File contains a presentation by Peter Sackeney and Holly Kowtook Holopainen relating to the importance of the Native Criminal Court Worker program provided at their Friendship Centre. Despite decreasing funding, their services include translation and after-court assistance. The presenters call on the Commission to ensure funding for the hiring of Aboriginal court workers to continue serving the urban Aboriginal community in Timmins. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Peter Sinclair, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Sinclair discusses "our day to day nightmare with the ongoing obstruction and interference by Government Bureaucracies." Sinclair relates some of the Cree Nation's history with regard to resource exploitation, residential schools, land use, racism, the negative impact of hydro-electric development, and related concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson discusses some of the issues raised with Sinclair after which the Commission's sitting is concluded for the day.

File contains a presentation by Phil Fontaine (at the time the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) regarding a wide range of topics including the Commission's mandate, Treaty issues, residential schools, justice reform, self-government, and resources. Following the presentation is a wide ranging discussion between Chief Fontaine and the Commission members on topics raised in the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Philip Goulais relating to the mandate of the Indian Commission of Ontario: To provide a forum for the negotiation of Aboriginal land claims and self-government; and to assist in the resolution of any other issue of mutual concern to Canada or the First Nations in the Province of Ontario. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Phyllis Fisher relating to the use of violence towards Canada's First Peoples, historical and present day. The Canadian Friends Service Committee, a Quakers committee, have previously assisted the Innu in Labrador, the Lubicon in Alberta and were present at the Oka Crisis. The presenters make numerous recommendations, including the establishment of an environmental process that will adequately protect the land, environment and wildlife; and that public policy and funding must give preference to renewable resource development over non-renewable resources.

This file contains a presentation by Pierre Minville focusing on tourism in the Oka area. He lists some spots such as Lac des Deux Montagnes and the beautiful and historic coniferous hardwood forests that surround the village of Oka that could be turned into tourist attractions, which would create jobs for Aboriginals in the area. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a summary of the preceding round table discussion on the Oka Crisis of 1990, and related issues of Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal relations in the Oka area by Pierre Trudel, rapporteur. Trudel highlights a variety of themes in the discussion by Non-Aboriginal people which shows the difference in perception of the root causes of the Oka crisis between the Mohawk and Quebecois populations. For a full transcript of the round table discussion see Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples 115: Round table No. 1 on this site.

File contains a presentation made by Marie Symes Grehan for the Pinehouse Metis Society Local and Deputy Mayor George Smith. The presentation touched on the topics of economic development and employment in the Metis community. Also contained are comments and questions concerning the Intervenor Funding Program.

File contains a presentation by Charlie Thompson, President of hte Port Alberni Friendship Centre. Thompson tells the history of his people, the problems caused by colonialism and the government's approach, his personal experience with residential schools, some issues of self-governance, and the story of his particular Friendship Centre. Following the presentation is a discussion between Thompson and Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson on the challenges facing urban Aboriginals.

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.

File contains a presentation by Randy Sawyer. Sawyer discusses Aboriginal languages in Canada and their importance. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with Sawyer.

File contains a presentation by Randy Tindale, Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes. Tindale discusses the composition of his organization, its structure and mandate. He then goes on to relate difficulties it has experienced with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and what he describes as a minority of government bureaucrats with prejudicial attitudes towards Aboriginal organizations. Tindale reccomends that the federal government appoint an ombudsman to look into such concerns.

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 a presentation by Elder Ray Prince of the Northern Region of the National Aboriginal Veteran's Association on the topic of the situation of Aboriginal veterans in Canada compared to non-native veterans.

This file contains a presentation by four members of the Indian Association of Alberta. The first speaker, Regena Crowchild, expresses disappointment with the Royal Commission's recommendation that "the right to self-determination is to 'pursue self-government within the structure of Confederation to join in the process of building a country that derives its strength from the contributions of all its peoples' is to misconstrue the meaning of the right of self-determination." Chowchild believes that "states have a duty to accommodate the aspirations of Indigenous peoples.

