Communities

File contains a presentation made by Bill Curry on the topic of health care in Northern Saskatchewan. Also contained are comments and questions of the assembled Commissioners. As well as the mention of the closing prayer.

The file contains a presentation by BillyJo De La Ronde, Labour Canada. De La Ronde discusses his ideas on Metis history, politics, economic development, education, self-governance, and self-determination (between the last two concepts he draws a clear distinction). Following the presentaiton Commissioner Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with De La Ronde.

File contains a presentation made by Brian Ratt on the topics of self-government in Aboriginal communities and the mandate of the Royal Commission. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Charlotte Ross, La Ronge Native Women's Council. Ross discusses her personal experience with family violence, and discusse the La Ronge Native Women's Council of which she is a part. Ross discusses her view that abusers as well as the abused need treatment for behaviour they have internalized.

File contains a presentation by Chief Harry Cook, La Ronge Indian Band. Cook welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand to La Ronge, and expresses his solidarity with other Aboriginal peoples such as the Metis. Cook also discusses the importance of Treaties to his people.

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 an individual presentation by Clifford Trapper. Trapper is a Metis man presenting on behalf of his grandfather, a Metis elder of the James Bay area. Trapper's presentation discusses uniqueness of Aboriginal culture and the need for government help with the decline of the traditional economy. It also touches on issues like pollution and self-governance.

File contains a presentation by Clint Buehler, Executive Director, Metis Nation of Alberta. Buehler outlines the steps the MNA has taken towards self-governance both in terms of consultation within its membership and negotiations with the provincial and federal governments.

The file contains a presentation by Connie Chartrand, Metis National Council. Chartrand, family violence coordinator for Metis Women of Manitoba, discusses her work establishing self-help groups for Metis women, and her concerns about the possibility of suicides in some instances related to family violence and breakdowns.

File contains a presentation by Dave Barron of the Pacific Metis Federation. Barron discusses the story of his people, their neglect by government, his views on Bill C-31 and how the government has divided Aboriginal peoples starting at the family level. Barron concludes by recommending that "some form of legislation be enacted within the near future to release our people from the bonds of Bill C-31, if they should desire." Following the presentation is a discussion between Barron and Commissioner Erasmus on the ideas raised in the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by David Chartrand and Pat Harper of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Chartrand and Harper, representing the Winnipeg Region of the Federation, discuss a brief history of their organization as an urban based entity, Metis membership's issues from an urban perspective, self-determination and self-governance in an urban setting, education and training issues, employment issues, economic development issues, family issues, cultural issues, child care, and cultural issues.

File contains a presentation by Denise Thomas, Southeast Region of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Thomas discusses the need for Métis economic development in her region of Manitoba, and highlights some ways she thinks this can be done through financial and educational infrastructure measures. Following the presentation Thomas engages in a brief discussion with Commissioner Sillet on women's business issues, followed by a comment on the presentation by Commissioner Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Dennis McLeod, Presdient of the Stanley Mission Metis Local, and Gabriel Dumont Institute Area Representative.

File contains remarks by Diane Delaronde of the Pas Region, Manitoba Metis Federation. Delaronde welcomes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba on behalf of her organization.

The file contains a presentation by Dick Hill who discusses the administrative, economic, and demographic composition of Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Hill discusses its' ethnic composition (1/3 First Nations, 1/3 Inuit, 1/3 other), its' administrative and institutional apparatus, and related issues in response to questioning from Commissioners Rene Dussault, Allan Blakeney, Grace Blake, and Mary Sillett. Land claims and economic development are also discussed.

File contains a presentation by Doug Anguish, Member of the Legislature. Anguish discusses his experiences as a life-long resident of what he terms northwestern Saskatchewan (Meadow Lake-Battlefords area), and MLA for the Battlefords Consituency. Specifically he discusses the Indian Act and the need to replace it, the situation of Indian and Metis youth in the area, and economic concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Anguish and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Anne Anderson. Anderson's presentation entitled "The history of the Metis nation." The presentation gives a general overview of Metis history from Anderson's own personal perspective and what she thinks is its relevance.

File contains a presentation by Garth Wallbridge. Wallbridge, a Métis man, presenting as an individual, raises a wide variety of concerns. These include Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal relations, government policy, the Commission itself, educational issues, self-governance, languages, Métis issues, and others. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Wallbridge.

