Band Councils

File contains the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Manawan, Quebec, on Thursday December 3, 1992. File contains Presentations by the Council of the Attitkamek Nation, various other Attitkamek organizations, Band Councils, and women's and community groups. File is identical in content to RCAP88a.

The file contains closing remarks by Chief Nathan Matthew and a closing prayer by Mary Thomas, Elder.

The file contains the presentation of a discussion paper by Jane Gottfriedson. Gottfriedson discusses some of the struggles of Aboriginal women to be included in the self-governance process and to have a voice in Aboriginal politics generally.

File contains an individual presentation by Ann Bayne that first provides a history of the Kaska First Nations and the Liard Indian Band. Bayne describes her Band's struggle with a referendum addressing a hereditary system or elected system in determining the position of Chief. She believes that residents should have a choice in determining their leadership. Bayne also discusses abolishing the Indian Act, the need for personal development programs and calls for more treatment centres for substance abuse. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

This file contains an individual presentation by Lisa Maracle discussing a number of topics, including on- and off-reserve life, Canada's role as a model of human rights, racism and discrimination, Bill C-31, the Oka Crisis of 1990, and the speaker's perceived ineffectiveness towards the Six Nations Confederacy leadership. An exchange with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains an individual presentation by Lucienne Robinson detailing her frustrating personal experiences with Bill C-31 and her attempt to return to her home First Nations in northern Ontario. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains an individual presentation by Raynald Vachon on employment and salary inequities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers. Vachon recommends that an organization be established that could be called "the Association of Aboriginal Workers in Quebec." The association could bring together all the Aboriginal communities in Quebec.

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 a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario. These are the opening remarks made by Elder Noel Knockwood and the prayer by Elder William Commanda.

File contains opening remarks by Chief Norm Wesley who introduces Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Viola Robinson, Pat Chilton, and Derek McLeod, Youth Commissioner for the Day.

File contains opening remarks by Chief Pat Chilton welcoming attendees to the evening potlatch and hearing. Chilton explains the purpose of the Commission and emphasizes that elders have a large role to play with their presentations. He introduces Chief Norm Wesley of Moose Factory.

File contains a presentation by the Aboriginal Youth Group of the Miawpukek Band. The seven members present discuss a variety of youth concerns such as sporting and recreational facilities, alcohol and drug abuse, and education with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Alex Nelson, Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association of British Columbia. Nelson describes himself as a sports addict and has been involved with coaching sports his entire adult life. He sees the North American Indigenous Games as the pinnacle of Aboriginal sporting achievement, and he hopes that sports funding at the local levels is increased so that Aboriginal youth continue to have the opportunity to play sports. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Alfred Beaver that focuses on financial accountability of First Nations governments. He sees young children sleeping in train cars at night on his First Nations and wonders how band councils can ignore this problem. He calls upon the Commission to make First Nations accountable for their finances.

File contains a presentation by Alice Kruta and Lorraine Dennis discussing the plight of Aboriginal people trying to negotiate through the Aboriginal system where it is unjust. They state that there are no appeal processes for those who question their Band or First Nations leadership. The women call on the Commission to help make Aboriginal leadership accountable to their own members. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Austin Sterling. He delivers a short presentation on the positive aspects of having Band Schools. Sterling is himself the principal of such a school. Following his remarks Commissioners Chartrand and Dussault thank him for his participation.

File contains a presentation by Barry Ravenhill, Mayor of Watson Lake relating to Aboriginal self-government as it affects municipalities and local bands. He also briefly discusses housing construction on First Nations without proper building standards. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

File contains a presentation by Acting Chief Elaine Myers, Bartlett's Harbour Indian Band Council. Myers discusses the history of the Band Council, which represents approximately 550 Non-Status people. Myers highlights a variety of concerns including unemployment, education, social problems, policing, family issues, housing issues, a lack of recreation facilities, economic problems, fisheries, literacy concerns, and the need for the Band to be registered. Following this Chief Myers discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson.

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 a presentation by Bernard Gordon concerning the provision of Treaty Rights to the Aboriginal Community on and off reserves. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

File contains a presentation by Bernice Cree, Chief, Fort McMurrary No. 468, First Nations. Cree gives an overview of her First Nation and its reserve including demography, economy, and some of the social issues it faces. Cree also comments on government policy regarding her First Nation.

File contains a presentation made by the Big Trout Lake First Nations presented by Steven Chapman, Tonena McKay, Bruce Sakakeep, Mary-Ann Anderson, Alice Beardy and Jemima Morris; on the various topics of the relationship of the Canadian Justice System pertaining to Aboriginals, Education, Self-Government, language and medical care. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners. Comments of the Commissioner-of-the-Day are translated to English from his own language.

File contains a brief presentation by Calvin Claxton, Band Administrator, Sachem Band, focusing on band funding, especially for small bands such as Sachem. He states that he is primarily an observer for the Sachem Band and is grateful for the opportunity to speak before the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Calvin Francis, Gander Bay Indian Band. Francis discusses a variety of issues including hunting and fishing rights, relations with the federal and provincial governments, and the history of the Band which was formally incorporated in 1970. Following Francis' presentation is a discussion between him and Commissioners Robinson, Erasmus and Jeddore on some of the issues facing the Band.

File contains a presentation by Calvin White of the Flat Bay Indian Band. White discusses a range of issues including the Indian Act, Aboriginal self-governance, and social problems. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss some of the issues raised with White.

