File contains a presentation by Ronnie Leah, Sociology Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Leah discusses research she performed in the community which highlights the experience of Aboriginal women in the Lethbridge area in terms of systemic racism they face in their daily lives. Leah discusses her methodology, findings, and some ways in which she thinks the problems of racism in the community can be addressed.

This file contains a presentation in French by Rosaire Gendron relating to sport fishing as a tourist attraction in the Pointe a la Croix area, resulting in employment opportunities for area residents. Bruce Macintosh, Mayor, Campbellton, New Brunswick, is introduced as the next speaker.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Ross Gibson. Gibson, a government employee, discusses the recruiting process he engaged in in Northern Quebec during the High Arctic Relocation program during the 1950s, and his experiences with said program at Resolute Bay. Gibson gives his testimony under questioning from the assembled Commissioners.

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 presentations made by Roy Bird, Clive Diller and Del Anaquod of the Saskatchewan Indian Equality Foundation, concerning economic development, loans and banking in the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included.

File contains a presentation by Roy Cheechum on Community Project Development. Cheechum delivers a brief history of La Loche, an overview of problems the community faces such as high unemployment and high dependency on outside goods and services, housing issues, economic developments, tourism, and government spending in the community, the lack of a community tax base, and the success of the non-profit Methy Construction. Cheechum suggests that government spending has generally been ineffective and poorly delivered given the communities needs.

File contains remarks by Roy Myke, Jim Brady Metis Local Representative. Myke claims that self-governance has to be established from the bottom-up, at the community level. He states that "if the government ever gets serious about self-government, it has got to start at the bottom and not at the top." Following this Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand have a brief discussion with Myke regarding self-governance.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Sadie Parnell of the Kermode Friendship Centre. Parnell discusses the Friendship Centres operations and goals. Parnell requests more assistance from the government in terms of programming and education, particularly with reference to disabled people and non-Aboriginals to foster cross-cultural understanding. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson comment on the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Sam Horton whose organization recently acknowledged that "Ontario Hydro is really a company which failed to respect the Aboriginal people as individuals and nations with a proud history that were inhabitants of this land since time immemorial." Horton states that the presentation is more a status report on Ontario Hydro's experiences in working with Aboriginal people in Ontario.

The file contains a presentation by Samantha Bastien, a student at Piegan School on the Piegan Reserve, Alberta. Bastien states that she "basically agree[s]" with everything previous presenter Robin Weasel Bear had to say in his presentation. Robin Weasel Bear's presentation can be viewed on this site.

File contains a presentation by Samuel Stevens. Stevens, representing the government of the Northwest Territories, discusses initiatives that his government has taken with regard to Aboriginal people and the justice system.

The file contains a presentation by Sandra Delaronde, President, Metis Women of Manitoba. Delaronde discusses the history of the Metis people, land issues, issues with curricula, the need for rights recognition, social problems, environmental issues, self-governance,and international women's issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Delaronde.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Wes Whetung and Sanford Cottrelle of Newberry House (a halfway house). Whetung and Cottrelle discuss the prison system and Aboriginal offenders offering a comparative view of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal halfway houses, compensation for former residential school residents, accessible moneys to implement both cultural and non-cultural programs for children and youth, and stereotypes of Aboriginal people in text-books. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

This file contains a presentation by members of the Coalition Against First Nations Genocide, a group representing the grassroots of First Nations across Canada.

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 School of Human Justice given by Jim Harding concerning the Justice System as it pertains to the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

The file contains a presentation by Schuyler Webster. Webster discusses matters related to First Nation partnerships and promoting educational opportunities from his position as Coordinator of Human Native Services at the School of Social Work, Laurentian University.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Social Development by Charlene Belleau, Ralph Phillips, and Bob Manuel. The presenters discuss social development as a necessary precondition of land claims and self-governance. They discuss the need to address the social damages inflicted by residential schools and foster homes, dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. Commissioner Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Shacken Band School. Martha Aspinall, Charmane Sheena, and Sally Holmes discuss a variety of concerns regarding Band Schools, post-secondary funding, racism and discrimination, and jurisdictional issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank the presenters for their thoughts.

