Policy

File contains a presentation by the Regional Council on Education and Culture by Therese Niquay, and Genevieve Neashit. Niquay presents on education, culture, and linguistic concerns amongst the Attikamek. Genevieve Neashit presents on the steps the Attikamek have taken with regards to educational control. Neashit also requests additional assistance from federal, provincial and Aboriginal governments. Charles Coucou also gives some observations on education, residential schools, and the importance of spirituality.

The file contains a presentation by Gordon Smith, Donat Pharand, and Marc Denhez of the Sovereignty Panel. The three presenters discuss historical and legal sovereignty issues particularly with relation to Canada's role in the Arctic, and the High Arctic Relocation program. Following the presentations the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the ideas raised with the presenters, after which the Commission adjourns for the day.

The file contains a presentation by Deputy Mayor Red McBryan on behalf of the Town of Hay River. McBryan presents a submission which summarizes the views of the Town Council and residents on self-determination, self-sufficiency, and healing. The report includes a variety of recommendations to facilitate a new relationship between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Canadians. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand thank Red McBryan for his contribution.

File contains a presentation by Theresa Dust of the Muskeg Lake First Nation. Dust discusses the creation of an urban reserve in Saskatoon as a result of the Treaty Land Entitlement Process, and associated issues.

File contains a presentation by Thomas Loft. Loft, presenting as an individual, discusses his views on the Commission and its work. Loft argues that the problems facing Aboriginal peoples have been over studied in the past with few concrete results, and analyzes a speech by former Prime Minister Trudeau with regard to First Nations issues, and particularly with reference to citizenship issues. Loft also emphasizes the need for the Commission to talk to individual Aboriginal people, rather than just political or organization officials.

File contains a presentation by three Algonquin bands: Jean-Maurice Matchewan (Lac Barriere), Harry St. Denis (Wolf Lake), and Carol McBride (Timiskaming). This presentation on behalf of all three First Nations gives a brief historical background of the Algonquin people, an overview of their contemporary conditions, the outstanding claim of the Algonquin nation, relations with the Department of Indian Affairs, and a summary and policy recommendations to the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Tim McNeill. McNeill discusses issues related to education. McNeil's presentation covers secondary education, housing for students, language issues, teacher training, literacy concerns, and cultural concerns. Following the presentations Commissioners Dussault and Sillet discuss these findings.

File contains a presentation by Tobique Women's Group. The group's representatives who include Caroline Innis, Karen Perley, Marina Moulton, and Bet-te Paul make a series of recommendations to the Commission which they think will improve the lives and representation of Aboriginal women across Canada.

File contains a presentation by Toby Andersen, Labrador Inuit Association. Andersen addresses the issue of the Inuit land claims agreement for northern Labrador which he has been involved with negotiating for several years. Andersen gives his own views on the process and the agreement (including discussion of tourism and fisheries issues), and asks that the Commission intervene on his organization's behalf. Following the presentation is a discussion between Andersen and Commissioners Dussault and Sillett.

File contains a presentation by Tom Nepetayo of the Indian Council of First Nations. Nepetayo addresses the Commission, and Commissioner Blakeney in particular, with regards to Aboriginal self-governance and intergovernmental affairs in this context. Blakeney addresses the points raised by Mr. Nepetayo, and following this a discussion occurs between the two Commissioners and the three presenters from the Indian Council of First Nations (Chief Andrew Kirkness, Rod Martin and Tom Nepetaypo) on a variety of issues raised in their presentations.

File contains a presentation by Tony Belcourt, Constitutional Advisor, Metis National Council. Belcourt adds some remarks to the previous presentation by Marc Leclair, spokesperson for the Metis National Council. Belcourt asks the Commission to act on behalf of Metis peoples to let their history be known to Canadians, and to have them included as equals under the designation of Aboriginal peoples. Belcourt points out that often Metis people have been disregarded and Aboriginal used as a blanket term for First Nations and Inuit people in general parlance.

