File contains a presentation by Mina Kingalik. Kingalik discusses the loss of traditional Inuit culture in Nunavik and the process by which this has taken place. Kingalik also discusses the introduction of social problems like alcoholism that have come with cross-cultural contact in the North.

File contains remarks by Morgan McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. McLeod discusses his concerns with drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, child abuse and neglect in his community. He relates how the Metis youth have started a youth centre at Stanley Mission to deal with these problems, but need support on the provincial level to help provide information and recreational facilities.

This file contains a presentation by Morris Merick that first provides a history of the past practices of the federal and Manitoba governments in relation to First Nations child welfare services, particularly with the fostering and adoption of Aboriginal children. He states that "Canada has failed to meet its obligations as a member of the United Nations to defend the human rights of all citizens" and calls for Aboriginal control over fostering and adoption of Aboriginal children. Merick then introduces Mary Roulette, Director, Dakota Ojibway Probation Services.

File contains an individual presentation by Neil Thompson. Thompson presents a pre-prepared statement on behalf of the Daily Press in Timmins, Ontario by John Farrington. Farrington addresses the Commission about the publications they create for Aboriginal communities, and youth literacy programs they run. Following the presentation Thompson discusses these programs with Commissioner Georges Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Elder Noah Eagle relating his experiences growing up in bush country in the 1920s. He compares his childhood to the childhood of some residents on his First Nation and he expresses sorrow that the culture of his ancestors is disappearing.

File contains a presentation by Donna Roundhead of Nodin Counselling Services. Roundhead discusses the high suicide rate in Nishnawbe-Aski communities, calls for a federal inquiry into the high suicide rate, discusses the need for Aboriginal mental health consultants, and related issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Roundhead.

File contains a presentation by Bill Butler and Lynn Bennett of the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre. The presenters discuss housing, employment, child care, and other urban issues. Bennett also discusses the Low Income People's Involvement agency, or LIPI, and some of the advocacy work it does. Following the presentation Butler and Lynn discuss some of the issues raised with Commissioners Wilson and Sillett.

File contains a presentation by Okalik Curley. Curley discusses the structure of families amongst the Inuit, and the need for greater organization within their communities. Curley discusses the traditional custom of adoption with Commissioner Rene Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Patsy Johnson that begins by Johnson reading a November 1991 letter sent to Pierce MacDonald, Minister of Education for Yukon Territory, relating to lack of daycare facilities, lack of proper housing, and lack of employment opportunities for students at Teslin Campus. After receiving no help from the Yukon government, Johnson calls on the Commission to allow more funding so that students can complete Grade 12 without the burden of minimal funding and poor housing for their families.

File contains a presentation by Paul Gull expressing frustration with the lack of funding for Waswanipi School and its programs. Gull calls upon the Commmission to ensure that programs such as the elder-student mentor program, Cree immersion and residential school survivor support groups continue. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners and a previous speaker, Peter Gull.

This file contains a presentation by Paul Shay and Michele Audette focusing on the Aboriginal youth who participate in the Canada World Youth program. Audette recalls her positive experience as a participant living and working in different countries in South America. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Paul Turmel, General Manager of the Native Para-Judicial Services of Quebec. Turmel discusses the history and mandate of his organization, and its goal of getting more Aboriginal people involved with the justice system, establishing justice institutions based on the cultural values of Aboriginal nations, and helping Aboriginal accused. Following Turmel's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the organization's activities and justice issues generally with him.

File contains a presentation by Pauline Decontie, Education Department, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Following a song by the children in the local immersion class, Decontie delivers a presenation on language, culture, identity issues, and their relation to education (for both children and adults). Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss these issues with Decontie.

File contains a presentation by Peggy Sinclair focusing on recent cuts in funding and the resulting loss in programs and services at the Slave Lake Friendship Centre and at other Friendship Centres in northern Alberta. She provides statistics for funding cuts throughout the 1980s and calls on the Commission to help secure funding for essential programs. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Peter Decontie, Inuit Elder. Decontie's remarks are in Inuit but translated into English in the text. He discusses problems in his home community including child abandonment (by southern fathers), alcohol and drug abuse, policing, and a lack of policies to help his people. The presentation is followed with remarks by Commissioner George Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Peter Efimoff. Efimoff, a student at Prince Rupert Senior School, discusses his personal views on Aboriginal culture, languages, and relations with other cultures.

File contains a presentation by Peter Naluktuk. In a brief presentation, Naluktuk discusses childhood poverty and hunger.

The file contains a presentation by Rheeno Diabo, Shakottia Takehanes Community Services. Diabo, a Mohawk woman, discusses her experiences with post-trauma and other types of community social work, and the personal impact of working with people she knows. Roda Grey and Marlene Castalano discuss some of the issues raised with Diabo.

