File contains a presentation by Anna Samisack, Atiraq Women's Group. Samisack presents on women's issues in the community including daycare, funding for her group, and the loss of traditional culture. Following the presentation is a discussion between Samisack, Mayor Jobie Epoo, and Commissioner Dussault on daycare facilities in the community.

File contains a presentation by Anne Rochon Ford, Vicki Ann Wagner, Interim Regulatory Council on Midwifery. The two presenters discuss their organization (funded by the province of Ontario), their work with Aboriginal peoples, jurisdictional issues, the loss of the traditional Aboriginal midwife in Aboriginal society, the desire to incorporate new practices with old, and related issues. They also discuss community birthing centres so that midwifes could be both trained and utilized in a culturally appropriate setting.

File contains an individual presentation by Barbara Becker describing the effects of residential schools, Bill C-31 and discrimination against Aboriginal women have had on her family. She urges Canadian non-Aboriginals to understand their history because without that background, she feels that understanding Aboriginal history is impossible. Becker suggests having Commissioner Viola Robinson lead a closed hearing for Aboriginal women to present their concerns and ideas. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Barbara Johnson, a Micmac person from Hants County, Nova Scotia. Johnson discusses a wide variety of issues including Micmac identity, the Indian Act, Aboriginal women's issues, drugs, mobility rights, traditional lifestyles, and Education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners on issues covered.

File contains an presentation by Bertha Clar representing the recently-opened Athabasca Native Friendship Centre. She speaks about a variety of issues such as minimal funding for Friendship Centres, bingo as an inreliable source of funding, the Canadian Constitution and discrimination against women. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Betsy Brooks, President, Metis Nation Local 1935. Brooks discusses the Metis local in Fort McMurray and some of its challenges including the lack of an administration building and funding concerns. Following the presentation Betsy discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney.

File contains a presentation by Councillor Beverly Waditaka, Councillor of the Wahpeton Band. Waditaka discusses education on the Wahpeton First Nation at the elementary level, then goes on the discuss Daktoa language and problems with language retention on reserve. Waditaka discusses how the Dakota believe that post-secondary education is an inherent right. She then goes on to discuss women's issues such as Bill C-31.

File contains a presentation made by the Big Trout Lake Women's Group. Anna McKay, Sadie McKay and Alice Beardy all spoke to the topic of social plights from medical care to crime and their associated problems. Also contained are questions and comments from the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Bill Riddell and Leah Inutiq, members of Tuvvik, a committee of the Baffin Regional Council that delivers alcohol and drug counselling programs in Iqaluit. They express concern that social programs are being funded as a result of "political decisions that are popular and are likely to result in re-election." There is no longevity with social programs which ultimately harm the people they are trying to help. They also state concerns with the justice system. Following the presentation is a discussion with the commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Brenda Small. Small, a member of the Mocreebec community (originally from what is now Quebec) near Moose Factory. Small discusses what she views as the plight of Aboriginal women, and the need for them to have the courage to speak out about the social problems that afflict their communities. Small also stresses the need for Aboriginal men to take responsibility for their actions and help speak out against domestic violence and abuse.

The file contains a presentation by Bridget Elliott and Martha Mackenzie. Elliott and Mackenzie, representing the Sudbury Anishnawbaequek, discuss the relationship between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people with respect to educational institutions and curricula, youth issues, women's issues, and the N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre in Sudbury. During the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Carol Croxon. Croxon, who works for the Ojibway Family Resource Centre, Nipissing First Nation, discusses family violence and associated issues. Following the presentation Croxon discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Wilson and Sillett.

This file contains a presentation by Caroline Solomon focusing on the establishment of Ecotivik, a proposed home for battered women and their children, to be located in Nain. She calls on the Commission to help secure funding for this much-needed facility. The next speaker, Silpa Edmunds, is introduced.

File contains a presentation by Catherine Brooks, Executive Director, Anduhyuan Community School. Brooks speaks on behalf of women who come and stay at the Anduhyaun Women's Shelter in Toronto. Brooks discusses the challenges presented by violence against women in the Aboriginal community, and the operations of the shelter. Following the presentation is a discussion between Brooks and Commissioners Robinson, Sillet, and Erasmus, on the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Cathy Rutherford. Rutherford discusses her observations as the foster parent of 16 Aboriginal children and 10 white children. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank her for sharing her views.

The file contains a presentation by Celeste McKay and Joyce Courchene, Indigenous Womens Collective. McKay and Courchene discuss Aboriginal women's issues with relation to self-determination, economics, and the Indian Act. They make some policy recommendations to the Commission with regard to these issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Charlotte Ross, La Ronge Native Women's Council. Ross discusses her personal experience with family violence, and discusse the La Ronge Native Women's Council of which she is a part. Ross discusses her view that abusers as well as the abused need treatment for behaviour they have internalized.

