File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples held at the Edmonton Inn, in Edmonton, Alberta on June 11, 1992. The Commissioners explain the mandate and goals of the Commission for the audience in attendance.

File contains opening remarks for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples sitting at Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, on Thursday, June 18, 1992. Remarks by Commissioners Blakeney, Chartrand, and Marcel outline the mandate and goals of the Commission, and translation arrangements for the Fort Chipewyan venue.

This file contains opening remarks by Billy Two Rivers, Commissioner of the Day and Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair.

File contains opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Port Alberni, British Columbia on Wednesday, May 20, 1992. Commissioner for the day, Chief Nelson Keitlah, and Co-Chairman Georges Erasmus welcome the participants and discuss the mandate and goals of the Commission.

File contains opening remarks for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, on Thursday, October 29, 1992 by Commissioner Allan Blakeney. Blakeney adds to Erasmus' earlier remarks by pointing out associated literature on the premises to the participants, and by stating that the Commission may ask pointed questions, not to be "pushy or offensive" but to gain a better understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal Canadians from the grassroots level.

File contains opening remarks mainly by Chief Lorne Waditaka, Chief of the Wahpeton First Nation. Waditaka discusses national issues such as the Constitution and First Nations place in it, the development of self-governance structures, the need for continued federal responsibilities and the importance of the treaties, the Metis people and their place in Canada, urban aboriginals, justice issues, social issues, and what he hopes will be gained from the hearings of the Royal Commission. Waditaka then introduces Commissioners Bertha Wilson, Paul Chartrand, Rene Dussault, and Mary Sillet.

The file contains opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lodge Hotel, Kelowna, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 16, 1993. Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses the composition, mandate, and goals of the Commission, while welcoming the participants and expressing her hopes for the day's proceedings.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Lodge Hotel, Kelowna, British Columbia. Following an opening prayer by Elder Dave Parker of the Okanagan Reserve, Councillor Gary Swite of the Westbank Indian Band welcomes the day's participants and discusses the need for self-determination and self-governance for the Okanagan people.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Viola Robinson for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples held at Moosonee, Ontario, on June 10, 1992. Commissioner Erasmus gives an overview of the Commission's work thus far, and his hopes for it. Commissioner Robinson discusses her own Micmac community and the differences between it and Moosonee.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus delivered at the hearing of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at La Ronge, Saskatchewan on Thursday May 28, 1992. Erasmus intorduces the Commission and its mandate to the people in attendance, and discusses a wide range of Aboriginal issues as well as his hopes that the Commission will be an excercise in developing positive solutions to issues rather than just another study.

This file contains opening remarks by Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand that explain the purpose and goals of the Commission. Max King, the meeting's moderator, is introduced.

File contains opening remarks on the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples by Justice Sinclair and Paul Chartrand. Discusses the Commission, its mandate, and the historical significance of Winnipeg as the starting point for the Commission.

This file contains brief opening remarks by Max King, Moderator.

The file contains opening remarks by Nelson Mayer, Native Council of Canada. Mayer discusses his organization and thanks the Commission for inviting him to the sitting, as well as the importance of addressing the suicide issue in constituent communities.

File contains Index of presentations and opening remarks by Commissioner Rene Dussault. Dussault outlines the mandate and goals of the Commission, and introduces the other Commission members. Kingsclear is a Maliseet First Nation.

File contains a panel discussion regarding sovereignty and jurisdiction featuring Terry Nelson, Leonard Nelson, and the assembled Commissioners. The Nelsons discuss sovereignty and jurisdiction matters as they relate to Aboriginal peoples, and particularly to the Ojibway people in Manitoba in the context of international law, economics, and race relations. The assembled Commissioners discuss some of the ideas raised with the Nelsons.

File contains preliminary remarks by Co-Chair Rene Dussault before Round Table No. 2 at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Hotel Bonaventure, Montreal, Quebec, on May 7, 1993.

File contains a presentation by Abbie Crook, Representative, Northwest Territories Friendship Centres. Crook provides a history of the eight Friendship Centres in the Northwest Territories and emphasizes its role as "a major link between Aboriginal people and the majority community, bridging the cultural gap between the two worlds and creating an environment of understanding and appreciation." He calls for increased funding as cutbacks in the 1980s have caused hardship to the people the Friendship Centres seek to help.

File contains a presentation by Addison Crow, Blood Indian Reserve. Crow discusses self-governance, and a written presentation that has been submitted to the Commissioners dealing with 31 issues based on ten years of research ranging from health care, social services, "the Indian Act, et cetera, et cetera." Crow mentions that he feels like a "cat within a dog pen because my relatives here did not sign the treaties and we did in Alberta." Crow formally requests the Commission visit the Blood reserve in Alberta.