This file contains a presentation by Rix Rogers relating to his experiences traveling to a number of rural and remote First Nations in Canada and speaking with Aboriginal leaders about child welfare and family violence. People cannot heal themselves when they live in a threatening environment, so creating a new social climate is essential before dealing with patterns of violence. Rogers states that if there is to be a restoration of the full richness of Aboriginal culture, it likely will occur because of the efforts of women.

This file contains a presentation by Rob Bomberry and Glen Foster relating to Aboriginals and the criminal justice system. Bomberry feels that if Aboriginal youth are educated in their culture and traditional ways, perhaps that could help them avoid criminal activity. The speakers feel that elders have been under-utilized to the detriment of the youth. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Robert Bruce Jr. that touches on a number of subjects, including preservation of Aboriginal culture, economic development, women's rights, lack of employment and funding for a local youth camp. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Robert Sam, Councillor from the Songhees Band. Sam has five areas of concern: employment equality, child protection, Treaty rights, justice reform and education. Sam answers questions from Co-Commissioner for the Day Chief David Paul and from Co-Chair Georges Erasmus.

The file contains a presentation by Robin Weasel Bear. Weasel Bear discusses his support for the youth programs going on at the Peigan Reserve, and his participation in these programs. Weasel Bear tells the Commission that a lot more of these programs should be "set up on every reserve, and even in cities."

File contains a presentation by Ron Blinn that focuses on social issues on First Nations such as inadequate housing and water quality, the high cost of food, fire protection, health care, and youth crime and suicide. He invites the Commissioners to tour the Liard River First Nation to experience the way its residents live. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Rosa Wright discussing the healing of individual persons, families and communities, and the future of children "coming from dysfunctional homes and living in a dysfunctional society." She briefly discusses other negative issues facing youth and elderly persons, discrimination associated with Bill C-31 and self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Rosemary Brown focusing on education, the First Nations Chartered Lands Act and the Lubicon Lake Cree land claim. Education funding cutbacks are threatening to close the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School, an important facility for Aboriginal youth education in Calgary. The Lands Act will empower Chiefs and Council to request that reserve lands by privatized and available for mortgages, and Brown requests that the Act be scrapped.

File contains a presentation by Ruth Flowers. Flowers presents on the concerns of the Makkovik Women's Group which include the establishment of daycare in the region, economic development and the impact of hard times for the fisheries, concern with vandalism in the community, and concerns with the justice system. Following the presentation Flowers discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Dussault and Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Sami Qumaraq, Inuit Women's Group. Qumaraq discusses women's issues on Baffin Island, and especially the challenges faced by youth in their communities. Qumaraq highlights the need for more counsellors and support services for people, particularly in smaller communities than Iqualuit. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks her.

File contains a presentation by Saqiasi Sauluapik, Education Council, Pangnirtung. He provides a history of education in Pangnirtung and notes that only until the 1980s that the emphasis was on Inuit language and culture. In 1986, the hamlet was the first Inuit community outside Northern city centres with a high school program. He cites the Baffin Division Board of Education study that set a goal of more Inuit teachers, principals and school administrators by the year 2000. He calls for the Commission to ensure funding to achieve that goal.

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.

File contains a presentation by Senator Bear of the Metis Senate of Manitoba. Bears brief remarks include a welcome to the Commission to the Metis Homeland, and a welcome to the youth in attendance.

File contains a presentation by Serena Francis, born in Big Cove and now a social worker with Child and Family Services in Big Cove, New Brunswick. Francis wanted to meet with members of the Family Respect Project, also located in Big Cove, to formulate a presentation but were unable to do so.

The file contains a presentation by Sharon Jinkerson, Native Council of Canada. Jinkerson discusses her experiences dealing with children's suicide attempts, lack of funding for dealing with these and related issues, a youth program and camp initiative she is involved with, interventions and counselling, and the importance of spirituality in treating depression.

File contains a presentation by Sheilagh Chief of the Southern Ontario Metis and Aboriginal Association discussing the role of elders in community politics. She is also concerned with funding for adult education. She introduces the next speaker, Joe Major.

File contains a presentation by Simeon Tshakapesh, Youth Council and Tribal Police. Tshakapesh discusses the lack of control Innu youth feel over their own lives as the root of many of the serious social problems plaguing Davis Inlet. Tshakapesh stresses the need for community based education, treatment programs, and support groups. He discusses the rights of youth, need for recreational facilities, relocation to a new and better village site, funding, community policing, language and culture issues.

