Indian & Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)

Describes the link between federal First Nations health care, in the period 1890 to 1930, and the social reform goals and values of that same time period.

Part 10 of Volume 1, Part 2 of the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

Short list of significant dates in the residential school crisis.

Focusing on the history of residential schools in Canada. Asserts the government and churches attempted to eliminate aboriginal culture.

Author reflects on issues faced while dealing with housing for the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and effects of capitalism on cultural and social institutions.

Reports that government policies and practices must leave individuals in a better state than before an intervention occurred.

Discusses the demand for land development and how the requirements and procedures vary from First Nation to First Nation.

Responses based on consultations with 42 First Nations women regarding options presented by the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Provides an overview of the development of First Nation control over education with the establishment of Band-controlled schools and argues the schools are simply a means to continue the federal assimilation policy.

Paper Commissioned for the Minister's National Working Group on Education, October 2002.

Purpose of the study was to evaluate the program administered by Indian and Northern Affairs, the applicability of First Nation University of Canada's structures to other Aboriginal institutes of higher learning, and the benefits of existing Aboriginal intuitions to students.

Book reviews on: Coast Salish Essays by Wayne Suttles. Phoenix Indian School by Robert Trennert. The Good Red Road: Passages into Native America by Kenneth Lincoln with Al Logan Slagle. The Indians of Texas: An Annotated Research Bibliography by Michael L. Tate. The Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains by John C. Fremont. Among the Sioux of Dakota: Eighteen Months' Experience as an Indian Agent, 1869-70 by D. C. Poole. Sovereignty and Symbol: Indian-White Conflict at Ganeinkeh by Gail H.

Tribute to an adolescent who committed suicide after moving in and out of 28 foster homes. This film deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised. Duration: 29:10.

This file contains five booklets related to the history of the 1885 Riel Rebellion. Diary of Francis Dickens by Vernon LaChance (1930), Four Months Under Arms by H. S. Nelson (nd), Twelve Days With The Indians by Neil Brodie (1932), War-Peace in Canada: The Invader Responsible for the Death of the Patriot Louis Riel by Jules Sioui (1943), and Saskatchewan Guide to Historic Sites of the North West Rebellion (1985).

"This article examines the disciplinary effects of hockey at Pelican Lake Indian Residential School from 1945 to 1951".

He gives an account of the Sioux participation in the War of 1812 on the side of the British, and the Sioux interpretation of the reward promised them by the British Crown; tells the history and whereabouts of the King George III medals given to the Sioux for their loyalty to the British Crown during the War of 1812; tells the story of two Sioux chiefs who were kidnapped in Manitoba and returned to the United States, presumably for their part in the 1862 Sioux uprising (Minnesota Massacre); tells of the dispersal of the Sioux in their flight from the U.S.

Final Report concludes that Canada (the Crown) did not breach Treaty 1 when it permitted a surrender of the Band's reserve land. Commissioners include: Daniel J. Bellegarde, Alan C. Holman, and Sheila G. Purdy. [This file has been saved and made available online with permission from the Indian Claims Commission website before it closed down in March 2009.]

This file contains an individual presentation by Dave Janvier detailing his struggle to upgrade his high school education so he can attend the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Janvier feels that the Department of Indian Affairs has unfairly denied him funding for high school upgrading. Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair, makes brief comments after the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Larry Gilbert discussing the recurring problem of discrimination against Aboriginal women and their children and the policies and practices at Indian Affairs which are designed and succeed in frustrating the legitimate claims to entitlement.

File contains an individual presentation by Marvin Assinewai relating to Aboriginal post-secondary education. He recommends that the Canadian government recognize that all levels of education is an Aboriginal and treaty right, and that funding for post-secondary education increase so that each First Nation community could establish their own post-secondary policy. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Raymond Cutknife that questions how effective the Commission and its findings will be.

