File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, unidentified members of the staff and students of the Northern Lights School and Christina Delaney. The conversation involves the retention and restoration of Aboriginal culture in Canada, and the education system particularly with regards to the merits of cross cultural learning techniques and concerns with post secondary funding.

File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, Terry Legge, Wilbert Wesley, Christina Delaney, Elie Chilton, and Phoebe Sutherland at the Northern Lights School in Moosonee, Ontario. The wide ranging conversation addresses a variety of topics including educational policy, cultural retention and rejuvenation, and social problems.

File contains a Raporteur's report on the preceding three volumes of the Royal Commission. Dean James MacPherson summarizes the themes and offers analysis on RCAP77, RCAP78, and RCAP79, all of which deal with Aboriginal Justice issues in Canada. Following his report are closing comments and a closing prayer which ends the Commission's sitting.

The file contains a discussion between Commissioners Rene Dussault, Mary Sillett, and Elders Dominic Eshkakogan, Mary Lou Fox, and Rita Corbiere. Issues covered in the discussion include language issues, the Chartered Lands Act, traditional healing, and diabetes. The discussion is in response to the earlier presentations during this sitting of the Commission by these three Elders. The three Elders' presentations are available for viewing on this site.

The file contains a discussion between presenters Deputy Chief Brian Seymour, Jeanette Castello, and Commissioners Paul Chartrand and Bertha Wilson. Deputy Chief Seymour makes some comments on the possibility of future talks between the Royal Commission and First Nations, and recommends that the Commission return to the area in the future. Following this Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss issues raised in the two presenters previous presentations with them. Presentations by Seymour and Castello can be viewed on this site.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Florence Hackett. Hackett discusses her work with the Indian Homemakers' Association, developing job training for First Nations women, funding cutbacks to the organization, and some of the personal lessons she has learned through working with the organization over the years.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Nancy Van Heest. Van Heest discusses family violence and spousal abuse, specifically the approach of her program entitled "Urban Images." Van Heest also addresses some of the systemic causes of the problems her program treats.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Adult Education issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants Jane Jackson and Helen Mills discuss post-secondary education concerns (including literacy, upgrading, poverty, and employment issues) with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson. Following the Round Table discussion is a closing prayer which concludes the day's sitting of the Royal Commission.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Secondary School issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants John Nakogee, John Long, Christina Duffy, Theresa Phillips, and Glen Sutherland discuss cultural, jurisdictional, financial, boarding, curriculum, and community concerns with each other and with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Post-Secondary Education issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants Virgina Wabano, Shawn Gladwish, Allen Sailors, Larry McLeod, Joe Skouras, and Wendy Young discuss post-secondary education concerns with each other and with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson.

The file contains further comments by Babette Bastien. Bastien discusses his youth on reserve and the struggles he had, leaving the reserve to attain an education, his views on the current drive towards self-government, the federal government capping education funding for First Nations, under-representation in the professions, and related policy issues.

The file contains further comments by Kristen Bastien. Bastien, a first year student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses the capping of post-secondary funding for Aboriginal students by the federal government and its implications for community development.

The file contains further comments by Narcisse Blood. Blood thanks some of the day's participants and states that "Our sun dance was outlawed, but we kept it going. Just the fact that we are still here is testimony to our resilience and it offers a lot of hope that the things that were planned for us did not come to be."

The file contains further comments by Tobias Provost. Provost discusses his view of the federal government, land issues, and their fundamental importance.

File contains a general discussion on Metis issues by presenters Clem Chartier, Isabelle Impey, Cathy LaValley, Alphonse Janvier, Joyce Racette, Lyle Boland, Commissioners Rene Dussault and Viola Robinson. The topic of discussion is Metis issues in Saskatchewan. Topics covered include Metis rights, economics, self-governance, women and social issues.

The file contains a general discussion between Rocky Simpson, Robert Ross, Abbey Crook, and Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand. The participants mainly discuss fisheries, Metis, and general Aboriginal identity issues. Rocky Simpson, Robert Ross, and Abbey Crook's earlier presentations to the Commission on this day can be viewed on this site.

File contains a presentation by Assistant Chief Francois Vincent giving an overview of the history of the Huron-Wendat people, and specifically the people who settled at Lorette, near Quebec City.