File contains remarks by Stanley McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. Stanley remarks that earlier presenter Winston McKay "covered all the issues that I was going to talk about, so I cut out most of the things." McLeod goes on to highlight that the Metis of the north have very limited resources to operate programs with, and asks for more help with recreation facilities and substance abuse.

The file contains a presentation by Donna Harrison of the Hay River Council for Persons with Disabilities. Director Harrison discusses learning disabilities, and their effect on both children and adults in the community. Harrison recommends that the government make learning disabilities a higher priority, makes specific recommendations pertaining to the situation in the Northwest Territories. Following the presentation Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand thank Harrison and discuss some of the issues raised with her.

File contains a presentation by Chief Simon Anichinapeo, Councillor/Information Officer Noe Mitchell, and Annie Cheezo of the Lac Simon Band Council. Mitchell discusses some of the issues facing the band including social problems, suicide, and a lack of resource access. Mitchell discusses the need for self-determination for her people, and government-to-government negotiation. Next Anichinapeo gives a demographic breakdown of the reserve, and band in response to questioning by Commissioner Dussault. Anichinapeo, Cheezo and Dussault also discuss justice concerns.

File contains a presentation by the Region of Nunavik Chairman Eli Weetaluktuk and Member Simeonie Nalukturak. Weetaluktuk discusses Inuit self-government, the Canadian Constitution, the history of the Quebec Inuit's movement towards self-government, justice issues, employment and job training, and economic development.

File contains a presentation by the Regional Council on Education and Culture by Therese Niquay, and Genevieve Neashit. Niquay presents on education, culture, and linguistic concerns amongst the Attikamek. Genevieve Neashit presents on the steps the Attikamek have taken with regards to educational control. Neashit also requests additional assistance from federal, provincial and Aboriginal governments. Charles Coucou also gives some observations on education, residential schools, and the importance of spirituality.

File contains a presentation made by the Student Youth Group of Aglace Chapman Education Centre. Olivia Necan, Michelle Barkman, David Morris and Anne-Marie McKay all spoke to the topic of wants for the future of Aboriginal youth. Also contained are comments of an Education Director, Richard Morris as well as questions and comments from the assembled Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by the Sudbury Youth Group. Presenters Adrea Chusan, Adrian Abel, Lana Perrin, Steven Hall, Mark Seabrook, and Wasayabeniquoi Dishnikas. The presenters discuss educational, addictions, suicide, recreation, employment, parental support, and general youth issues. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

The file contains a presentation by Sharon Caudron, Claire-Anne Bouchard, and Jacquie Soroff of the Women's Resource Centre in Hay River, Northwest Territories. The three women present on "condensed information and possible solutions to address generational violence" including family violence and abuse of multiple varieties. The presenters also suggest some possible solutions to the intergenerational cycle of violence, and its' relation to the criminal justice and education systems.

File contains a presentation by Thelma Chalifoux, Senator Co-Chair, Metis Nation of Alberta. Chalifoux discusses the institution of the Metis Senate in Alberta. Chalifoux gives an overview of its composition and goals, and relates how it draws its inspiration from the Senate of the Metis provisional government of Red River in 1870.

File contains a presentation by Tom George focusing on the lack of funding for drug and alcohol recovery programs for Aboriginals in Canada. Lack of employment, recreation facilities, and shelter for women and children are problems George's group faces. He calls on the Commission to help secure funding for his organization. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Tony Sinclair, Student, Anicinabe School. Sinclair, who is Junior Chief of Anicinabe School highlights a variety of concerns including: a lack of recreation and related facilities for youth, the need for daycare, the need for improved road infrastructure, the need for running water, and a request that the school board cut funding for band students who go to school off reserve and invest that funding in the community's school instead.

File contains a presentation by Trustee Heather Maloney, School District Liaison Committee. Maloney discusses how the liaison committee between the District No. 70 School Board (British Columbia) and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council operates. Following her presentation are a series of remarks by the two preceding presenters, Denny Grisdale, and Donna Brett, also from the School District, on programs and policies they have implemented with relation to Nuu-Chah-Nulth students.

File contains a presentation by an unidentified female speaker concerned with the lack of resources within the educational system to help her child, whom she described as a slow learner. The speaker is a social worker who helps people solve a multitude of problems, yet she is unable to find adequate education for her own child as the resources aren't available. She asks the Commissioners to "address the people who cannot speak for themselves."

File contains a presentation by Vern Douglas and Ken Richard of Native Child and Family Services. Douglas discusses the history of the organization in Toronto, and how it came about as a grassroots organization amongst Aboriginal people who had been victims of the Child Welfare system. He discusses the mandate of the organization and the composition of its board which is balanced between several Aboriginal groups. Ken Richards discusses the services the organization provides for Aboriginal children and families, and some of the data involved.