This file contains an individual presentation by Richard Saunders, a federal public servant for 20+ years. Saunders focuses on unfilled treaty obligations and as an non-Aboriginal Canadian, he says that the treaties of the past have not been honoured, and latter day land claim settlements are costing additional millions of dollars because the federal government does not want to settle them. A brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains the introduction of this session's attendees and opening remarks by Co-Chair Rene Dussault and Commissioner Mary Sillett. The attendees are: Rick Cummings, Tammy Saulis, Brad Michael, Angela Slaughter, Dwayne Docken, Fred Wien, Michael Lazore, Marie Symes Grenham and Irv Hudyma, serving in various capacities at the session.

This file contains a presentation by Andre Maltais that begins with a brief retrospective on the Quebec government's approach to the Aboriginal people of Quebec. The speaker lists a number of past measures that are making the lives of Quebec Aboriginal people better. They include the construction of a hospital in Kahnawake, a guaranteed income program of Cree hunters and trappers, construction of a number of airports in Inuit communities, and an Inuit teacher education program at the University of Quebec. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by Brenda Gedeon Miller that first gives a brief history of the Mi'kmaq Nation in Canada, describing Mi'kmaq government and the Mi'kmaq way of life. The presenter's First Nation has recently begun to assert its jurisdiction within their territory and have reorganized the administration of their local government, and also have obtained a mandate from community members to continue to "reassemble our Nation, our governments and our communities." A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Bud Neville. Neville, a former employee of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, discusses his experiences in Resolute Bay, Northwest Territories (now Nunavut) with regard to the High Arctic Relocation program. Following Neville's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Chief Carl Quinn focusing on Aboriginal self-government and self-determination. He states that the government should act by repealing the Indian Act and its amendments, abolishing the Department of Indian Affairs, set up a treaty-trust commission, abolish secret agreements between the federal and provincial governments, among other recommendations. He introduces the next speaker, Eric J. Large of the Saddle Lake First Nation.

This file contains a presentation given by Chief Fred Fraser stating that "the Bill C-31 citizens of the Tsuu T'ina Nation are a direct result of discriminatory legislation and creates a special consideration for the federal government to give official recognition of the Tsuu T'ina Bill C-31 Band as equal and distinct.

File contains a presentation by Chief James Henderson and Steve Fobister relating to the negative effects of the Rainy Lake dam in Ontario, built between 1905 and 1909. Their First Nations fishing and hunting grounds were destroyed by flooding and they believe that proper compensation has never been given to their First Nations. The presenters also address the complete absence of telephone service on their First Nations, and call on the Commission to assist in negotiations with Bell Canada. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Jerry Fontaine, Sagkeeng First Nation. Fontaine delivers a critique of the record of Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative government arguing that "the track record of this government on listening to its citizens is one that leaves much to be desired. I think this is what troubles me most about this exercises [the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples]." Fontaine presents a variety of Canadian Constitutional, Treaty relationship, and Department of Indian and Northern Affairs concerns.

File contains a presentation by Chief Roger Augustine of the Union of New Brunswick Indians. Augustine delivers a presentation on the history of his people, Constitutional issues, Treaties, self-governance, land claims, and related issues. Following this he discusses land claims and justice models with Commissioner Erasmus.

This file contains a presentation given by Chief Strator Crowfoot relating to Aboriginal self-government and the Alternative Funding Arrangement Agreement. Crowfoot asks the Commission to look at different ways of approaching how government deals with First Nations and how they can bring together the resources on a global basis to work with Aboriginal groups. Crowfoot introduces the next speaker, Fred Breaker, Councillor, Siksika Nation.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Merritt City Council by Councillor Rick Typusiak. He welcomes the Commission to Merritt. Following this, he delivers a presentation discussing the relations between First Nations and municipal governments, and the City's views and concerns regarding Aboriginal self-government. Typusiak discusses economic issues, and expresses the desire of the Council that the Department of Indian Affairs and the Indian Act both be abolished. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Erasmus thank Typusiak and make some comments on his presentation.

