reserve, and her perceptions of a lack of knowledge in Non-Aboriginal culture of Aboriginal Canadians and why this should be corrected. Clements also discusses health care and educational issues, arguing that Aboriginal peoples should be given control over their own health and educational services and making some suggestions to that effect. Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney, Wilson, and Sillet discuss some of these issues with her.

File contains a presentation by Hugh Dickie. Dickie discusses Elder's concerns, education, culture, and related community issues.

File contains a presentation by Ineaq Korgak, executive assistant for the Baffin Regional Health Board. Korgak discusses many of the social issues facing the Inuit people of Baffin Island, including high mortality rates, low life expectancy, drug abuse, AIDS, alcoholism, gambling, poor nutrition, and a lack of economic opportunities. He also discusses midwifery and makes some suggestions on how these subjects can be addressed in a productive manner. Following the presentation Korgak discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Dussault.

This file contains a presentation by Irene Tschernomor, Executive Director; Dr. Louis T. Montour and Keith LeClair of the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre in Kahnawake. The speakers discuss a wide range of health-related topics, including pediatric services, holistic medicine, diabetes education prevention, physical activity to improve one's health and elder health care. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Irene Willard, a 21 year old who was a foster child. Willard discusses some of the problems with Social Services and Foster Care that she encountered in her life, including being placed in a prejudiced household, and not even knowing she was a Status person until age 19. Following the presentation the Commissioners thank her, and then Chief Agnes McCoy makes closing remarks to end the Commissions sitting for the day.

File contains a presentation by Jack Yard and John Farrington, members and fund-raisers for the Porcupine United Way. They make a video presentation to the Commission and discuss the 11 member agencies of the Porcupine United Way. They express hope that the Aboriginal community in Timmins and area will actively use the United Way's services, so there is help "for all those who need our help." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by James Cardinal on behalf of Chief Peter Ross of the Arctic Red River community of the Gwich'in people (in the Mackenzie River Delta). Cardinal's presentation disucsses alcohol problems, land claims, band issues, education, and a host of other issues. Following the presentation is a conversation between the presenter and the Commissioners (mainly Allan Blakeney) regarding some of the issues raised, notably the effectiveness of alcohol prohibition in Gwich'in territory.