File contains a presentation by Joy Thorkelson, United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union. Thorkelson, the Union's Northern Representative, delivers a presentation "from a Northern perspective of a fishing community that has a great deal of Native participation and certainly within our Union we have many First Nations people...Seventy-five to eighty per cent of our members." Thorkelson discusses a range of environmental, trade, and economic issues effecting the West Coast fishery, and its various communities.

File contains a presentation by Joyce Racette. Racette, a member of the Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan, discusses that organization's programs, philosophy, and relation to other organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous. Following Racette's presentation Clem Chartier makes some comments on the provincial Metis Housing Corporation.

The file contains a presentation by Joylene Shade. Shade, a fourth year Sociology student from the University of Lethbridge, discusses sexuality and teenagers. Specifically Shade highlights a lack of knowledge amongst Aboriginal youth regarding the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, and human sexuality in general. Shade makes recommendations to the Commission to help ameliorate this situation.

This file contains a presentation by Kahn-Tineta Horn and Dale Dione focusing on Iroquois democracy. The speakers provide a brief history of the Mohawk Nation and then discuss their form of democracy, their structure for resolving issues and their present struggles. The speakers also discuss the Oka Crisis of 1990. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Karen Commanda. Commanda, a First Nations librarian from the Nipissing First Nation, discusses funding concerns, discrimination concerns, and allege misappropriation of funds meant for First Nations libraries. Without naming names Commanda asks that the Commission recommend an independent investigation into these concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson poses questions on some of the issues raised which are answered by community member Reg McCormick.

File contains a presentation made by the Kasabonika First Nations. Theresa Brown and Jimmy Anderson spoke to the topic of social inequities on the reserve and process of the Kasabonika First Nations self-governance. Also contained are questions and comments from the assembled Commissioners as well as their closing remarks. Robert Nault was also asked to speak. Abel McKay gave the closing prayer.

This file contains a presentation by Katherine Bransfield relating to self-government and Aboriginal women. Gignoo Transition House recently opened in Fredericton, New Brunswick and its role is to provide shelter, food, love and support, education, counselling and play as an advocacy for women and children fleeing from abuse. As this house has been very successful in helping women and children, Bransfield calls for another house to be built in north-central New Brunswick. Her organization will be presenting a brief to the Commission in September 1993.

File contains a presentation by Katherine Fournier, United Church Native Solidarity Circle. Fournier discusses her organizations views on issues facing Aboriginal people including the need to educate non-Aboriginal people about the history of injustice towards their counterparts, the neccessity for the Federal government to deal with land claims and self-governance issues despite the defeat of the Charlottetown Accord via referendum, and that groups like the Solidarity circle can be supportive but not set the agenda: in their view that is something Aboriginal people must do themselves.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Kathy Jensen, School of Social Work Program. Jensen discusses educational opportunities in Northern Manitoba from "the perspective of the Faculty of Social Work" at the University of Manitoba, Thompson campus. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand discusses some of the issues raised with Jensen.

File contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon. Chiefmoon discusses racism "as it pertains here today" with a focus on off-reserve life. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the city of Lethbridge in the employment, post-secondary, and provincial government services. Chiefmoon also discusses what he deems discriminatory law enforcement practices, and Aboriginal over-representation in prisons. Chiefmoon also makes recommendations about languages, land claims, political representation in the federal parliament, and the need for an "off-reserve Indian government."

The file contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon on social housing. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the Lethbridge rental market, homelessness, and Aboriginal student's housing needs. Chiefmoon also discusses the exclusion of the disabled from on-reserve housing programs at the Blood Reserve. Chiefmoon makes recommendations regarding emergency housing, the establishment of an urban Indian housing program, the establishment of a student housing program, and the need for Aboriginal representation on the city's Landlord-Tenant Board.

The file contains a presentation by Kelly Healy. Healy presents a video clip from a trip her class took to Calgary to watch a debate between Progressive Conservative leadership candidates Jean Charest and Kim Campbell. During the trip the group experienced an incidence of overt racism which is referred to, and Healy states that she shares it to "show how much racism affects us. I just want something to be done about it."

The file contains a presentation by Kristen Many Bears. Many Bears, a grade 10 student at Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge, Alberta, discusses stereotypes and discrimination. Many Bears also discusses some ways in which racism and discrimination can be addressed.

File contains a presentation by Ken Harris, Meensganist Housing Society. Harris discusses his organization, a non-profit low-rental organization...not affiliated with any tribal councils or villages. We are actually independent." Harris discusses his organization's activities and associated housing concerns. Harris also discusses his relationship with the government and funding agencies, off-reserve migration of Aboriginal people to Prince Rupert and associated issues, and a series of questions about government policy.