This file contains a presentation by Remi Kurtness and Alain Nepton relating to Aboriginal self-government. Among the recommendations: "(T)he right to self-government beyond the restrictive federal policy which still reflects a paternalistic federal responsibility; and the implementation of an authentic formula for self-government that gives political effect to what we consider was won in Charlottetown." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Rene Tenasco, Councillor of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Tenasco delivers an address on Aboriginal history in Canada, and his opinion on the ongoing move towards reconciliation of which the Royal Commission is a part. Following the statement Commissioner Dussault thanks Tenasco, and Commissioner Robinson discusses Indian Act concerns with Tenasco.

File contains a presentation by Renee K. Abram, Coordinator of the Ontario Literacy Coalition. Abram discusses the history of her organization and "the healing that is taking place in the communities at this time in the form of Native literacy programs." Following the presentation is a discussion between Abram and Commissioners Dussault, Wilson, and Blakeney on literacy issues.

The file contains a presentation by Reuben Ploughman. Ploughman discusses his perspective on the High Arctic Relocation as a Hudson's Bay Company employee at Inukjuaq (Port Harrison) and other locations in Northern Canada. Following the presentation Ploughman discusses some of his testimony with the assembled Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Rev. Dr. R. Burn Purdon, Rev. Faye Wakeling and Rev. Pierre Goldberger.

This file contains a presentation by Rev. Dr. Raymond Hodgson and Rev. Peter Hemel. Their organization is a national ecumenical coalition, one of 12 national coalitions of the major Christian churches in Canada. The Taskforce assists the members in implementing policies adopted by the churches in the areas of corporate, social and environmental responsibility. For example, the Taskforce worked with the Nisga'a relating to a mine built in Alice Arm, British Columbia.

File contains a presentation by the Rev. Ken Forrester of the Roman Catholic Church Development and Peace Group. Forrester discusses some of his organizations views on issues like reconciliation, justice, solidarity, and the fight against racism and discrimination. Following the remarks Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Forrester for his thoughts.

File contains a presentation by the Reverend Doug Greenough of the St. Clair United Church. Reverend Greenough, pastor of a Church on the Sarnia Reserve, discusses the United Church of Canada's views on Aboriginal spirituality, his own personal ones, and cross-cultural understanding.

This file contains a presentation by Reverends Douglas Crosby, OMI, Marc Lortie, OMI and Achiel Peelman, OMI. Their presentation makes a number of points, including recognition and implementation of Aboriginal self-government, Aboriginal input concerning decisions about Aboriginal lands leading to self-sufficiency, and the federal government's recognition of its fiduciary responsible to on- and off-reserve Aboriginals, Metis, non-status and registered Aboriginal people. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows 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.

This file contains a presentation by Rheena Diabo and Keith Leclair outlining the committee's goals, which include improving community participation in the planning, evaluation and administration of health and social services; providing training for health promotion and prevention; and participating in the close relationship between health services and social services. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows 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.

This file contains a presentation by Rhonda Alain discussing her group's research project that identifies concerns and issues that impact on the lives of Aboriginal youth and finding solutions to those concerns. She calls for Canada-wide Aboriginal youth groups; school curricula to include an accurate history of Aboriginal peoples; healing circles that include involvement of elders; and recreation programs that promote positive self-image for Aboriginal youth. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Rick Krehbiel, Regional Director of the Ministry of Environment in Fort St. John. Krehbiel discusses a variety of issues from his perspective as an official of the British Columbia government, who previously worked for the Saskatchewan government in the north of that province.

File contains a presentation by Ricki Schock, Native Outreach Coordinator, Native Council PEI. Schock's presentation deals with a federal program called Pathways, and is intended to "point out that it is not only a bad policy, and entirely inconsistent with native self-government, but...also an example of the kind of thing you should be advising the government not to do." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Rita Corbiere. Corbiere, an Ojibwa Elder from the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve, discusses the past of the Anishnabe people, economic and taxation issues, the state of the British Empire and Monarchy, the Chartered Lands Act, fisheries, environmental issues, Ojibwa service in the War of 1812, the 1836 Treaty on Manitoulin Island, and the Chartered Lands Act.