File contains a presentation by Gerald Thom stating that Metis organizations are finally, in the 1990s, becoming involved in government policymaking. Thom believes that "in order to attain our goals we must support decentralization of powers from the federal and provincial government, and we must have a say on what policies and issues arise through decentralization. He discusses briefly education, language, and employment concerns relating to the Metis. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Hamlet of St. George's Hill by Mayor Gerald Desjarlais, Councillor Pat Desjarlais, and Councillor Theresa Montgrand. Mayor Desjarlais discusses how 70 percent of the hamlet's population are Bill C-31 people with the band from Dillon who Montgrand claims "don't support the Bill C-31s at all." Pat Desjarlais discusses the air bombing range in the area, and its effects on trapping and logging activities. Following the presentation the two Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the two Desjarlais, and Montgrand.

The file contains a presentation by President Rocky Simpson of the Hay River Metis Nation. Simpson summarizes a group discussion and its' findings held to discuss a new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of Canada, self-determination for Aboriginal peoples within Canada through self-government, economic self-sufficiency for Aboriginal people, and personal and collective healing for Aboriginal people and communities. Simpson makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on these points.

File contains a presentation by Jack McDonald, Port Alberni Native Council. McDonald discusses what it means to be a Metis in British Columbia, and the challenges that confront his people as well as what he characterizes as an ignorant government and populace when it comes to Metis issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some issues of Metis identity in British Columbia with McDonald.

File contains a presentation made by Jim Favel on economic development and self-government in Aboriginal communities. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Joe Blyan stating that the Commission that all different status groups must meet and determine their courses of action. Blyan says a common vision is necessary when dealing with Aboriginal and Metis groups. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Crisp. Crisp discusses the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement, its establishment, history, and socioeconomic condition. Crisp relates problems with the Federal government whose census refuses to acknowledge Paddle Prairie's existence as a Metis Settlement, and a variety of health care, social services, and education concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Crisp and Commissioners Barb Beaulieu and Rene Dussault on these topics.

File contains a presentation by John Stewart. Stewart, a member of the Youth Justice Committee, discusses youth justice concerns particularly with regard to young Metis children. Stewart asks that funding be provided to treat these children in the community rather than sending them away to jails. Following Stewart's presentation is a discussion between Stewart, Chief Tony Mercredi, and Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney on youth justice issues.

File contains a presentation by Ken Noskiye focusing on Métis self-government for the eight Métis settlements in Alberta. He states that self-government can only be achieved with proper resources at the local level. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Lee Ann Hilsen. Hilsen, a Metis student, gives her views on the Education system and why she thinks it is substandard and ineffective for Aboriginal students. Following the presentation is a discussion between Hilsen and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Leon McAuley, Director, Provincial Metis Housing Authority. McAuley describes the problems facing Metis communities in the North, and advocates a new level of government (a Metis local government) to facilitate self-governance, as well as discusing economic development and a land base. Following the presentation a brief discussion on the definition of the Metis people takes place between Commissioner Chartrand and McAuley.

File contains a presentation by Leonard Morin, Regional Representative, Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Morin gives a demographic overview of northern Saskatchewan, relates some of the issues faced by northerners, then gives a beif overview of Metis history. Morin stresses the importance of gaining a Metis land base, and discusses possibilities for Metis self-governance. Morin then speaks on an issue of importance to his home community of Cumberland House, the construction of a traffic bridge connecting the community with the mainland across the river.

File contains a presentation by Lyle Boland. Boland, representing the SaskNative Economic Development Corporation, discusses a variety of issues pertained to the Metis economy in Saskatchewan. Foremost amongst these is the need to "level the playing field" for Metis people with comparison to Status Indians.

File contains a presentation by Mary Ann Felle, Cross Cultural Information Committee. Felle advances a proposal for an Aboriginal child care structure which she "believe[s] would work to maintain a child's sense of identity and encourage the development of self-worth and self-esteem." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding issues raised.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Metis Addcitions Council of Saskatchewan by Ms. Georgina Jolibois. Jolibois discusses the demographic make up of La Loche, some of the problems facing its youth, and her personal experiences as a youth councillor. Jolibois highlights problems with a lack of recreation facilities, proper housing, family violence, alcohol and drug abuse, a high rate of teenage pregnancy, welfare dependency and a lack of employment options, and the lack of educational facilities.