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 Ken Thomas of the Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture Program, concerning treaty rights in agriculture, investment in Indian Farm Units and distribution of treaty land entitlement. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included.

This file contains a presentation by Kim Fraser and Cathy Bomberry focusing on the self-esteem of Aboriginal youth. The youth need to learn about their culture and classes could be offered in Aboriginal culture, history and language. Fraser also suggests that if high schools and post-secondary education institutions be built on First Nations to less the cultural shock that the youth suffer when leaving their families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Kim Gallant. Gallant presents her view on sexual discrimination in the Indian Act, and how it can be reformed to be more egalitarian. Following the presentation is a discussion between Gallant and the Commissioners regarding the issues raised.

This file contains a presentation by Kim Gernack and Shirley Bigney McHugh focusing on the rights and self-determination of Aboriginal disabled people. Areas of concerns are accessible living facilities, transportation in reserve and rural settings, and sufficient medical services and supplies. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Whiteduck discusses a variety of issues concerns, foremost of which are land and land claims. Whiteduck also discusses hunting and fishing rights, past exploitation of resources, Bill C-31, education (including post-secondary) concerns, language loss and assimilation, health services, and justice issues (including courts, Native courts, and policing). Following the presentation Whiteduck discusses some of these issues with the assembled Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Chairperson Kris Ramchandar and Harold Rampersad, of the Community and Race Relations Committee of the City of Winnipeg. The presenters discuss the position of Aboriginal peoples in Canadian society, some of the history of colonization, and make a series of recommendations to the Commission regarding government policy in the social and economic spheres.

File contains a presentation by Sophie Pierre, Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council. Pierre discusses a variety of issues in a general fashion on behalf of the Tribal Council including: justice concerns, housing and capital programs, the Council's wellness program, economic development, and fiscal arrangements in existence between the Tribal Councils and the federal government.

File contains a presentation made by the Lac Seul First Nation. Deputy Chief Roger Bull, Jack Brightnose and Harry Ignace all spoke to the topic of social plights on the Reserve and conditions of the First Nations reserve community. Also contained are questions and comments from the assembled Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Larry Chartrand and Troy Chalifoux of the Indigenous Law Program at the University of Alberta. Chartrand wonders if "my promoting the virtues of a legal education to Aboriginal students is essentially promoting Aboriginal society, or are we promoting the continued subjugation of Aboriginal people by the European-based colonial powers?"

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Westbank Indian Band by Larry Derrickson, Micha Menczer, and Gary Swite. Derrickson, a Band Councillor, gives a demographic overview and brief history of the First Nation, its three reserves, economic activities, by-laws, motions towards self-governance, justice issues, B.C. treaty making, resources and funding concerns. Micha Menczer, Legal Advisor to the Band, discusses self-government and land issues, jurisdictional confusion in social services, the Constitution, and the B.C. treaty making process.

The file contains a presentation by Larry Soldier, Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre. Soldier discusses the background of the Friendship Centre, its' operations, and some of its' organizational history. Amongst the issues Soldier raises are race relations; elder's issues; recreation and youth issues; cultural programming; self-governance; housing; addictions; education; and service delivery. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Soldier.

File contains a presentation by Larry Ussak. He discusses his concerns with the way the government handles the polar bear population, specifically some of the techniques they use which he believes is contributing to the populations decline. Ussak also talks about job training, welfare, drop-out rates, suicide, the financial difficulties of life in the north, and related concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Robinson discusses employment and training issues with Ussak and Paul Kaludjak.

File contains a presentation by LaShelle Brant of the First Peoples Fund of Toronto. Brant discusses her organization's origins and its accomplishments to date. The fund is intended to provide credit for Aboriginal entrepreneurs. Following the presentation is a discussion between Brant and Commissioners Blakeney and Wilson on business development issues.

File contains a presentation by Laverne Cook. Cook explains how she has been hired by the Port Alberni Friendship Centre to do a survey of "the disabled natives in the Port Alberni area" and how she feels that their needs in areas such as transportation, housing, and medicine need to be addressed.

This file contains a presentation by Lawrence Coutreille and Jeffrey Rath relating to broken treaties. They state that Fort McKay is 20 kilometers from the two biggest oil-sands in Canada, yet half the community does not have water and sewer, adequate roads and infrastructure. The speakers say that treaty promises have been broken and cite a number of Canadian court cases that favored Aboriginals. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 Leoni Kappi. He discusses education in a variety of facets including the need for traditional cultural content, a lack of funding, the need for adult education facilities, especially with regard to drop-outs, and the importance of traditional language instruction. Following the presentation Commissioners Robinson and Sillet discuss some of these issues with Kappi.