File contains a opening remarks by the Chief of the Eskasoni First Nation welcoming the Commission to his territory. It also contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus discussing the beginning of the "hearing phase" of the Commission's work, and the areas to be covered in its mandate including: self-government, treaties, a land base for people, economic development, women's issues, elder's issues, youth issues, the constitution, and "just about anything you might think of that affects aboriginal people. Our mandate covers all aboriginal people in all parts of the country."

File contains a presentation by Chief Kowaintco Shackelly, Nooaitch Indian Band. Shackelly discusses the Charlottetown Accord, its package dealing with Aboriginal issues, its defeat by referendum, self-governance, language concerns, women's issues (including Bill C-31), and a variety of health concerns especially the need for more Aboriginal health practitioners and participation in the system. Following her presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand and Chief Don Moses, engage Shackelly in a conversation about some of the issues highlighted.

File contains a presentation by Chief Shirley Prosper, and Gerald Webb of the Corner Brook Band. Prosper discusses some issues facing the band in a brief presentation including government recognition, family problems, women's issues, and the need for the establishment of cultural centres to promote the Micmac culture. Following Prosper's presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson engage her in dialogue after which Webb comments on the economic base of the band.

File contains a presentation by Clifton (Francis) Simon, resident of Big Cove, New Brunswick. Simon touches on a number of areas of concern for him: self-government, economic development, discrimination against Aboriginal women, justice and education. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus during the first public meeting of said Commission. Erasmus spoke about how Chief Thunderchild viewed the need to hold on to Aboriginal land rights, and how this was still important in the nineteen-nineties.

The file contains a presentation by Connie Chartrand, Metis National Council. Chartrand, family violence coordinator for Metis Women of Manitoba, discusses her work establishing self-help groups for Metis women, and her concerns about the possibility of suicides in some instances related to family violence and breakdowns.

File contains a presentation by Connie Eyolfson of the Strong Earth Women Lodge. Eyolfson first discusses her home community of Traverse Bay, and claims they are First Nations (Non-Status), and not a Métis population as the Métis Federation of Manitoba has claimed. Eyolfson then goes on to describe her organization, the Strong Earth Women Lodge, which provides 24 hour care service for crisis situations. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the content.

File contains a presentation by Darlene McLeod, Band Administrator, Wahpeton Band. McLeod delivers a presentation on housing, mortgages, and education financing concerns. Following McLeod's presentation a discussion takes place between the assembled Commissioners, previous presenter Beverly Waditaka, and Darlene McLeod on the issues raised in their respective presentations.

File contains a presentation by Debbie Foxcraft, Manager, USMA Nuu-chah-nulth Housing and Related Infrastructure. Commissioner Georges Erasmus asks Foxcraft a variety of questions related to her organization and its activities in the sphere of child and family services to which Foxcraft replies. Following this are some comments by Commissioner for the day Nelson Keitlah on children's issues.

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 Debbie Thomas for the Native Women's Association C-31 on the subject of the treatment of Native women. Questions from the assembled Commissioners is also included.

File contains a presentation by Debra Hanley. Hanley gives a summary and follow-up of eight commission and inquiry reports on Aboriginal justice issues. These include federally: "Creating Choices, the Task Force on Federally Sentenced Women"; "A Law Refrom Commission Report on Aboriginal People and Criminal Justice"; and, "The Indian Policing Task Force" provincially: "The Marshall Inquiry"; "The Manitoba Justice Inquiry"; "The Saskatchewan Indian and Metis Justice Review Committees"; and "The Alberta Causy (PH) Commission".

File contains a presentation by Denise Thomas, Southeast Region of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Thomas discusses the need for Métis economic development in her region of Manitoba, and highlights some ways she thinks this can be done through financial and educational infrastructure measures. Following the presentation Thomas engages in a brief discussion with Commissioner Sillet on women's business issues, followed by a comment on the presentation by Commissioner Chartrand.

File contains remarks by Diane Delaronde of the Pas Region, Manitoba Metis Federation. Delaronde welcomes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba on behalf of her organization.

This file contains a presentation by Dolores Andre, Debbie Dedam and Veronique Thusky focusing on the view that "urban Aboriginal women should have inherent rights like all of the First Nations." Their group offers the following recommendations for urban Aboriginal women: Access to social, health and child care services equal to those of the communities; construction of a network of housing co-operatives be developed in Montreal, Quebec City and Hull, which would be accessible to all Aboriginal people; and that greater financial resources be allocated to the Pathway to Success program to provi

File contains a presentation by Don McLean, a status Indian Micmac man who lives off reserve. McLean lists two issues he would like the Commission to discuss: namely, the allocation of federal funding to bands not reaching off-reserve members, and compensation for women who lost their status by marrying non-Aboriginal men. Following the presentation are a few brief remarks by Georges Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Doris Young of the Indigenous Women's Collective regarding Aboriginal women's issues/views in the realm of the justice system, schools, the Indian Act, training and employment, political systems, and self-governance. Young also stresses the need for Aboriginal women's participation in the establishment of a Charter of Rights for Aboriginal People should such legislation be enacted.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Anne Anderson. Anderson's presentation entitled "The history of the Metis nation." The presentation gives a general overview of Metis history from Anderson's own personal perspective and what she thinks is its relevance.

