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 Joe Nicholas of the Columbia Lake Indian Band. Nicholas highlights some of his concerns notably in the land management and economic sphere, and argues that First Nations governments must be given direct control over their particular spheres in order for economic and social progress to take place.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Neskonlith Indian Band by Chief Joyce Manuel, Lisa Allgaier, and Bob Manuel. Chief Manuel gives a demographic overview of the Band, discusses culture and the importance of health and education to self-determination and land management. Lisa Allgaier, the Band's social worker, discusses social issues and the need for First Nations' jurisdiction over service delivery, as well as funding and band membership concerns.

File contains a presentation by Chief Katie Rich, Davis Inlet. Rich discusses how the community was promised better housing when they were relocated in the 1960s, how they face clean water problems, housing problems, a lack of planning by government, alcohol problems, a lack of culturally appropriate curriculum in schools, the need for youth recreation facilities, the need to incorporate Elders in the education system, funding problems, justice issues, policing issues, and the need for relocation on Innu terms.

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 welcoming remarks by Chief Lawrence Henry, Roseau River. Henry discusses self government issues and welcomes the Commission to Roseau River. Following Chief Henry's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss jurisdictional and self-governance issues with him.

File contains a presentation by Chief Lorne Waditaka of the Wahpeton Dakota First Nation. Waditka discusses the history of his people and its contacts with other Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda groups. He discusses the First Nations participation in both local organizations like the Prince Albert Tribal Council alongside the Cree, and in larger organizations of Dakota people on a province wide, and international basis. Wakitawa also discusses some of the distinctions between "Sioux" peoples and future aspirations for unity.

File contains a presentation by Chief Randy Kapashesit. Kapashesit discusses the importance of sorting out issues of power, citizenship, and jurisdiction when considering Constitutional questions and the mandate of the Royal Commission itself. Kapashesit also states that any self-governance should be based on traditional models, rather than the Indian Act model of government.

File contains a presentation by Chief Robert Michell, spokesman for the elders of Stellat'en First Nation, focusing on the diminishing role of elders in his community. He states this is due to the government programs and policies that are in place. The Elders wish to be involved in the community again and Michell requests a meeting between the Elders and Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Robert Pasco of the Nlaka'pamux Tribal Council. Pasco, Chief of the Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band, discusses the history of his Nlaka'pamux Nation and its efforts to create a strong centralized government in the 1870s, as well as the suppression of this movement by the federal government. Pasco goes on to relate the desire of his people to have a written Constitution based on their traditions and to engage in a government to government relationship with the federal government. Pasco also discusses ongoing land claims and fisheries disputes.

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.

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 Chief Sidney Sam Senior of the Ahousaht Education Authority. Sidney Sam discusses his views on the on-reserve education system and makes a series of reccomendations (including funding and cultural concerns) regarding what he thinks should be done to enhance it. Following the presentation is a discussion between Sam and Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah regarding the issues raised in the presentation.

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 by Chief Victor Muse of the St. George's Indian Band Council. Muse discusses the band's history, then goes on to list a variety of concerns. These include: unemployment, illiteracy, the need for education, better social services, revitalization of the Micmac language and culture, infrastructure, self-determination, self-government, and the goal of living in harmony "with Canada and its many people." Following the presentation is a discussion between Muse and Commissioner Erasmus on some of the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Chief Walter Barry, Beniot's Cove Indian Band. Barry discusses his concerns regarding fisheries, employment, education, and cross cultural understanding. Following the presentation Berry discusses these issues with Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Tony White.

File contains a presentation Christie Clifton, North Coast Tribal Council Education Centre. Clifton discusses her centre's mandate and operations serving Haida, Tsimshian, and Nisga'a people. Clifton discusses its' range of post-secondary programs, its' success in the community, and its' frustration with current funding arrangements. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Clifton.

File contains a presentation by Christine Gibson, Co-ordinator fo the Mi'kmaq Child Development Project. Gibson discusses the general child care situation in Canada, in Nova Scotia, and amongst Aboriginal Canadians. Gibson then discusses the specific operation of her project and makes a variety of recommendations for its enhancement. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss the project and related child care issues with Gibson.

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 Claire Campbell, Community Health Nurse, Lawrence Commanda Community Health Clinic, Nipissing First Nation. Campbell discusses health concerns on the Nipissing, Dokis, and Tomagami First Nations. Following the presentation Commissioners Sillett and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Campbell.

File contains a presentation by Claire Riddle, Vice-President, Winnipeg Region of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Riddle mainly discusses economic matters including education, assistance for entrepreneurs, affirmative action, small business, and self-government for Metis people. She also discusses some Metis history making the assertion that "traditionally the Metis were a commercial nation whose entrepreneurs pursued ventures in national and international trade." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding its contents.

File contains a presentation by Clara Schinkel and Peter Sidney, Tagish Governance Society. Schinkel describes the history of the Tagish people and their community (including the seizure of their reserve lands by the government), and makes specific requests to the Commission in terms of assistance, self-governance, education, and land claims. Sidney and Schinkel discuss some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Clarence Apsassin, Blueberry River Reserve. He relates a brief history of Aboriginal people in North America from before 1492 down to the present day. Following this he discusses some of the history of Treaty 8 people, and his own work with various Aboriginal organizations. Apsassin makes a series of recommendations that Aboriginal governments be given more jurisdiction over their own affairs, and control over their own land and resources.

File contains a presentation by Clarence Fournier on behalf of the Beaver First Nation. Fournier discusses post-secondary education and the challenges which his people face in aquiring it including bureaucratic difficulties, and housing concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Fournier and Commissioners Dussault, Robinson, and Beaulieu on post-secondary education issues.