File contains a presentation made by Brian Favel for the Metis Society, Local 21 on the topics of the justice system, the education opportunities for northern communities, economic development and self-government in Aboriginal communities. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Armand Murray of the La Loche Local of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Murray discusses the need for recognition of Aboriginal rights on the part of government, land issues, a lack of capital in the community for utilizing resources, a conflict with the provincial government over Clearwater River park, fisheries issues, forestry issues, tourism and guiding, and related issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Murray.

File contains a presentation made by Bernice Hammersmith on Aboriginal self-government issues pertaining to the Métis society. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Michelle Harding, Metis Women of Saskatchewan. Harding welcomes the Commission to La Ronge on behalf of that communities Metis Women's Chapter. Harding lists many of the concerns facing Metis women including child care, education, problems facing Metis youth, family violence, and others. She stresses the need for fully subisidized, accessible daycare. She discusses how the current social system has created a destructive welfare cycle amongst her people, and the need to strengthen families through the creation of a crisis shelter.

File contains a presentation by Mike Mercredi, Director of Athabasca Native Development Corporation. Mercredi describes the mandate and goals of his organization which represents Metis and First Nations people throughout Northern Alberta, and works to provide economic opportunity for them. Mercredi discusses some of the challenges his organization has faced, and some of the structural problems confronting northern economic development. Following the presentation are some remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand.

File contains remarks by Morgan McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. McLeod discusses his concerns with drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, child abuse and neglect in his community. He relates how the Metis youth have started a youth centre at Stanley Mission to deal with these problems, but need support on the provincial level to help provide information and recreational facilities.

File contains a presentation by Nelson Sanderson regarding the need to connect Metis youth and the general public with the history and culture of the Metis people. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding these issues.

File contains a presentation by John Novak of the North Bay Chapter of the Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association (which represents Metis and Non-Status people). Novak discusses the difficulty for his people in obtaining resources, their difference from Status Indian people, a lack of educational assistance, a request for "some kind of structure that we would be able to get our own funding," the desire for a land base, economic concerns, hunting and fishing rights, racism and discrimination concerns, the problem sustaining the organization's locals, and housing concerns.

File contains a presentation made by Donald Favel, member of the Métis Addiction Council, for the Northwest Drug and Alcohol Abuse Centre on the topic of social development. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Paul Daignault, President, Student Association. Daignault makes reference to previous presentations during the day and claims that "all of these things I see as the root of the problem is jobs basically. People do not have jobs and which leads to all kinds of social issues." Daignault goes on to discuss funding for Metis and Status Indian post-secondary education, and how he thinks Education should be a top priority in Canadian Constitutional talks.

File contains a presentation made by Marie Symes Grehan for the Pinehouse Metis Society Local and Deputy Mayor George Smith. The presentation touched on the topics of economic development and employment in the Metis community. Also contained are comments and questions concerning the Intervenor Funding Program.

File contains a presentation by Robert Doucette. Doucette discusses conditions for Metis people within the City of Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan generally. Doucette highlights problems of institutional racism, access to education, ignorance of Aboriginal identity and issues in the general population, migration to urban centres, and related issues. Doucette also discusses the need for a Metis land base and the differences in the way the government addresses Metis and Treaty people's issues.

File contains a presentation by Robert Mercredi of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Mercredi discusses his organization, and the problems facing his people. He describes the Metis as Canada's forgotten people, and while offering support for the "Canada clause" of the Constitution stresses the need for the Metis to be recognized on an equitable level with their Indian and Inuit brothers and sisters. He bemoans the lack of a land base for the Metis people of Saskatchewan, and the lack of resources neccessary for basic governmental functioning.

File contains a presentation made by Ron Caisse on the topic of youth in the Metis community. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains an individual presentation by Ron Spencer. Spencer discusses the history of his people and how he thinks Aboriginal people can effectively deal with the government by staying united in the face of outside incursions on traditional lands like Ontario hydro development. Spencer discusses the need to rewrite the Constitution to include Aboriginal peoples and stresses the importance of education.

File contains remarks by Roy Myke, Jim Brady Metis Local Representative. Myke claims that self-governance has to be established from the bottom-up, at the community level. He states that "if the government ever gets serious about self-government, it has got to start at the bottom and not at the top." Following this Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand have a brief discussion with Myke regarding self-governance.

The file contains a presentation by Sandra Delaronde, President, Metis Women of Manitoba. Delaronde discusses the history of the Metis people, land issues, issues with curricula, the need for rights recognition, social problems, environmental issues, self-governance,and international women's issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Delaronde.