This file contains a presentation by Rivard Larouche and Jean-Benoit Gagnon that first provides a history of the organization. The presentation focuses on the cultural, sociological and economic aspects of trapping activity in Quebec. Trapping is vital for survival for some trappers; it is also culturally significant with generations of trappers in families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 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 Rob Belfrey of the Ogemawahj Tribal Council, at a Round Table discussion of self-government.

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 Alexis, Vice Chief for Trapping. Alexis is Vice Chief of Trapping for the Gwich'in people of Fort McPherson and discusses the problems and concerns of trappers in his presentation. The most important issue facing trappers he states is the switiching of traps from traditional leg holds to conibear traps. He contrasts trapping with office work and professes his love for the lifestyle of the trap line. He discusses how the conibear is a bad substitute for the traditional leg hold traps.

File contains a presentation by Robert Doucette. Doucette discusses conditions for Metis people within the City of Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan generally. Doucette highlights problems of institutional racism, access to education, ignorance of Aboriginal identity and issues in the general population, migration to urban centres, and related issues. Doucette also discusses the need for a Metis land base and the differences in the way the government addresses Metis and Treaty people's issues.

This file contains a presentation by Robert Vachon that focuses on Quebecois geographer Louis-Edmond Hamelin's assertion that non-Aboriginal people have not accepted the hypothesis that Aboriginal peoples have a political culture or tradition whose expressions and presuppositions could be radically different from the Western ones.

The file contains a presentation by Robert Williamson, a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Saskatchewan. Williamson discusses Inuit culture, history, displacement of people for tuberculosis treatment, and the High Arctic Relocation both as an event and as what he feels it signifies to Inuit leaders today. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of Williamson's ideas with him.

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."

The file contains a presentation by Rod Murphy, MP. Murphy, New Democratic Party Member of Parliament for the Federal riding of Churchill, discusses the aftermath of the Charlottetown Accord referendum, his views on Aboriginal issues in Canada, positive achievements in the recent past, educational programs, employment programs, the situation in his own riding, housing issues, transportation issues, water and infrastructure issues, health issues, child care issues, seniors issues, addictions issues, land claims issues, justice issues, the Indian Act, and resource issues.

The file contains a presentation by Roger Jones. Jones, a member of the Shawanaga First Nation, discusses "solutions and recommendations for self-government, exercising our inherent right and he will also discuss the barriers and resolutions." In doing so Jones discusses the Ojibwa worldview and Canada's obligations to his people. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss the issues raised with Jones.

This file contains a presentation by Roger Obonsawin relating to problems faced by Aboriginal communities and individuals. He offers a number of solutions, including recognizing Aboriginal and treaty rights to form the basis for strong, self-sufficient Aboriginal communities; initiating economic development that focuses on small business development; and that Indian and Northern Affairs Canada be relieved of its responsibility for implementing and negotiating self-government initiatives. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Ron Abreira focusing on economic opportunities for the Kahnawake community. Kahnawake residents are involved in construction, restaurants, arts and crafts and automotive services, and Abreira is leading his organization's diversification into new markets. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

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 made by Ron Caisse on the topic of youth in the Metis community. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Ron Eldridge, Vice-President, NORTEP Student Association. Eldridge asks "how are we to be self-governing if we cannot educate ourselves?" He discusses the NORTEP program, and highlights his major concern of funding cuts to it.

This file contains a presentation by Ron George and Bob Groves focusing on self-determination for Aboriginal peoples in Canada's larger urban centres. The presenters state that nearly half of Canada's Aboriginal peoples live in large urban centres and feel that the Indian Act has left out people who do not live on reserves. Their group was involved in the Royal Commission's National Round Table on urban issues last year and the presenters state their presentation reinforces their concerns from last year's Round Table.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Ron Martelle, Mayor of Cornwall and Denis Thibeault, Director of Employment Office, Cornwall on the subject of responsibilities of governments to the First Nations.

The file contains a presentation by Ron Nadeau, Native Communications Incorporated. Nadeau discusses the operation of Aboriginal broadcasters like NCI in Canada, touching on mandate, cultural, government policy, and funding issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Nadeau.