File contains a presentation by Claudine Louie relating to Aboriginal post-secondary education in Canada. Samson Cree First Nation falls under the government's Post-Secondary Student Support Program, and Louie questions the fairness of the program regarding Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Cyndy Desmeules-Bertolin, Fred Anderson and Stan Plante focusing on the effects of funding cuts to their organization. The group calls for the transfer of existing program dollars to Metis institutions. They also call for a Round Table to discuss the needs and provide support to Metis children and families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Dan Haggerty, President and CEO, Robert Hartog, Chairman, and Claude McCabe, Vice-President Canadian Native Programs, Canadian Executive Services Organization. Haggerty discusses the Canadian Executive Services Organization, a non-profit, non-governmental organization with the mandate to provide volunteers as consultants to support the development and management of the Aboriginal businesses and communities in Canada, and of the business and social sectors of developing countries around the world.

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 Delores Trudeau relating to counselling of Aboriginal students as an integral part of the education process. Trudeau recommends that counsellors be given adequate resources to fulfill their duties, be given the opportunity to acquire a university degree, and that a salary grid be based on experience and qualification. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Donald Eastcott that summarizes his group's proposal relating to Aboriginal self-determination and self-government.

File contains a presentation by Doris Ronnenberg and Roy Littlechief focusing on two issues: the perceived lack of fairness and equity of access in dealing with the Tribal Council in Alberta, and a double standard contained in the new off-loading or downloading agreement in Social Services delivery signed in 1991 by the governments of Canada and Alberta. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Doug Maracle and William Tooshkewig relating to the Constitutional Process of 1980-1981 that eventually saw Section 35 entrenched in the Canadian Constitution. The presenters feel that Aboriginal people "will no longer accept more broken treaties and will not accept the continuation of the status quo." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file contains a presentation by four members of the Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review. The Commission of Review was organized in [1992] and launched by Ray Martin, Leader of the Opposition, Government of Alberta. Their mandate was to investigate, compare, assess and report on the presentation of the Lubicons to the two levels of government and to report to the three parties and to the public. The Commission of Review in March 1993 tabled their report before the public with the Lubicons present. Both levels of government were not present despite repeated invitations.

This file contains a presentation by Fenton Scott that first states: "The Prospectors of Canada and their predecessors have lived in harmony and mutual respect with Canadians of native ancestry for nearly 400 years.

File contains a presentation by Garry Standing, a post-secondary student from the Wahpeton Dakota Nation. Standing describes himself as someone who has spent his entire life on reserve until the September before the Commission. The purpose of his presentation is to relay his "experiences from the last eight or nine months. Some of them have been positive and some of them have been negative." He discusses attending the University of Regina, but having to withdraw due to financing changes in Indian Affairs policy. He complains of paternalism and condescension in the approach of Indian Affairs.

The file contains a presentation by Gordon Robertson. Robertson, a federal civil servant during the time of the High Arctic Relocation, testifies on the government's intentions with regard to Inuit policy, Arctic policy, and sovereignty issues during the era. Robertson also gives his view of Inuit testimony on the relocation and his own visits to Resolute Bay during the 1950s. The assembled Commissioners question Robertson on some of his testimony.

This file contains a presentation by Graham Tuplin focusing on off-reserve Aboriginals in Canada. Tuplin makes a number of recommendations, including that the Royal Commission add equity of access to the Commission's list of four touchstones, and that the federal government stop its policy of cutting funding to Aboriginal groups that are not bands, not northern and not Department of Indian Affairs supported, as equity of access must begin with a equal chance to be heard. 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.

File contains a presentation by Lawrence Whitehead. Whitehead presents his views on self-governance, treaties, and recounts his personal role in shaping tribal councils in Manitoba. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioner Chartrand and Mr. Whitehead on Treaties and the Indian Act.

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.