File contains a presentation by Elder Rosie Nelson. Nelson relates her own life history in English and Anishnabe (English translation provided) as well as her views on self-government and economic development (specifically gaming). Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand concludes the day's sitting of the Commission with closing remarks and thanks the participants.

File contains a presentation by Elizabeth Levi first presenting a brief history of the women's group, and outlines the group's aims and objectives in the future. Of note is the scheduled opening of an office later in 1992 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and the two Council presenters on some of the issues raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Emma Robert. Robert discusses concerns affecting working women, particularly those with children, in the community. She sees the biggest problems as being a lack of daycare and babysitter facilities. Another concern she raises is rents being too high for working people. She highlights her biggest concern for people in the community in general as being proper job training which isn't available at the moment. Following the presentation, Commissioner Rene Dussault offers a comment and question on daycare and housing which Roberts answers.

File contains a presentation by Daisy Hoppe and Sarah Melvin of the Equay Wuk Women's Group. Hoppe discusses the formation of the group in 1988 by "like-minded women who were concerned about family violence that was being experienced and encountered by First Nations women in local and northern communities." Hoppe gives examples of the group's objectives as an educational and advocacy organization, then makes a series of recommendations to the Commission to deal with family violence issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Charles Fox and Bertha Wilson make comments on it.

File contains a presentation by Ethel Blondin, MP, who briefly discusses a multitude of concerns relating to Aboriginal, Metis and Dene peoples. She calls for a national youth conference on issues such as AIDS education, substance abuse and single parent families. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Eva Johnson and Elizabeth Beauvais that describes four "touchstones for change: A new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, self-determination, self-sufficiency, and healing." Beauvais reads from an unidentified document "that was presented to the governments in 1985" which expresses the wishes of the Five Nations Confederacy.

File contains a presentation by Evangeline Francis regarding the system First Nations peoples lived under before contact with Europeans. Francis discusses the roles men and women played in family life and how those roles were "eroded away over the years by the oppression. She emphasizes the victimization of Aboriginal women and the need for Aboriginal men to heal. She introduces Elizabeth Levi, the next speaker.

The file contains a presentation by Evelyn Ballantyne. Ballantyne discusses Bill C-31 and its effects on the lives of Aboriginal women in Manitoba with reference to housing, discrimination, lack of consultation of women on major political decisions, and the Charlottetown Accord referendum. Edith Young discusses women's and general Aboriginal issues including loss of culture and language, violence and residential schooling, family violence, the need for financial aid, the need for healing lodges, alcoholism, and political corruption at the band level.

File contains a presentation by Evelyn Webster, Vice-President, Indigenous Women's Collective to the Commission. Webster provides a brief historical overview of her organization, and its mandate to address the social, economic, and political issues confronting Aboriginal women in Manitoba. Webster then goes on to discuss the traditional role of women in Aboriginal societies, and traditional Aboriginal values.

File contains a presentation by Georgette Djan-Drapper, the Saskatchewan representative of the organization, focusing on racism in Canada, retention of Black identity, language and culture, and better treatment from the criminal justice system. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gerald Morin, MIchele Harding and Clem Chartier covering a wide range of topics, including the aftermath of the Charlottetown Accord, the Metis Nation Accord, land claims and self-government. Harding also represents the Education and Employment Women's Working Agenda group. Her brief presentation discusses adult basic education and the high dropout rate of Aboriginal and Metis youth in high school. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gerri Collins, Second Vice-Chairman, British Columbia Association of Friendship Centres. She introduces Wilfred Price and Wally Samuel, members of the executive of the British Columbia Association of Friendship Centres. Collins gives a brief history of the Canadian Friendship Centre movement. She questions the validity of holding discussions around urban Aboriginal self-government without the involvement of the BC Association of Friendship Centres, the only urban Aboriginal organization which has a mechanism in place already.

This file contains a presentation by Gerry Pascal and Charlotte Debbane discussing Aboriginal history, culture and spirituality; the Two-Row Wampum, treaties and sovreignty. Debbane's remarks focus on violence against women and she states that women need to be at the forefront to end the violence against women. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Peters, Regional Chief, Chiefs of Ontario. Peters discusses his organization and its goals in representing the First Nations of Ontario including self-governance, the need to administer their own social services programs, land claims in terms of reclamation of what was lost, and problems with intergovernmental relations. Following the presentation are questions and comments by Comissioners Erasmus, Robinson, Blakeney, and Wilson which Peters addresses.

File contains a presentation by Grace Delaney. Delaney discusses her personal spiritual views and gives her perspective on the need to "recognize the misdeeds that people are doing in our communities."

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 Greer Atkinson of the United Indian Councils, at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.