Band Councils

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 Raymond Abraham. Abraham discusses his views on cultural reclamation and restoration, and self-governance issues.

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.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes opening remarks from Elder Vincent Stogan and moderator Lou Desmarais. Also included in this portion is a presentation by Chief Russell Kwasistak concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Samuel Sam, Esquimalt Reserve, British Columbia, expressing concern with the Indian Act and the loss of culture from the viewpoint of Chief and Elder in his community.

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 Stewart Paul of the Tobique First Nation. Paul welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson to Tobique, then proceeds to discuss the history of the First Nation, its part in Pre-Confederation Treaties, the creation of their reserve, its war veterans in numerous global conflicts, notable individuals from Tobique, and some of the economic and social concerns faced by the nation. Paul also elaborates on some of the programming undertaken by the community to deal with these concerns.

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 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 Chief Bernadette Unka of the Deninu Kue First Nation. Chief Unka discusses the history of her people who reside at Fort Resolution, NWT. Chief Unka discusses how Treaty, Metis, and Euro-Canadian people were at one time united in one government at the community, but how her people re-established band governance in 1990 due to their Treaty rights being slowly eroded.

The file contains a presentation by Irvin Norn of the Deninu Kue First Nation. Norn, the Band Administrator, discusses the historical background, the concerns, and the day-to-day issues that his band experiences with respect to membership. Norn discusses Treaty Eight, social services, education, justice, housing, health, renewable and non-renewable resources, and taxation. Following the presentation Commissioners Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Norn.

The file contains a presentation by Dominic Eshkakogan. Eshkakogan, an Elder from the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, discusses the legacy of residential schools, the need for spiritual healing, the impact of diabetes on Aboriginal people, language issues, problems getting funding to community level programs. Eshkakogan references the personal impact these issues have had on him as a First Nations politician, residential school survivor, and someone dying of diabetes-related illnesses.

File contains a presentation by Don McLean, a status Indian Micmac man who lives off reserve. McLean lists two issues he would like the Commission to discuss: namely, the allocation of federal funding to bands not reaching off-reserve members, and compensation for women who lost their status by marrying non-Aboriginal men. Following the presentation are a few brief remarks by Georges Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Don Ryan focusing on Aboriginal rights and title. He gives the Commission documents that his organization wants recorded in the official record for the purposes of the Commission. He introduces Herb George, speaking for the Wet'suwet'en people.

File contains a presentation by Dorothy McDonald, Chief, Fort McKay Indian Band. McDonald discusses tar sand development and how it has negatively effected her people and destroyed their traditional way of life.

The file contains a presentation by Evelyn Ballantyne. Ballantyne discusses Bill C-31 and its effects on the lives of Aboriginal women in Manitoba with reference to housing, discrimination, lack of consultation of women on major political decisions, and the Charlottetown Accord referendum. Edith Young discusses women's and general Aboriginal issues including loss of culture and language, violence and residential schooling, family violence, the need for financial aid, the need for healing lodges, alcoholism, and political corruption at the band level.

File contains a presentation by Francois Paulette. He discusses his background as a Dene Chief and residential school student, his work with addictions, and his ideas on Treaty 11 and what it means for the Dene people in terms of rights and responsibilities. Paulette also discusses the federal government's extinguishment policy and his interpretation of it. Following the presentation Paulette discusses some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Gabe Mentouck, a member of Native Mediation Inc. Mentouck relates why he opposes inherent Indian self-government, and tells a personal story of persecution and abuse by the Chief on his reserve. Mentouck highlights problems with a lack of accountability in Status Indian leadership, a lack of respect for individual rights on reserve, gangsterism and threatening behaviour towards those who opposse the status quo, and unfair treatment of himself from the wider Canadian legal system. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Mr.

File contains an a presentation by Chief George Desjarlais of the West Moberly First Nation. He discusses the history of his people and their entrance into Treaty Eight. Desjarlais states that the government has not lived up to its end of the Treaty, which was intended to provide for peaceful co-existence and shared land management by the two peoples. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the points raised with Desjarlais.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Peters, Regional Chief, Chiefs of Ontario. Peters discusses his organization and its goals in representing the First Nations of Ontario including self-governance, the need to administer their own social services programs, land claims in terms of reclamation of what was lost, and problems with intergovernmental relations. Following the presentation are questions and comments by Comissioners Erasmus, Robinson, Blakeney, and Wilson which Peters addresses.

File contains a presentation by the Grand Falls Band, Exploits Native Band Council. Rosemary Francis Williams and Board of Directors, Ignatius Paul. Williams delivers the first half of the presentation which covers concerns facing the Band including recognition by the Federal and Provincial governments, justice concerns, financial concerns, self-governance, cultural concerns, and Indian Act concerns. Paul relates a personal story to highlight the treatment his people have received from government and to ask that their Aboriginal rights with regard to economic pursuits be recognized.