The file contains a presentation by Tony Hall, Professor of Native American Studies Education, University of Lethbridge. Hall discusses his interpretation of the Commission's role and powers, Treaty right issues (particularly as they pertain to Treaty 7), International law, Federal-Provincial-Aboriginal governmental relations, the Oldman River dispute between the Peigan and the Canadian and Alberta governments, and a host of related issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Hall.

File contains a presentation by Tony John of the Glenwood Indian Band. John discusses the history of his people in Newfoundland, stating that they are not just Micmac but intermarried with the Beothuk and have been systematically neglected by both the federal and provincial governments who claim there are no Aboriginal people on the island. John discusses some of the issues his people face in central Newfoundland, the key one being the need for recognition.

File contains a presentation by Tony Punko, Executive Director of the Athabasca Tribal Corporation. Punko outlines his views on Federal policy towards First Nations, with particular attention to legislative, economic, and social issues. Punko suggests that more attention need be payed to issues of local self-governance. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Punko on these topics.

File contains a presentation by Treaty Eight Tribal Council representatives Reg Whiten, and Chief Stewart Cameron. The Tribal Council's presentation includes video excerpts (not included in the transcript) and an oral presentation dealing with issues of concern to it. Foremost amongst these are concerns with resource development interfering with traditional lifestyles and spiritual areas, and pollution. The presenters also discuss the difficulties they have experienced in working with various levels of government.

File contains a presentation by Treena Miller of the North East Native Advancing Society. Miller discusses her organization's Board of Directors who form the governing body responsible for "the program development, program delivery and the funding allocation to meet the training needs of the Aboriginal people in North East B.C." Miller then discusses the educational training issues which her organization has identified through their experiences with programs in the North East. These include funding, staffing, and cultural concerns.

File contains a presentation by Frank Parnell and Cliff Anderson of Tricorp. Tricorp is the Tribal Resources Investment Corporation. Parnell delivers an overview of "economic development in how it evolved in the northwest here right from our involvement in the village that I'm from to where we are at today" and then makes four recommendations to the Commission regarding it. Following Parnell's presentation, he and Anderson field questions from the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Vern Douglas and Ken Richard of Native Child and Family Services. Douglas discusses the history of the organization in Toronto, and how it came about as a grassroots organization amongst Aboriginal people who had been victims of the Child Welfare system. He discusses the mandate of the organization and the composition of its board which is balanced between several Aboriginal groups. Ken Richards discusses the services the organization provides for Aboriginal children and families, and some of the data involved.

File contains a presentation by Vernon Roote, Deputy Grand Chief of the Union of Ontario Indians. Roote's presentation topic if "Building a Nation" and he discusses "the big topic of nationhood and sovereignty." Roote highlights some of the opinions gathered from a conference the past August held in Garden River, Ontario from the viewpoints of "the political people right down to the grassroots people" concerned with the topic of Anishnabek nationhood.

The file contains a presentation by Victor Allen. Allen delivers a presentation on the history of Inuvik going back to the establishment of the community in the 1950s. Following Allen's presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett delivers opening remarks, and Commissioner Allan Blakeney makes brief comments before questioning Allen regarding his presentation. Commissioner John Holman also discusses some of the issues raised in the presentation with Victor.

File contains a presentation by Waldo Berg, Instructor of Northlands College. Berg discusses problems with the adult education system from his perspective as an instructor. Berg higlights four areas: language issues, childcare issues, alcohol issues, and cultural disparity issues. Berg suggests that a vareity of steps be taken to educate southern educators heading to job placements in the north about language and cultural concerns. Berg then discusses the Mennonite people's relation to Aboriginal Canadians and the issues they face.

File contains a presentation by Micmac Wallace Libillois. Libillois discusses the history of colonization and his people in Canada, the commonalities between indigenous people across the country in their relationship with the state, residential schooling, proseltization, Aboriginal fishing rights, threats to Aboriginal people's rights, an indigenous view of resource use, the Aboriginal roots of many European democratic concepts, and the importance of Constitutional recognition and inclusion for Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

The file contains a presentation by Walter Manitowabi. Manitowabi, a business development adviser with Waubetek Business Development Corporation of Birch Island, discusses his "small business development which strengthens Aboriginal business.

