Family & Kinship

File contains a presentation by Pat Harper, representative of Metis Women of Manitoba. The topics she covers include representation, housing, education and training, economic development, family services and culture. Following this is a discussion between Harper and the Commissioners on the topics covered.

The file contains spresentation by Patricia Lowe, Society of Friends Against Family Violence. Lowe discusses the society's work promoting the establishment of a shelter for battered women and children and women in Inuvik over the past four years, and why such a facility is needed.

File contains a presentation by Patsy Bernard of the Abegweit band. Bernard discusses her problems with the Chief of her band, and accusses him of anti-democratic and authoritarian practices. Bernard also discusses the need for increased cultural knowledge and awareness to be implemented before self-government.

File contains a presentation by Paul O'Hara that questions why Aboriginal people are "poorly reflected in the health care system." He states that Aboriginal people must be properly represented in the health care system and be given the educational opportunities to do so. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Phil Hall, Skowkale Reserve, Chillwack, British Columbia. Hall feels that social issues for Aboriginal people must be given priority over other issues such as land claims and self-government. He acknowledges that he is a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and believes the Canadian government should "take a look at our own backdoor" and address social issues among Aboriginal and also non-Aboriginal people as well. Following the presentation is a discussion 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 Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes presentation by Professor Vance Peavy concerning the health system in the Aboriginal community. 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 presentation by Rhea Joseph of the British Columbia Native Brotherhood concerning the health care system and social issues in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

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.

The file contains a presentation on by President Rita Arey of the Northwest Territories Status of Women organization, closing remarks and a closing prayer. President Arey presents on her organization's work on behalf of women in the Northwest Territories, and specifically the challenges facing Aboriginal women in the Northwest Territories.

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.

File contains a presentation by RMP (Ron Momogeeshick Peters), an Ojibwa man, relates his personal life story including relationship difficulties and the struggles he has faced in his life.

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.

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 Sandra Green, First Nations Women's Group. Green, a member of the Haida Nation and Eagle Clan, discusses the mandate and issues of the First Nations Women's Group of Prince Rupert. Their mandate is to "preserve the First Nations family in a healthy and positive way" and their issues include "social issues of family violence, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual abuse" AIDS, and high youth mortality generally. Green goes on to highlight a number of root causes of these problems, and recommend solutions to the Commission.

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 Sharon McIvor, Spokesperson, Native Women's Association of Canada. McIvor gives an overview of the history and condition of Aboriginal women in Canada, who at the time of the Commission made up 52% of the Aboriginal population.

File contains a presentation by Susan Beaver, President of Two Spirited People of the First Nations. Beaver discusses her organization's origins and history, including how and why it changed its name in 1991 from "Gays and Lesbians of the First Nations" to "Two Spirited People of the First Nations." Following the presentation are comments by the Commissioners and a discussion between Commissioner Blakeney and Beaver on ideas of self-governance and how they are viewed by Two-Spirited People of the First Nations.

This file contains a presentation by six members of Association des Femmes autochtones du Quebec, a group represents approximately 3000 women from Aboriginal nations residing in Quebec. It focuses on three issues: family violence, day care for pre-school children and Aboriginal women in the urban setting. The group deals with obstacles when attempting to help Aboriginal women, such as the lack of support for domestic violence victims and the lack of resources to assist persons who assault or abuse.

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 Association of Friendship Centres given by Ivan Cody concerning the distribution of social services to the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

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.

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 Theresa Neegan. Neegan discusses what she sees as the discrepancy between the views of the Aboriginal political leadership with regards to their views towards women, and the reality at home in the communities. Following her presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss her presentation and the other three preceding presenters which dealt with women's issues (Grace Delaney, Karen Pine-Cheechoo, and Brenda Small) regarding the issues raised in their presentations.

This file contains a presentation by Tony Andersen beginning with the history of the Torngat Regional Housing Association. Single parents and elders are particularly affected by the poor quality and lack of proper housing and Andersen calls on the Commission to help address the housing problem for Inuit people in Labrador. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a brief presentation by an unidentified female speaker who believes that before larger issues can be solved, "We need to take care of the people at home first." The speaker says the childhood abuse she suffered made her stronger as an adult, but more adult role models and more child services programs are required to help children before abuse occurs.

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.

