Family & Kinship

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 Harriet Janvier, Director, Mark Amy Centre. Janvier discusses some of the community problems she has encountered in her work for an alcohol addiction treatment centre. She highlights a lack of proper facilities, and some of the social problems in the community.

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 Henry Phillips with regards to Aboriginal poverty in Canada, and some possible solutions to address the problem. A short discussion with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Howard Sark with regards to teaching youth the Micmac language, alcoholism, schools, and status issues.

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

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 Jamie Farrell discussing the role of group homes in the rehabiliation of young offenders in Labrador. She states that often the youth need to escape a bad home life so they commit crimes and enter the group home, often a safer environment than their own home. Farrell also discusses the high rate of suicide among Labradorian youth. Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 Jeannette Boivin, Director of the General Council of Atikamekw Women. Boivin delivers a presentation on democracy, self-governance, the need for consultation, decentralization, and enhanced powers for elected represetnatives. Boivin also discusses the importance of establishing an appeal system in the form of a parity system or ombudsman's office, and training and education concerns.

File contains a presentation by Jill Henderson, a student at the Sagkeeng School. Henderson, who is Junior Chief of her school, presents on the value and importance of learning the Ojibway language. Henderson discusses her views on how language is a key aspect of one's culture, as well as her personal attempts to learn her people's language.

File contains a presentation by Jim Sweetenham. Sweetenham, a member of the Battlefords Fire Department, and a youth counsellor of fire setters, gives his presentation as an individual. Sweetenham discusses the problem of young people starting fires which disproportionately effects Aboriginal youth. He gives his views on how this can be addressed, and ignorance in the general society towards the issues of Aboriginal people.

File contains a presentation by Jo-Anne Olson and Dene Kameka. Their group home in Slave Lake cares for behaviourally difficult and emotionally disturbed teenagers from ages 13-17. 60% of their clientele is Aboriginal and from northern Alberta. Their concern lies with the lack of transitional support from group homes back to their families. They call on the Commission to increase funding so that Aboriginal people can be hired to assist the youth with their recovery and their return to their reserve. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Joe Karetak, Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. Karetak discusses programs to deal with suicide issues in the Keewatin Region of the Northwest Territories (now Nunavut). Karetak also discusses some of the language difficulties involved with operating the Keewatin Crisis Line, participation of elders, and costs.

File contains a presentation by John Loftus on behalf of the Action North Recovery Centre. Loftus discusses the challenges his organization (which treats drug and alcohol abuse, as well as family violence cases) deals with in High Level. Foremost among his concerns are a lack of professional staff and resources. Following the presentation is a discussion between Loftus and Commissioners Dussault and Robinson on these issues.

File contains a presentation by John Prince and Maurice Browning speaking on behalf of the Elders of their community. The elders have seen 80-90 years of destruction of their hunting and trapping grounds and of the family unit.

This file contains a presentation by Josie Oltrop, Vicki English-Currie and Gerri Manyfingers focusing on Aboriginal women's issues. The presenters begin with a brief historical perspective on Aboriginal women in society and then discuss the social system "which has determined the lives of all Native women." They state that 75% of all of Alberta's formally educated Aboriginal population are women showing that they are "healing themselves from past incidents and turning to education."

File contains a presentation by Karen Pine-Cheechoo. Pine-Cheechoo,an Ojibway woman in a Cree community, discusses her life experiences. In particular she discusses struggles with alcoholism and gender relations in her community.

File contains a presentation by Katherine Morrisseau and Iris Lauzon of the Ojibway Language Immersion Program for Preschoolers in Winnipeg. The presenters discuss reasons for the decline of Aboriginal languages, their importance, curriculum, and their efforts to teach Ojibway to children. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Keith Milne focusing on self-government in relation to social concerns and social service. He suggests that the Commission hold a hearing in the Thunder Bay Shelter House to hear directly the concerns of those persons requiring the Shelter House's services. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Leetia James of the Baffin Region Uvik Society. James descibes the history of her organization which was founded in 1984 "to provide and co-ordinate services for women who are living in violent relationships." James discusses the overall social problems she sees within her society such as drug and alcohol abuse, spousal assault and suicide. She also stresses the inability of the Canadian justice and legal system to deal properly with Inuit culture at the local level. Follownig the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses James' group's shelter with her.