File contains a presentation by Warren Williams of the Nicola Valley Tribal Council Family and Children's Services Advisory Board. Williams discusses the Tribal Councils efforts to develop a First Nations Child and Family Services agency and model. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault thanks Williams, and Commissioner Chartrand converses with Williams about some of the topics raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Wayne Goodwill of the Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation. Goodwill relates the history of his particular band, and claims that "prior to 1850 our ancestor used to roam right up to the Saskatchewan Rivers and they migrated with the buffalo. In the 1860s when the wars began in the southern area along the Black Hills [South Dakota], most of the people did not migrate anymore." Goodwill protests of being unable to attain adequate funding to complete his people's study of its history in Canada.

The file contains a presentation by Wayne Helgason and Linda Keeper, Indian and Metis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg. Helgason, President of the Centre, and Keeper, a Board member, discuss the history and composition of the Friendship Centre, program and service delivery, Aboriginal urbanization issues, federal-provincial funding disputes, self-determination, and views on the Commission and its' work. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Wayne Helgason, Director, Mamawewitchta Tonta Centre. Helgason discusses his organization in Winnipeg and its mandate to provide Aboriginal people with child and family services, as well as some of the issues he has encountered in such a capacity over the years. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding both his and Marilyn Fontaine's presentations.

This file contains a presentation by Wayne Taylor illustrating the numerous barriers Aboriginal people face in seeking involvement in small business and economic development in Canada. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce has recognized challenges such as lack of skills, lack of direct linkages with the business community, and prohibitive government policy that impedes the progress of Aboriginals becoming small business owners.

File contains opening remarks by Werner Kurpath, a representative of the Canadian Ethnic Culture Council comprised of immigrants in Canada who arrived after the Second World War. Kurpath offers greetings on behalf of both the CEC and the German Canadian Congress.

File contains a presentation by Wilbert McLeod. McLeod represents the Moose Factory Claimant Group, whose grandparents were "arbitrarily exluded from Treaty No. 9 in 1905 by the Treaty Commissioners." McLeod lays out his organizations claim and discusses how the ancestors of his organization were left out of Treaty 9, and how that Treaty was negotiated in an arbitrary manner by officials who did not consider how the people defined themselves.

File contains a presentation by Wilson Plain. Plain, an Aboriginal Community Liaison and Resource Co-ordinator with Corrections Canada discusses his own work, community based justice, and rehabilitation concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Plain.

File contains a presentation by Winnifred Felker, Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. Felker discusses the activities and programming of the Friendship Centre, and protests that the National Association of Friendship Centres was only granted 17% of a funding request, when these Centres do work dealing with 15 of the Commission's 16 points of mandate. Following Felker's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains remarks by Winston McKay, Metis Addictions Corporation of Saskatchewan. McKay relates some of his own life story and battle with addictions, as well as the larger struggle of northern Metis communities to cope with the destruction of their traditional economy, and transition into dependency on government. McKay discusses how treatment approaches intended for Status Indian and Non-Aboriginal society do not work for his people, and the lack of adequate funding his organization faces.

File contains a presentation by Yvon Allard, Member of the Manitoba Metis Federation regarding Employment Equity for Aboriginal Peoples and Post-Secondary Institutions. In particular Allard discusses discrimination in employment, and the promotion and protection of Aboriginal cultural identity in educational institutions.

File contains a presentation by Yvon Dumont of the Manitoba Metis Federation regarding the history of the Metis in Canada and the issues they face, particularly the need for a land base, and self-government, for the Metis people. Dumont tells the Commissioners what he expects to come out of the Commission, and what he views as their role in redressing past injustices towards the Metis by Canada.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Alberta. This portion includes a presentation for the Peavine Metis Settlement by Elmer Anderson concerning transportation and utilities and the area of agriculture in the Metis community.