The file contains a presentation by Adrian De Groot, past Commissioner of the Northern Manitoba Economic Development Corporation. De Groot discusses the organization's activities with communities in Northern Manitoba; economic enterprises such as wild rice farming, mining, and trapping; sustainable development practices; the organization's mandate and goals. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with De Groot.

The file contains a presentation by Al Adams, Deputy Mayor, City of Thompson. Deputy Mayor Adams welcomes the Commission to Thompson, then discusses its' demographic and economic composition, funding concerns, co-operation with Aboriginal communities, taxation issues, and resource development. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Adams.

The file contains a presentation by Alan Marcus. Marcus, a doctoral candidate at the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University (UK), discusses his observations on the High Arctic Relocation program. Marcus performed a case study of the relocation from Inukjuak, Quebec to Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay. Marcus discusses associated sovereignty and Inuit issues. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the ideas therein with Marcus.

File contains a presentation by Albert Delaire, Regional Director, Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Delaire accuses the Commission of over-representing Status Indian concerns to the detriment of Metis people, to which Commissioner Erasmus responds. Following this is a conversation between Delaire and Commissioners Erasmus and Blakeney on the Commissions mandate, and its efforts to include Metis people.

File contains a presentation by Albert Fisher, followed by a Closing Prayer for the day's sitting of the Commission at the Nipissing First Nations Band Complex, North Bay, Ontario, May 19, 1993. Albert Fisher offers some personal reflections on Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal relations in Ontario as they pertain to politics, the legal system, community and individual relations.

File contains a presentation by Alex Cywink. He discusses his views on Aboriginal issues in Ontario, including his discussions with Howard Hampton and the provincial government, the importance of honouring existing treaties before negotiating new agreements, and his views on the work of the Royal Commission. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cywink and Commissioners Dussault and Erasmus on the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Alex McKay and George Fulford. McKay discusses Ojibwa spiritual beliefs and the importance of Aboriginal languages. Fulford expands on this by presenting on Aboriginal languages in a Canadian Constitutional and political policy context. Fulford reccomends that the Royal Commission "appoint a task force to look into the matter of aboriginal language and education in Canada." Following the presentations is a discussion between the presenters and the assembled Commissioners on language issues.

File contains a presentation by Alex Skead, Migweech Elder. Skead outlines his spiritual views, his background, and the problem of Alcohol abuse.

File contains a presentation by Alfred Scow, B.C. Provincial Court Judge. Judge Scow discusses the detrimental effects of the justice system on Aboriginal peoples, and the Indian Act in particular. Judge Scow also expresses the hope that the Commission will lead to substantive changes in the justice system rather than "window dressing."

File contains a presentation by Aboriginal Students from Algonquin College. The students voice a variety of concerns related to education, race relations, grass roots politics, cultural revival, the justice system, history curricula, drug and alcohol abuse, health service facilities, and assimilation. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the students concerns with them.

File contains a presentation by Alicia Vance, Jody Sydney, Kathy Alfred of the First Nations Management Program, Yukon College. Vance discusses improving leadership and unity in Aboriginal communities. Sydney discusses traditional culture and how the clan system is being used in Teslin, Yukon. Alfred discusses how education and programs can help solve social problems in Aboriginal communities. The assembled Commissioners discuss the ideas raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by on behalf of the All Nations Trust Company by General Manager Larry Peeters, and Delphine Terbasket. Peeters introduces Terbasket, who delivers a presentation on the negative effects Canadian taxation policy has had on their financial institution, All Nations Trust. He states that the high tax burden placed on All Nations Trust has made operations extremely difficult. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Terbasket for the presentation and make some comments on the issue.

File contains a presentation by Allan Shiff. He discusses his perspective on the Commission as a non-Aboriginal man who is concerned for the issues facing Aboriginal Canadians. Shiff discusses the need for the Commission to take action with regards to unacceptable living standards in Aboriginal communities, and states that he thinks most non-Aboriginal people are supportive of such efforts. Shiff also discusses the need for accountability in projects to ensure they maintain public support. Following Shiff's presentation are comments by Blakeney and Wilson with regard to these issues.

File contains a presentation by Eric Joubert, spokesperson of the Alliance autochtone du Quebec. Joubert describes the background of his organization which exists to assist Metis, Non-status, and status off reserve populations in Quebec and its involvement in various programs. Joubert then discusses rights concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Joubert for his suggestion.