File contains a presentation by Leslie Knight. Knight, a health care worker, discusses community developments and health concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues Knight raises with her.

The file contains a presentation by Archie Catholique, Joe Boucher, and Ellen Bielawski of the Lutsel'Ke Dene Band. Catholique discusses concerns with a nearby hydro dam, flooding, and the loss of two experienced Elders through the ice due to it. Boucher, an Elder who speaks via a translator, discusses the impact of flooding at Nonacho Lake on gravesites, animal populations, and Dene life in general. Follwoing the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus makes some comments on the contents.

This file contains a presentation by Lex Ross and Billy McReady that states: "Aboriginals without basic literacy and academic skills will never secure and retain gainful employment." A new curriculum should be implemented that would enhance the self-image of young Aboriginals as to their culture and history. Amulet Consulting's teaching technology "doesn't replace existing teaching systems, it enhances them" with that new curricula. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

Historical note:

File contains a presentation by Lillian Sanderson. Sanderson presents her views on the condition of Aboriginal people in the north. Throughout her presentation she critiques the actions of multinational companies and governments in their dealings with Aboriginal people. Specific points of grievance include resource exploitation with little benefit to the people of the area, unfair treatment from the justice system, trappers being abused by the forestry industry, and a lack of investment in community development and social spending.

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 Linda Sioui. Sioui discusses the importance of the Huron-Wendat, and some measures she thinks should be taken to revive, promote and strengthen its' usage in the community. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks her for her remarks.

This file contains a presentation by Linda Staats and Vivian Bomberry relating to the need for a national public education strategy to initiate much-needed changes for Aboriginals in the education system. Staats states that cross-cultural education and anti-racist education is needed at all educational levels, along with revision of curriculum and teaching resources. She calls on the Commission to help fund a high school for Aboriginal students in Hagersville.

File contains a presentation by Lionel Whiteduck, Director, Health and Social Services, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Whiteduck discusses his personal experiences with health delivery across the country, gives a brief historical background to health delivery in traditional society, discusses the need to integrate traditional ideas with modern technologies, discusses some of the social and health issues facing Aboriginal communities such as high suicide rates, the importance of self esteem, funding and juridisdicitonal concerns.

This file contains a presentation by Lisa Maracle focusing on taxation of Aboriginal people. She states that the Indian Act directs that there be no taxation for Aboriginal people, yet the federal government is taxing Aboriginals. Maracle also says that the current federal government anti-racism program that advertises on radio, television and in print has not been successful in combating racism. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Lisa Raven, Hollow Water Band, Wanipigow School. Raven discusses her theory that the government has deliberately underfunded Status Indian education which she equates with an act of genocide. She also discusses the need for significant investments in education and economic development on reserves.

File contains a presentation by Lise Bastien of the First Nations Education Council. Bastien discusses educational policy, the need for Aboriginal educational autonomy, the need for education on Aboriginal history in the non-Aboriginal population, funding concerns, drop-out rates, and related issues. Following Bastien's presentation the assembled Commissioners engage her in a discusion on education issues.

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 Livina Lightbrown concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Al Day. Day, Chief of Onayataka, an Oneida First Nation, discusses the need to dismantle Indian Affairs, self-governance and nation to nation affairs, land claims, jurisdictional issues, education, justice concerns, and self-determination. Following the presentation Chief Day discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Daniel Miskokomon. Miskokomon, Chief of Walpole Island, London District, discusses his views on the empowerment, enablement, and equality of First Nations.

File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Phil Maness. Maness, Chief of Chippewas of Sarnia, London District, discusses three elements he views as neccessary for self-government: land, jurisdiction, and resources. Chief Maness also discusses the Treaty of Amherstburg, and the Indian Act. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the ideas raised with Chief Maness.

The file contains a presentation by Lorne Smith. Smith discusses his work as a youth worker for the Peigan Nation, and some of the issues they face with youth such as low self-esteem, and the need for cultural and historical education.

File contains a presentation by Louie Frank. Frank relates a message from a Nuu-Chah-Nulth elder to the Commission discussing his hopes and his people's hopes for it. Following this Commissioner Erasmus thanks Frank and sums up his ideas on the day's proceedings. Chief Nelson Keitlah then closes the days proceedings with a prayer in the Nuh-Chah-Nulth language.

File contains a presentation by President Louis Pilakapsi of the Keewatin Inuit Association. He gives a presentation on a variety of issues of concern to his organization including northern transportation costs and the need for improved transportation infrastructure, suicide concerns, health issues such as a lack of running water and E coli outbreaks in some communities, welfare concerns, the desire to keep uranium mining out of the future Nunavut territory due to health concerns, and the need for a health facility for the Keewatin Region.