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 a presentation of the Discussion Paper E made by Kim Scott on programs, policies and funding arrangements can be changed to respond better to the holistic health challenges followed by questions on Day 2.

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 volume contains a presentation of Discussion Paper G by Alma Favel-King on community control of services and the recognition of treaty rights to health affect holistic strategies to maintain and restore health on Day 2. Also included are questions and answers regarding this paper and those Discussion Papers previously presented.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of All Nations Trust Company by Ruth Williams and Larry Peeters. Williams, President of All Nations Trust, discusses the history of the company and the philosophy behind it. Williams makes mention of their involvement with financing Aboriginal housing and small businesses. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett, Moderator Bob Manuel and the two presenters discuss some of the issues raised in the presentation.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Blood Tribe Tribal Government External Affairs Committee by Les Healy. Healy outlines the history of the Blood (Kainai) people in their traditional territories, the concepts informing their understanding of the Treaty 7 relationship, their rejection of the Charlottetown Accord Canadian Constitutional proposal, and makes a series of recommendations to the Commission to enhance the Treaty relationship. Following the presentation is a comment by Commissioner Georges Erasmus.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of British Columbia Federation of Agriculture by Cor Vandermeulen. Vandermeulen discusses his organization's role and view towards the British Columbia treaty negotiation process. Vandermeulen discusses the uncertainty his farmer and rancher constituency experiences when Aboriginal leaders discuss changes in land management practices, and power structures.

File contains a presentation by Chief Larry Johnson of the Caldwell Nation. Chief Johnson discusses his peoples negotiations for a land base in southwestern Ontario, and the history of the Nation including their war service on behalf of Britain and Canada. Following the presentation Chief Caldwell discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Central Interior First Nations Community Futures, Arthur Manuel and Geri Collins. Manuel discusses the overall economic and business situation for First Nations people in the British Columbia interior, and makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission to improve it. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of hte issues raised with Manuel and Collins.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the First Nations Tourism Association of British Columbia by Barry Parker.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Indian Water Rights Commission of British Columbia by Albert Saddleman. Saddleman discusses the history of his organization, water usage, management and pollution issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses water issues with Saddleman, as well as with Elder Dave Parker and community member Howard Gabriel. Following the discussion the Commission adjourns for the day.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Inter-tribal Forestry Association by Harold Derickson. Derickson discusses Aboriginal participation in the forestry sector, barriers to participation, co-management practices, problems with Department of Indian Affairs forestry policy, job training issues, and business development issues. Derickson makes a variety of recommendations with regard to forestry. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses most of the issues raised with Derickson.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Interior Indian Friendship Society by Executive Director Ruth Williams. Williams discusses the organizational structure of the Friendship Centre, its funding, the demographic situation in Kamloops, and some of the issues facing urban Aboriginal populations. Williams also makes a series of recommendations to the Commission with respect to Friendship Centres and urban Aboriginal concerns generally in the economic, social, and cultural spheres. Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with Williams.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Okanagan First Nation by Donna Goodwater. Councillor Goodwater discusses her disappointment with the federal programs available for First Nations people with disabilities and makes recommendations to improve it. Goodwater also delivers a video presentation to the Commission (transcript not included). Following the presentation Commissioner Mary Sillett thanks Goodwater and discusses some of the issues raised with her.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Peigan Indian Band by Chief Leonard Bastien, Rod North Peigan, and Edwin Yellow Horn. Chief Basiten discusses some of the issues which face the Piegan people including water rights (including with reference to the Oldman River dispute), and reserve land expropriation. Chief Bastien also relates some of the history of his people, their creation story, the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877, the implications and aftermath of the Treaty process, and grievances against the government.

File contains a presentation by Mayor Paul Kaludjak. He is also facilitator of the day's proceedings, gives a brief overview of the communities history and discusses its economic and social composition. Kaludjak also discusses his hopes for the creation of Nunavut, Rankin Inlet's role as an administrative centre, and the possibility of it becoming capital of the new territory. Following his presentation, he introduces the next presenter.