File contains a presentation by Clem Chartier of the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan. Chartier relays the regrets of President Gerald Morin who was unable to attend the sitting, introduces some of the participants in attendance, then discusses Metis land title and land rights issues, hunting rights, economic concerns, self-government and self-determination, policy ideas, personal and collective healing, racism and discrimination, intergovernmental relations, and the Metis Nation Accord in order to "give a holistic view of our organization."

File contains a presentation by the Nicola Valley Native Community Law Office, Merritt Legal Services, by Cliff Thorstenson. He discusses his observations on Aboriginal people and the Canadian justice system, particularly with regards to the local situation. Thorstenson offers a critique of justice institutions, and recommends a more culturally appropriate approach to community justice issues. Following the presentation is a discussion between Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault on justice concerns.

File contains a presentation by Cliff Wright. Following an introduction by facilitator Murray Hamilton, an employee of the Gabriel Dumont Institute, Wright discusses his role as Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan and what that entails. Wright also discusses land allocation practices in in the province.

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.

File contains a presentation by Commission Co-Chair Rene Dussault during the first public meeting of said Commission. Dussault discusses the importance of discussion, and listening in the Commission process. “We know that many Aboriginal people are tired of being studied by others. They want to speak directly to us, and we want to hear from them. We want to hear their views of history and of what the future could or should hold for them. Similarly, we want to hear from the non-Aboriginal Canadians, who have not only a right, but an obligation to participate in this debate.

File contains a presentation by the Coldwater Band School. School. The presentation is made up of comments by multiple students at both the elementary and secondary level highlighting collective concerns such as the physical, mental, and environmental well-being of their community. 15 students and staff speak in total. Following the presentations are comments by Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thanking the presenters for their contributions.

File contains a presentation by Colleen Nadjiwon-Johnson. Nadjiwon-Johnson, a small business owner from the Walpole Island First Nation, discusses a "number of issues affecting myself and other Native small business owners." These include taxation, economic development initiatives, caisse populaires (credit unions), janitorial and personal services, Aboriginal rights (treaty, hunting, fishing, etc.) advocacy, and human resources issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Nadjiwon-Johnson.

File contains a presentation by Corinne Chappell, a Micmac woman. Chappell describes the effect of Bill C-31 on Aboriginal people who have married outside their community, and argues that all succeeding generations should retain their status. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners on this issue.

File contains a presentation by Councillor Wayne Nicholas, of the Tobique First Nation. Nicholas discusses the history of his people and offers his opinion that self-government and self-determination are essential goals today. Following his presentation is a discussion between Nicholas and Commissioner Erasmus on the Tobique land claim.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Dan Soberman. Soberman, an academic and lawyer, discusses a variety of evidence pertaining to both the intent and implementation of the High Arctic Relocation program. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the contents and some of the issues raised with Soberman.

File includes a presentation by Danielle Descent. Descent discusses health and social services issues (including disease, suicide, addictions, family violence, education, and culturally related matters) in Sept-Iles/Maliotenam. Following her presentation the assembled Commissioners thank her for sharing her views on these issues.

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 Darlene Spiedel, Dakota Nations of Canada, Saskatchewan Cultural Centre. Spidel presentes from "two points of view, one from the Dakota/Lakota Nations and the other from the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre."

File contains a presentation by Dave Mowat, a University of Manitoba student, regarding education funding, band governance, self-government, and issues he's encountered as a Bill C-31 person.

The file contains a presentation by Dave White. White, Native Access Manager for Wabnode Institute Anisnabe Studies Division of Cambrian College, discusses cultural programming at the College and some of the difficulties they face in creating such programs. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with White.

File contains a presentation by David Arnot, Battlefords Justice Advisory Council. Arnot, presenting on behalf of the Battlefords Justice Advisory Council delivers a presentation first dealing with the Katapamisuak project which deals with community justice, and the workings of the general justice system as they pertain to Aboriginal peoples. Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus discuss justice issues with Arnot following the presentation.

File contains a presentation by David Chartrand, President of the National Association of Friendship Centres, with comments by Terry and Tom Doxidurn, executive director and Vice-President, respectively, of said organization.

File contains a presentation by David Makahounuk. Makahounuk, a student at Confederation College in Sioux Lookout discusses post-secondary financial concerns at that institution. Makahounuk also discusses the need for additional counsellors and support staff, self-governance issues, and budget figures. Makahounuk makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission to alleviate these problems. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson discusses some of the figures with Makahonouk.

File contains a presentation by Dean Jacobs of the Walpole Island Heritage Centre. Jacobs delivers a slide presentation with commentary on the history of Walpole Island and the Ojibwa community there. Issues raised include environmental destruction, the fur industry and the detrimental impact of the anti-fur activists on the Aboriginal economy in the area, fisheries and hunting concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand and Erasmus make brief comments.

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 Alvisatos, a Mohawk woman and executive director of the Fredericton Native Friendship Centre. Alvisatos presentations deals with her organization whose purpose is to help Aboriginal people (the majority of whom are Micmac and Maliseet) to adjust to urban life. She discusses how urban Aboriginal people have been ignored in the past, and the need to both consult with them and define their rights in order to facilitate self-governance and effective administration.

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 Della Maguire, Drug and Alcohol Counsellor at the MicMac Native Friendship Centre. Maguire makes a series of recommendations to the Commission for increased funding, staffing, and assistance. Following Maguire's presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with her.