File contains a presentation by Lillian Sanderson, La Ronge Native Women's Council. Sanderson discusses why she thinks the issue of family violence needs to be addressed for Aboriginal society to be healed. Erasmus discusses some of these issues with Sanderson following the presentation and notes that it is ironic these are labelled "women's issues" when "in reality it is the insecurity of men, it's the problem that men have that is creating the violence on women."

File contains a presentation by Lily Sutherland focusing on child and family welfare issues. Sutherland discusses the need for more training of public health officers on First Nations and for workshops on parenting and substance abuse prevention. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Linda Hill George expressing concern with her organization's lack of funding from the Canadian government and the resulting lack of programs and services for Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people. She cites statistics of monies provided for similar organizations in British Columbia and calls on the Commission to help increase funding. 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 Lorna Standingready concerning the access to higher education by the Aboriginal Community and Urban Indian rights. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

File contains a presentation by Louis-Edmond Hamelin, Specialist on Aboriginal Matters. Hamelin discusses the concept and the history of the term "aboriginal" in the English and French languages. Hamelin then discusses Aboriginal culture and land claims processes. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Hamelin. Page 152 is missing.

File contains a presentation by Louise Bouvier, Yukon Indian Women's Association. Bouvier, the organization's President, discusses their program the Dene Nets'edet'an which is a community healing project intended to treat "family violence, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual abuse, mission school syndrome, et cetera." Dene Nes'edet'an differs from past approaches in emphasizing After-care: an emphasis on long term recovery treatment for dealing with traumas. Following Bouvier's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the program with her.

File contains a presentation by Therese Ottawa and Delima Niquay of the Regional Council on Education and Culture. Ottawa discusses family violence, addictions, and associated social services concerns. Ottawa recommends harsher sentences for conjugal violence, stronger community participation, better funding for social services, as well as discussing general women's issues, the need for increased awareness campaigns, and the establishment of men's discussion groups on the issue of family violence.

File contains remarks by Marg Beament, Norsask Native Outreach. Beament describes the work of her organization which is intended to facilitate employment and training for northern residents (both Aboriginal and Non). Beament describes some of the problems her organizations field workers commonly encounter in northern communities including: poor self-esteem and lack of confidence, little or no employment history, lack of personal support, little training or education history, family problems, lack of transportation, lack of childcare, lack of quality housing, and lack of justice services.

The file contains a presentation by Margaret Jackson. Jackson discusses family support, particularly with reference to single mothers, and complications arising from Indian Act restrictions on the paying of child support by fathers.

File contains a presentation by Margaret Klopenberg, Assistant Co-ordinator of the Child Identification Program, and Christine Hoffman, Chairperson, both of the North Central Alberta Crisis Intervention Association. They describe the variety of programs the Association offers to Aboriginal people, including women's and men's domestic violence groups and self-esteem and victim assistance programs. The Association operates with little funding, much of it raised themselves, so Klopenberg and Hoffman call on the Commission to help them secure funds to keep these essential programs operating.

File contains a brief presentation by Marge Lalonde, speaking on behalf of the elders of Iqaluit. She expresses concern for the high cost of food year-round and the difficulty of providing healthy meals for families with food often already spoiled upon shipping.

File contains a presentation by Margo Vermillion, a Fort Chipewyan resident who works as co-ordinator of a temporary elders care unit in the community. Vermillion discusses seniors issues in the community, particularly in terms of long-term care. She discusses the need for such a facility in the community itself, and the detrimental effects of removing seniors from their home community for long-term care. Following the presentation is a discussion between Vermillion and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on senior's issues.