File contains a brief presentation by Charlie Francis. Francis discusses his view of band governance, arguing the Chiefs have too much authority, Economic development, the need for a constitution or charter for band governance, and the Premier of Quebec who he refers to as "the next Hitler in our country."

The file contains a presentation by Chief Agnes Snow focusing on residential schools and government policy. Snow states that because the federal government wanted to assimilate Aboriginal peoples, they have lost their languages, traditions and values. Family violence, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, unemployment and poor physical and mental health are problematic on her First Nation, and she calls on the Commission to ensure that her First Nation continues to receive government funding to combat these social problems. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains remarks by Chief Andrew Kirkness welcoming the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba, and expressing his hopes for the process.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bert Mack, Toquaht Nation Economic Development. Chief Mack discusses his ideas on the importance of self-reliance with respect to government funding agencies and self-governance. Mack also highlights a complaint about the conduct of consulting firms towards his people.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bill Erasmus of the Dene Nation. Erasmus welcomes the Commission to Denedeh, the Dene homeland, and discusses "the policy that the government has adopted over the years regarding discussions with our peoples in Canada concerining the spelling out of our rights and the requirement for extinguishment," as well as the traditional Dene economy of hunting and trapping. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Chief Calvin McArthur of the Pheasant Rump Nakoda Band. McArthur is also a representative of the Dakota Nation Chiefs. McArthur explains his view that the Treaties are nation to nation agreements, and relates how his own band signed an adhesion to Treaty No. 4 in 1876.

File contains a presentation by Chief David Keenan of the Teslin Tlingit Council. Keenan discusses the differences but also the commonalities in values between Aboriginal people and other Canadians. Keenan also discusses the Canadian justice system, over representation in prisons, the need for more resources toward prevention rather than corrections, initiatives his people have taken in the Yukon, and other justice related matters.

File contains a presentation by Chief Edmund Metatawabin focusing on Aboriginal self-government. He states that local First Nations government must be empowered first to oversee health and family services, education, public works and security, police protection, housing, and other issues relating to First Nations on a local level. Once that structure is in place can Aboriginal leaders call for self-government on a national level. Cecilia Scott, youth representative, speaks briefly about the importance of education for Aboriginal youth.

File contains a opening remarks by the Chief of the Eskasoni First Nation welcoming the Commission to his territory. It also contains opening remarks by Commissioner Georges Erasmus discussing the beginning of the "hearing phase" of the Commission's work, and the areas to be covered in its mandate including: self-government, treaties, a land base for people, economic development, women's issues, elder's issues, youth issues, the constitution, and "just about anything you might think of that affects aboriginal people. Our mandate covers all aboriginal people in all parts of the country."

File contains remarks by Chief Flett of the Pas First Nation welcoming the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba.

File contains a presentation by Chief Fred Holmes. Holmes discusses his views on the situation in Upper Nicola and the "environment vs the environmentalist." Holmes discusses the importance of self-education and recognition of key issues including education, land claims, political organizations, and immigration. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Holmes for his thoughts.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Antoine on behalf of the Deh Cho Regional Council. The presentation was prepared by Rene Lamothe and Betty Hardisty, who consulted with Elders, band members, Metis locals and municipal council of the Deh Cho Region. Visitations in the Deh Cho Region generated feedback regarding the Canadian Constitution and a discussion of the existing constitutional revisions in Canada. Briefly listed are statements of positions by members of the various local councils.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Beaucage, Nipissing First Nation. Chief Beaucage discusses the de'Medici North Bay Inc. collaborative fur venture, world fur markets, and related issues. Chief Beaucage also discusses other economic activity within the First Nation's industrial park.

The file contains a presentation by Chief Gerald Wesley of the Kitsumkalum Band. Chief Wesley welcomes the Commission, expresses his hopes for it, and gives some demographic, cultural, and territorial information on his people. Chief Wesley discusses the political structure of his people, their relationship to other Aboriginal groups, and the federal government.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gerry Jack, Muchaht (phonetic) Culture. Jack discusses his people's traditional cultural views on governance and territory. Following the presentation is a conversation between Chief Jack and Commissioner Georges Erasmus on some of the ideas in Jack's presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Gordon Antoine, Coldwater Indian Band. Chief Antoine makes a series of 13 recommendations for the Royal Commission on the relationship of his people with the Canadian government.

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 Chief James Ross of the Gwich'in people. Chief Ross delivers some remarks on the Gwich'in Final Agreement (a land claim) and introduces Diane Petersen and George Nurysoo who will present after him.

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 Josephine Shottana of the Tobacco Plains Indian Band. Shottana discusses self-governance issues including education, health, and justice in a brief presentation entitled "Rebuilding Relationships."

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 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 Pascal Bighetty and Darryl Linkletter, Junior Chief, representing the Missinipi people of the Churchill River area. Bighetty describes systems of indigenous self-government in other countries and the limits put on band councils by the Canadian government. He states that if South Africa can "invite the First Nations of Africa to sit side by side in the Parliament," then Canada should have Aboriginal Members of Parliament in the near future. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Paul Sam. Chief Sam comments on the preceding presentations of Cathy Rutherford, and the two Roman Catholic Peace and Development Group presenters. Following this Sam invites the Commissioners to come in six months time and take in an Aboriginal fastball tournament. Following the Chief's remarks Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand discuss this with him.

File contains a presentation by Chief Paul Sam, Shuswap Indian Band. Sam discusses the struggle for Aboriginal self-governance in Canada and his thoughts on the recently defeated Charlottetown Accord, as well as the problems he sees as being inherent in the system.