The file contains an individual presentation by Alex Morin, a concerned fisherman, discussing the Aboriginal fishery on Great Slave Lake, and his personal struggle for Metis and general Aboriginal fishing rights.

This file contains an individual presentation given by Alvin Manitopyes relating to the protection of Aboriginal sacred sites and the protection of Aboriginal rights to spiritual freedom. Some sites are located off-reserve, and in provincial and federal crown lands. Manitopyes calls for federal legislation to protect sacred sites and for laws similar to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in the United States.

File contains an individual presentation by Angela Andrew, teacher at the local community college, discussing Innu culture and education. She states that elders should be utilized more in teaching traditional skills to Innu youth, but because they do not have the proper teaching certification, they are not allowed to teach. She calls on the Commission to ease teacher education restrictions with elders to ensure traditional Innu skills and traditions are passed on. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Ben Andrew focusing on Innu land claims and self-government. Andrew states the Canadian government has "deprogrammed Innu people so they deny their own people, their own nationhood, and their own uniqueness." Andrew is skeptical of the Commission's purpose and goals but hopes the Commission can influence the federal government in future negotiations relating to Innu land claims and self-government. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

This file contains an individual presentation by Claude Bisonnette, a non-Aboriginal who is a certified life insurer in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. He began working with the citizens of Kahnawake in 1987, to the surprise of his co-workers. Bisonnette had to assure them that "(I)f I was having problems with the Mohawks I simply wouldn't go back there." He tells the Commissioners that he is often shocked at the negative attention minor incidents in Kahnawake are given and says the media doesn't help.

File contains a presentation by Cliff Calliou. Calliou, a Cree man from Kelly Lake, British Columbia, outlines a detailed programme for Aboriginal self-governance which pertains to a wide variety of areas. Amongst the areas Caillou addresses are governance structures (including a council of Elders), government funding issues, the need for a land and resource base, education, history, culture, health care, ethics, social services, and justice concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Calliou.

File contains an individual presentation by Danny Montour that focuses on the treaty Indian, the Indian Act and Bill C-31. He hopes that "the Government of Canada and the Indian people come to a reasonable level of mutual understanding as to the present-day meaning of the treaties." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains an individual presentation by Dave Yager, a former columnist and non-Aboriginal who wrote about Aboriginal issues in the Calgary Sun. One column raised the ire of many Aboriginal people and Yager was thrust into the spotlight concerning the "'political correctness' of the Native affairs debate." He gives his views on Aboriginal education, self-government, NAFTA and taxation. A prickly question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by David Akpalialuk, resident of Pangnirtung, who expresses frustration with the application of Unemployment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan and would like documents in both Inuktitut and English. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Frances Ebersbach, a Metis elder in her community who assists residents in a variety of ways. Ebersbach is frustrated by policies of government departments that work against Aboriginal people and wants to draw attention to the Commission the unfairness of treatment. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains an individual presentation by Hurbert (Lummy) Martin relating to seasonal fishing management in his community. The presenter feels that before government fishing policies are made, the reality of fishermen's lives should be taken into consideration. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an indivdual presentation by Irene Neeposh, a trapper, expressing personal dissatisfaction with government restrictions on Income Security and the use of wood for shelters and campfires. She calls on the Commission to ensure that her way of life on the trapline will not be phased out of existence with more government restrictions.

File contains an individual presentation by Leo Rutledge, one of twelve advisors to the heritage conservation branch of British Columbia. Rutledge invites the days participants to comment to him on potential heritage sites to be designated for provincial protection. Following Rutldege's remarks the Commission adjourns the day's session.

File contains an individual presentation by Martha Hurry discussing her experience with going to the bush in the spring with her children. She was a kindergarten teacher at Peenamin School and took a leave of absence. Hurry was unsucessful in receiving unemployment benefits for those weeks in the bush and feels she was discriminated against. She asks the Commission for help in dealing with the local Canada Employment office. Following the presentation are brief remarks by Rene Dussault, Co-Chair.

File contains an individual presentation by Mary Ann Michel expressing frustration with the lifestyle her Innu people are living. Michel wants her people to be healthy, educated and productive members of Innu society but "the Canadian government's policies have destroyed the Innu way of life."

File contains an individual presentation by Pauline Johnson describing personal difficulties she has had with Bill C-31. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Sidney Demore that debates the status vs. non-status Indian issue and how it affects his family, as he is a non-status Indian and his wife is status. He also discusses the abuse of alcohol and the effect on Aboriginal families.