File contains a presentation by Sharon Pelletier at the University of Manitoba regarding her personal experiences as a mature student, single parent, and Bill C31 person. Following this is a discussion with the Commissioners also involving the preceding presenter, Dave Mowat, also a student at the University of Manitoba, regarding the issues raised in their two presentations.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Central Okanagan Regional District by Sharron Simpson, Chairperson. Simpson discusses her viewpoint as a Canadian with little knowledge of Aboriginal peoples. Simpson discusses her limited experiences with First Nations and Inuit people in her youth, the colonial mentality, the sociological concept of anomie, the need for mutual respect and understanding to forge a new relationship, work with the Westbank Indian Band, and concerns about the development of self-government. Simpson also makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Sheena Jackson. Jackson discusses racism, particularly in the field of education. Jackson critiques racist portrayals of Aboriginal people in Social Studies curricula, media representations, and related issues.

The file contains a presentation by Shelagh Grant. Grant discusses the issue of Canadian sovereignty with relation to the High Arctic Relocation program of the 1950s. Following Grant's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with her, after which Commissioner Dussault delivers closing remarks and concludes the day's sitting of the Commission.

The file contains a presentation by Shelagh Grant. Grant, a part-time teacher of History and Canadian Studies at Trent University, discusses sovereignty concerns with relation to the High Arctic Relocation program. Following Grant's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with her.

The file contains a presentation by Shelly Yellow Horn. Yellow Horn discusses the Youth Group Program on the Peigan Reserve which she is involved with. Yellow Horn explains its' mandate which involves alcohol and drug abuse prevention, education, cultural identity, and the development of youth leaders.

File contains a presentation by Shibogama First Nations Council, Sarah McKay. McKay discusses the social and health conditions of the local First Nations, and attributes many of their problems to colonialism and policies such as the residential schools. McKay recommends that any move towards self-governance first start by addressing the mental, spiritual, and physical health concerns of area First Nations. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with McKay.

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 a presentation by Simeonie Weetaluktuk. Simeonie is an elder who corroborates the preceding presenters take on history in the region. Specifically she discusses the lack of assistance available from the police, and the hardships her people faced. Weetaluktuk discusses relations with the Hudson's Bay Company, the introduction of the snowmobile, and housing concerns in the context of her communities history.

File contains a presentation by Simon Brascoupe of Apikan Ltd. Brascoupe discusses economic development, the role culture plays in it, and concludes with general economic strategy advice. Brascoupe emphasizes the interrelatedness of development and spirituality, the importance of traditional and local economies, and his belief that the future lies in education of people. Following Brascoupe's presentation Commissioners Dussault and Blakeney discuss some of the issues raised with him.

The file contains a presentation by Abbey Crook of the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre. Crook, Executive Director of the Centre, makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on behalf of Northwest Territories Friendship Centres. These include culture and language recommendations; education recommendations; justice recommendations; social recommendations (in terms of delivery of social services); and economic recommendations all based on a survey conducted by the Friendship Centres of their constituencies.

File contains a presentation by Soulion Herney. Herney is an individual from Eskasoni who wishes to have Kellys Mountain (aka Glooscap's Mountain) preserved as a sacred Micmac heritage site. This has brought the Micmac into conflict with the Kelly Rock Company which wishes to turn the site into a gravel quarry.

File contains a presentation on behalf of St. Martin's Hospital by Administrator Violet Lemaigre, and Pat Malmgren. Administrator Lemaigre discusses the situation of her hospital which she desribes as very small and constantly underfunded. Lemaigre also discusses transportation issues, disease and addiction issues, staff shortage issues, mental health issues, elderly and disabled persons issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillet discuss some of the issues raised with Lemaigre and Malmgren.

File contains a presentation by Steeve Mathias, Director General, Algonquin Economic Development. Mathias, a representative of the largest Algonquin institution for economic development, discusses Algonquin economic concerns. Mathias discusses the current situation of the Algonquin economy, the steps he sees as being necessary to invigorate it, and some of the problems he sees with federal programs designed to aid it. Following his presentation Mathias discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Dussault, Polson, Blakeney and Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Rita Campbell and Chief Greg Lucus of the Stephenville Crossing Indian Band. Campbell presents on the composition of the band, the need for federal recognition, employment problems, a lack of family services, housing concerns, hunting and fishing rights, linguistic and cultural concerns, health concerns, and self-governance. Following this Chief Greg Lucas discusses health and service issues with Commissioner Erasmus, then with Commissioner Robinson and Tony John, including post-secondary education concerns.