File contains a presentation by Marvin Sampson focusing on the social problems caused by residential schools, forms of abuse, and alcohol and drug abuse. Sampson states the programs in place in his community are under-funded and under-staffed, resulting in broken families and individuals. He states that self-government is ineffective if Aboriginal people are unable to recover from negative events in their past. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair.

File contains a presentation by Mary Ann Felle, Cross Cultural Information Committee. Felle advances a proposal for an Aboriginal child care structure which she "believe[s] would work to maintain a child's sense of identity and encourage the development of self-worth and self-esteem." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Mary Anne Wilson, Skidegate Caregivers. Skidegate is a small reserve of the Haida Gwaii people on the Queen Charlotte Islands. Wilson discusses the administrative structure of the band, its' health needs, and her organization's composition and mandate. Wilson discusses the need for a healing house for the people there, and some of the needs it could address in the community such as addictions, general and cultural education.

File contains a presentation by Mary Ford. Ford discusses traditional customary adoption amongst Labradorians, then goes on to discuss how this has changed for the worse since the Department of Social Services came in. Following the presentation Ford and Commissioner Dussault discuss some of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Mary O'Donnell focusing on parental involvement in education at all levels. She states that Aboriginal parents have a responsibility to sit on committees and PTAs to share information, give advice and generally support their children during their educational years. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Matt Vickers focusing on the impact of the imposed political, educational, social and religious systems on North American Aboriginal peoples. He lists statistics for offences committed in the Kispiox area and calls on the Commission to ensure that "immediate steps are taken to ensure that documented cases of dysfunctional relations that are mostly a result of the residential school systems receive immediate assistance regarding their recovery process. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Mavis Henry, social worker for the [Pauquachin] Band. Her presentation illustrates the need for better housing, mental health services and increased personal safety on First Nations. Henry states to the Commissioners that without basic security in one's own home, children grow up "victimized as there is no support from the local community or from the justice system." She hopes the Commission will ensure that "our people become powerful, healthy and strong again."

File contains a presentation by Mayor Pat McMahon. McMahon discusses a variety of concerns including urban Aboriginal issues generally, municipal governance issues, education, economic development, justice issues, family violence, self-governance, and the Constitution. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with McMahon.

File contains a presentation by Meeka Arnagia, Chairman, Mental Health Association, Pangnirtung, who gives a brief history of mental health services in the Pangnirtung area. The lease agreement on their building is up in 1993 and the group also lacks a shelter for family violence victims. Arnagia calls for considerably more funding to need the need for mental health services. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 Merilda St-Onge, representative of the women of the Montagnais Nation. St-Onge discusses the legal issues pertaining to women's status in the Indian Act, and Bill C-31, as well as the issues she has personally faced as a reinstated individual under that legislation. St-Onge also discusses Montagnais women's economic and political issues in a more general sense, paternity issues, and other related matters. Following the presentation St-Onge discusses these issues with Commissioners Dussault, Wilson, and Chartrand.

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 a presentation by Merle Assance-Beedie of the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC), at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.

File contains a presentation by Michelle Harding, Metis Women of Saskatchewan. Harding welcomes the Commission to La Ronge on behalf of that communities Metis Women's Chapter. Harding lists many of the concerns facing Metis women including child care, education, problems facing Metis youth, family violence, and others. She stresses the need for fully subisidized, accessible daycare. She discusses how the current social system has created a destructive welfare cycle amongst her people, and the need to strengthen families through the creation of a crisis shelter.

File contains a presentation by the Native Outpatient Centre: Meysncut Counselling Centre by Sara Williams and Jane Caprion. Sara Williams begins with a presentation giving an overview of their organization, and its work dealing with abuse and education in the community. Williams also makes a variety of organizational and funding recommendations to the Commission related to the organization's work. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand engage Williams and Caprion in a discussion on the issues raised, and the activities of the Centre.

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 made by Gary Tinker for Northern Disabled People, on the topic of the education system pertaining to disabled people of northern Saskatchewan communities and the lack of services available. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.