This file contains an individual presentation by Tom Porter that first provides some history on Wampum Belts. He states that peaceful, spiritual solutions must be found to solve the problems of Aboriginals in Canada. Porter believes that "the Creator never abandoned us...and that is why we are survivors and we will have a better life tomorrow."

Historical note:

File contains a portion of the transcript of the National Round Table on Aboriginal Health and Social Issues of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This file contains presentations of the Luncheon Address by Robert Evans followed by questions on Day 2.

File contains an Open Forum with Henri Jacob, Jean Dominique Leccia, Yvon Beaule. The three participants raise a variety of general concerns over Indigenous relations, government policy, land claims, self-governance issues, economic development and the environment. Following the forum are remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Rene Dussault, after which the Commission concludes its sitting for the day.

File contains an opening ceremony and presentation by Marshall George on behalf of the First Nations Post-Secondary Counselling Unit, from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Radisson Hotel, Ballroom West, London, Ontario, May 12, 1993. George discusses unemployment, related social problems, and post-secondary education issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of these with George.

This file contains an opening prayer by Elder Angela Jones, and opening remarks by Moderator Bob Manuel and Commissioner Mary Sillett. After the opening prayer, the Moderator and Commissioner briefly discuss the day's format.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, June 28, 1993. Commissioner Georges Erasmus introduces the other Commissioners in attendance and discusses the Commission's hearings to date on the High Arctic Relocation, and the purpose of this sitting which is to hear witness testimony from non-Inuit sources involved with the High Arctic Relocation.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn in Ottawa, Ontario, on Monday, June 7, 1993. Following an opening prayer Chairperson Maggie Hodgson delivers welcoming remarks and introduces Commissioner Rene Dussault who discusses the composition, mandate, and goals of the Commission. Dussault also addresses the topic of this particular sitting, which deals with the problem of suicide in Aboriginal communities.

File contains an opening prayer by Mabel Joe and Opening Remarks by Co-Chair Rene Dussault for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Merritt, British Columbia, on Thursday, November 5, 1992. Commissioner Dussault discusses the composition of the Commission, its mandate and goals, as well as welcoming the participants for this session.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the B.G. Sivertz Community Centre, Hay River, Northwest Territories, Thursday, June 17, 1993. Following an opening prayer by Sarah Sibbiston, Commissioner Georges Erasmus welcomes the participants then discusses the mandate, goals, composition, and progress of the Commission to date.

File contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Singituq Complex, Rankin Inlet, NWT (now Nunavut), on Thursday, November 19, 1992. Following an introduction by Facilitator Paul Kaludjak, and an opening prayer by Rhoda Karetak, Commissioner Viola Robinson commences the days proceedings by giving an overview of the Commission, its composition, and its work to this date.

File contains a brief prayer in Inuit by Co-Chair Rene Dussault, followed by an introduction of Elder Angus Merrick by Phil Fontaine. Angus Merrick, who is ninety years of age, delivers a prayer in his native language, then makes a few comments on youth regarding cultural awareness and linguistic retention.

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 an opening prayer given by Emile Piapot and open remarks made by Co-Chair Rene Dussault and Commissioner Viola Robinson concerned with the composition and mandate of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

The file contains an opening prayer by Elder Mary Thomas and opening remarks by Commissioner Mary Sillett from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Chief Louis Complex, Kamloops, British Columbia. Following the opening prayer Commissioner Sillett discusses the mandate, goals, and composition of the Commission.

File contains an opening prayer and opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Battlefords' Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, on Thursday, October 29, 1992. The opening prayer is performed by Harriet Arcand, while the opening remarks of Commission Co-Chair Georges Erasmus discuss the mandate and goals of the Commission during this second round of its hearings.

The file contains an opening prayer from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lodge Hotel, Kelowna, British Columbia, Thursday, June 17, 1993. The file also contains a presentation on behalf of the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Service Society by Bett Tsa-me-gahl.

File contains Opening Remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Davis Inlet, Labrador, on Tuesday, December 1, 1992. Commissioner Georges Erasmus explains the mandate and goals of the Commission, as well as giving a summary of what the first round of hearings accomplished. Commissioner Mary Sillet discusses the Commission and some issues specific to the Innu Nation, as well as Davis Inlet.