This file contains a presentation by Stuart Myiow Sr. and Stuart Myiow Jr. Myiow Sr. expresses skepticism that this Royal Commission will be able to influence the federal government and feels that if Aboriginals in Canada achieve self-government, it must be done in conjunction with the Great Law of Peace. Myiow Jr.

File contains a presentation by seven students from the Henry Gordon Academy in Cartwright, Labrador. The presenters are as follows: Janice Clark, Sharon Bird, Fabian Green, Norman Frieda, Lee Pittman, Janet Paul, and Barbie Mesher. Commissioners Erasmus and Sillet discuss Metis identity in Labrador and educational issues with the students.

The file contains a presentation by Superintendent Brian Krambl, City of Winnipeg Police Department. Krambl discusses the Police services efforts to date regarding employment equity, cultural education, and general policing issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Krambl.

This file contains a presentation by Susan K. Horne who provides a brief history of her organization. The mandate of the Foundation is to help fund and support health care services at the community level, with the focus on areas that are not covered or not fully covered by conventional government funding sources. Horne states that financial support from the Kahnawake community makes up for occasional shortfalls in money to buy inexpensive imaging equipment and vehicles for transportation, but the majority of funding is from the federal government.

The file contains a presentation by Sydney McKay of the Manitoba Metis Federation (Thompson Region), and Freda Lundmark, Metis Women of Manitoba. Lundmark discusses Metis youth, employment, cultural, recreational, education, Elders, housing, child care, child support, gender and employment, curricula, Aboriginal languages (including Michif, Cree, and Saulteaux), jurisdiction, justice, health, and general concerns of Metis women and youth in Northern Manitoba.

File contains a presentation by T'mas Young of the Micmac AIDS Task Force. Young makes a wide array of recommendations to the Commission related to Aboriginal AIDS awareness and treatment. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Morris, thank Young and discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Tara Perley of the Tobique First Nation, and Phyllis Barnaby of the Burnt Church Band on issues facing Aboriginal post-secondary students. Perley discusses suicide rates and concerns, while Barnaby focuses on funding concerns. Following their respective presentations is a discussion between the presenters and Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson on post-secondary education issues.

File contains a presentation by Arnold Paul of the Temagami First Nation. Paul discusses his home community of Bear Island, education, and economic development; specifically M'Kwa Minissi Anishnabaquec which operates a craft shop and training program for local women. Paul recommends to the Commission that the government negotiate self-governance arrangements on a case by case basis to suit the needs of individual communities.

File contains a presentation by the Abitibiwinni Band (Pikogan), Chief Harry McDougal and Edward Kistabish. The Band representatives discuss their land claim, and their unique position as the only Algonquin band in the area who are signatories to Treaty 9. In addition to this they discuss how some members of their communities are subject to the James Bay agreement, which makes for a complex legal situation for their people. Following the presentation the two presenters discuss some of these issues with the assembled Commissioners.

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.

File includes a presentation by Vice-President Denis Gill of the Centre Block of the Atikamekw and Montagnais Council. Gill expresses his thanks for the preceding presenters position on land claims, then goes on to his topic which is the federal Pathways program for Aboriginal labour force training. Gill gives an overview of the program than highlights a variety of problems with it, particularly in terms of administration, allocation of resources, and implementation. Following Gill's presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank him and discuss some of the issues raised with him.

The file contains a presentation by the Concerned Fishermen, Chairman Robert Ross. Chairman Ross discusses his Aboriginal fishermen's organizational viewpoint regarding the environment, conservation harvesting, marketing of their own fish, and tourism. Ross makes a variety of complaints regarding the fishing operations of the Freshwater Fish Corporation on Great Slave Lake, alleging serious environmental and labour abuses.

File contains a presentation by Raymond Laliberte and Sylvie Paquerot of the First Nations Support Committee. Laliberte gives an overview of the organization and its history which is composed entirely of non-Aboriginal Quebecois and functions as a pressure group making statements on current events regarding Aboriginal-non-Aboriginal relations in Quebec. Following his presentation, the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Laliberte and Paquerot.