File contains a presentation by Warren Williams of the Nicola Valley Tribal Council Family and Children's Services Advisory Board. Williams discusses the Tribal Councils efforts to develop a First Nations Child and Family Services agency and model. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Williams, and Commissioner Chartrand converses with Williams about some of the topics raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Wayne Helgason, Director, Mamawewitchta Tonta Centre. Helgason discusses his organization in Winnipeg and its mandate to provide Aboriginal people with child and family services, as well as some of the issues he has encountered in such a capacity over the years. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding both his and Marilyn Fontaine's presentations.

File contains a presentation by Wilson Okeymaw, executive director of an additions facility on Ermineskin First Nation. He addresses the problem of addictions among Canada's Aboriginal peoples and speaks of his own struggle with alcohol. Following the presentation is a brief 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 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 portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes a presentation for the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement by Mike Sigurdur concerning the health system, services and programs of the Metis community.

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 the East Prairie Metis Settlement by Harry Supernault concerning the cultural differences between the Metis community and that of others.

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 presentation the Native Homemakers Association of British Columbia by Brenda Wesley and Florence Hackett concerning the economic independence and social justice for the family in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

File contains a portion 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 file a presentation of the Discussion Paper E made by Kim Scott on programs, policies and funding arrangements can be changed to respond better to the holistic health challenges followed by questions on Day 2.

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 Discussion Paper No. 9 on what steps are needed to increase the participation of Aboriginal students in sciences, maths, technical and health professions. The presentation is by the paper's author, Brenda LaFrance.

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 of "Healing the Heart" for the Northern Native Family Services by Violet Prince concerning social issues and changes in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow.

File contains a presentation by Vydal Sands on behalf of the N'Amerind Youth Group of London, Ontario. Sands discusses the activities of his group, alternative schooling for Aboriginal students, and social issues which affect Aboriginal youth. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with Sands.

File contains a presentation by Donna Sears and Bernice Ireland on behalf of the Atenlos Women's Group. Sears discusses the "epidemic" of violence in Aboriginal communities, particularly with regard to family violence.

File contains a presentation by Elder Dorothy Day on behalf of the N'Amerind Elders Group of London, Ontario. Elder Day discusses Aboriginal history, colonization, education, reserve life, government policy, and crime concerns. Following Elder Day's presentation Commissioner Erasmus thanks her for sharing her views with the Commission.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Okanagan First Nation by Donna Goodwater. Councillor Goodwater discusses her disappointment with the federal programs available for First Nations people with disabilities and makes recommendations to improve it. Goodwater also delivers a video presentation to the Commission (transcript not included). Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett thanks Goodwater and discusses some of the issues raised with her.

The file contains two presentations on behalf of University College of the Cariboo by Adrian Kershaw, Jane Teed, Marilyn James and Lisa Allgaier. Kershaw, Dean of Developmental and Regional Programs at the University, discusses Affiliation and Accrediation Agreements, and the critical role of Aboriginal control over post-secondary education for self-determination. Following his presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Kershaw.

File contains a presentation made by Edna Daigneault and Sharon Yole on Métis women's issues and the Métis society in general. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation regarding Child Abuse by Patricia Darling. Darling discusses the use of play therapy to treat troubled children in the school setting on reserve. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand engages in a discussion with Darling on the ideas raised.

File contains a presentation regarding Women's Issues by Millie Nelson. Nelson, a member of the Roseau River Women's Group since 1975, discusses child welfare, prostitution, and family violence issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Nelson.

File contains presentations by Kathy Mallet, Co-ordinator, Sandy Funk, and May Louise Campbell of the Original Women's Network. The presenters discuss their organizations role, their personal backgrounds, resource royalties, history, Treaties, pay equity, the Indian Act, and a variety of other issues their organization has engaged with.

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 opening remarks by Karin Hunt, the moderator for the session and presentations by Rena Kinney, Jessica Lafond, Geraldine Thomas, Brenda Thomas, Rosalind Caldwell, Gloria Lerat, Lillian George, Sophie Thomas, and Betty Ann Barnes and others on the various topics of racism, self-government, Aboriginal woman's issues, taxation, land claims, sexual abuse,healing and the issues of Metis women.

This file contains a brief recommendation presented by Roda Grey stating that Aboriginal men who engage in domestic violence and destructive behaviour should have help available to them.