File contains remarks by Allison Ballantyne, Kiknahk Friendship Centre. Ballantyne discusses the Centre's programming and some of the issues it faces, notably a lack of adequate resources for its programming.

File contains a presentation by Alphonse Janvier. Janvier discusses Metis justice and social issues in Saskatchewan. Janvier also discusses financial issues.

This file contains a presentation by Amos Key relating to his organization's recommendations for providing post-secondary education for the people of Six Nations of the Grand River.

The file contains a presentation by Andrew Kirkness, Indian Council, First Nations of Manitoba, and President Glen McIvor of the Wabowden Treaty Council. Kirkness discusses off-reserve Treaty people's issues including relations with the Department of Indian Affairs, Bill C-31 issues, the Northern Flood Agreement, education funding, economic development, provincial funding, housing, cultural programs, hunting, justice issues, views on the Royal Commission, views on the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, and land issues.

The file contains a presentation by Andrew Orkin. Orkin, presenting as a concerned citizen from the perspective of a legal professional, discusses his views on the events of the High Arctic Relocation program of the 1950s. Following Orkin's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Andy Von Busse, Alberta Fish and Game Association. Von Busse discusses conservation issues in Alberta, specifically with regards to Aboriginal utilization of wildlife. Following the presentation is a discussion between Von Busse regarding Treaty rights to hunt, and jurisdictional questions with regard to wildlife management and land usage.

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 April Waditaka, Student, Carlton High School, Prince Albert. Wadikata discusses issues in education, babysitting, the need for more Aboriginal staff in the city school system, the need to upgrade the band's recreation program, social issues of home life which need to be addressed, money for recreation facilities, and other issues addressing youth. Following the presentation is a discussion between Waditaka, Miranda Propser (the preceding presenter) and Commissioners Erasmus, and Chartrand on the issues raised in their presentations.

File contains a presentation by Arctic Exiles Markoosie Patsauq, Andrew Iquak, Anna Nungak, Patsauq Iqaluk, Samwillie Elijassialuk. These survivors of the High Arctic relocation program which forcibly removed Inuit people in the 1950s to the high arctic recount some of their personal stories of the process. Following the presentations Commissioner Dussault thanks them for presenting to the Commission.

The file contains a presentation by Armand Brousseau and Pierre Desnoyers. Brousseau and Desnoyers relate their experiences with the High Arctic Relocation as witnesses who lived in Resolute Bay at the time and served with the Canadian Armed Forces. Following their testimony the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with them.

File contains a presentation by Arnold Blackstar, Battlefords Indian and Metis Friendship Centre. Blackstar presents a letter on behalf of the President of the Friendship Centre who was unable to be in attendance which welcomes the Commission and outlines what the Friendship Centre does in the Battlefords. Following that, Blackstar, who is the Centre's youth co-ordinator, presents on some of the issues youth programming faces, particularly a lack of stable and adequate funding. Blackstar also discusses some of the challenges faced by Aboriginal youth in post-secondary education.

File contains opening remarks by President Art Miki of the National Association of Japanese Canadians. Miki discusses what he sees as problems in the telling of Canadian history, as well as his hopes for the Commission and that the lives of Aboriginal people across the country will be improved by it.

The file contains a presentation by Art Petahtegoose. Petahtegoose, a Professor at Cambrian College from the White Fish Lake First Nation, discusses Government judiciary education and Treaties. Petahtegoose discusses the Indian Act, Aboriginal rights, traditional governance amongst the Ojibwa, and related issues in this context. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Petahtegoose.

File contains a presentation by Augustine Abraham, President of l'Union nationale metisse St-Joseph du Manitoba, in French. Abraham relates the history of her organization, which was founded to represent the francophone and Roman Catholic Metis community of Manitoba in 1887. She discusses how the idea of a seperate Metis government is contrary to Louis Riel's vision, and how her organization would like to see the Metis as partners in Canada. Abraham also discusses land issues, and the then recent Constitutional talks chaired by Joe Clark (the so-called "Canada Round" of negotiations).

File contains a presentation by Clifford Lincoln, Special Representative of the Barriere Lake Algonquins. Lincoln discusses the Trilateral Agreement signed by the Barrier Lake Algonquins with the governments of Quebec and Canada on August 22, 1991.

File contains a presentation by Barry Kennedy. Kennedy, a member of the First Nations Council of Moose Jaw, discusses that organization's history and activities in the economic and social spheres. Kennedy also discusses his organizations relations with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Metis Society of Saskatchewan.

File contains a presentation by Ben Andrews. Andrews discusses issues associated with colonization in Canada, making reference to Dene communities and the Oka Crisis.