File contains a detailed presentation by Herb George focusing on Aboriginal rights and title. He discusses the effects of the McKinnon-McBride Commission of 1913-1915 and provides legal decisions that favor the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people in their present-day quest for self-government. Following the presentation is a lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Jack Houle that describes the difficulty of opening a business in Edmonton while being an off-reserve resident. Roadblocks for funding come from various Aboriginal organizations and his own First Nations. He calls on the Commission to help him secure funding. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by James Cardinal on behalf of Chief Peter Ross of the Arctic Red River community of the Gwich'in people (in the Mackenzie River Delta). Cardinal's presentation disucsses alcohol problems, land claims, band issues, education, and a host of other issues. Following the presentation is a conversation between the presenter and the Commissioners (mainly Allan Blakeney) regarding some of the issues raised, notably the effectiveness of alcohol prohibition in Gwich'in territory.

File contains a presentation by James Favel and Bill Swimmer, both of the Strike Them on the Back band, currently part of the Sweetgrass First Nation. Favel remarks that the Department of Indian Affairs forced the Strike Them on the Back Band to amalgamate with the Sweetgrass Band, and gave control to the Sweetgrass council which now ignores the Strike on the Back members concerns.

File contains a presentation by James Johnson. Johnson, a member of the Walpole Island First Nation, discusses his personal views on the Indian Act with reference to economic development, education, assistance, and political structures. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Johnson.

File contains a presentation by Jerry Noskiye that first details the history of the Loon River Cree Band. He seeks compensation from logging and oil companies working in the area, resulting in the destruction of traplines and the livelihood of band members. He calls on the Commission to assist in negotiate the band's land claim and to force logging and oil companies to consult with the band before starting work in the area. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Jim Antoine, Member of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly for Nahende. He gives a brief introduction to Treaty 11 relating to his constituency and to the future formation of Nunavut. Antoine discusses what land claims and self-government would mean to the Northwest Territories, focusing on the extinguishment clause. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by John Corbiere relating to the constitutional and legal position of the Metis and off-reserve Aboriginals. He states that on his First Nations, "The present elected band leadership is denying our off-reserve members the opportunity to vote on the basic things that have a crucial effect on their lives. Those members are being excluded from the social and political prosperity of the band.

File contains a presentation by Ken Goodwill of the White Cap First Nation. Goodwill discusses the importance of Treaty and the government's (both Britain and Canada's) obligations to the Dakota people. He discusses the concessions he feels his people have made, and asks that the government deliver the just rights of the Dakota to their people. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and previous presenter Calvin McArthur specifically addressing the historical disspossession of his people's reserve land.

This file contains a portion of a transcript of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Regina Friendship Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan. This portion of the Commission includes a presentation made by Ken Thomas of the Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture Program, concerning treaty rights in agriculture, investment in Indian Farm Units and distribution of treaty land entitlement. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included.

File contains a presentation by Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Whiteduck discusses a variety of issues concerns, foremost of which are land and land claims. Whiteduck also discusses hunting and fishing rights, past exploitation of resources, Bill C-31, education (including post-secondary) concerns, language loss and assimilation, health services, and justice issues (including courts, Native courts, and policing). Following the presentation Whiteduck discusses some of these issues with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Judy Coocoo Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Whiteduck delivers a summary of her views on economic development including business competetiveness, development, and the idea that developing an adequate economic base should precede self-government. Whiteduck discusses federal programs as they pertain to small business development, and some of the economic developments already in place under Kitigan Zibi. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Robinson discuss some of hte issues raised with Whiteduck.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of the Westbank Indian Band by Larry Derrickson, Micha Menczer, and Gary Swite. Derrickson, a Band Councillor, gives a demographic overview and brief history of the First Nation, its three reserves, economic activities, by-laws, motions towards self-governance, justice issues, B.C. treaty making, resources and funding concerns. Micha Menczer, Legal Advisor to the Band, discusses self-government and land issues, jurisdictional confusion in social services, the Constitution, and the B.C. treaty making process.

File contains a presentation by Leon Sock, Economic Development Officer, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock says that "the failure of deal seriously with the question of Indian economics in Canada can be rated as one of the greatest failures in our national policy." He lists obstacles the Canadian government must overcome to work with Aboriginal leaders and proposes the reorganization of the defunct Big Cove Economic Development Program to start the process on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Vancouver, British Columbia. This part includes presentation by Livina Lightbrown concerning treaty rights, self-sufficiency and Aboriginal self-government. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Al Day. Day, Chief of Onayataka, an Oneida First Nation, discusses the need to dismantle Indian Affairs, self-governance and nation to nation affairs, land claims, jurisdictional issues, education, justice concerns, and self-determination. Following the presentation Chief Day discusses some of the issues raised with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Daniel Miskokomon. Miskokomon, Chief of Walpole Island, London District, discusses his views on the empowerment, enablement, and equality of First Nations.

File contains a presentation by London District Chiefs, Chief Phil Maness. Maness, Chief of Chippewas of Sarnia, London District, discusses three elements he views as neccessary for self-government: land, jurisdiction, and resources. Chief Maness also discusses the Treaty of Amherstburg, and the Indian Act. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus discuss some of the ideas raised with Chief Maness.

File contains a presentation by Louie Frank. Frank relates a message from a Nuu-Chah-Nulth elder to the Commission discussing his hopes and his people's hopes for it. Following this Commissioner Erasmus thanks Frank and sums up his ideas on the day's proceedings. Chief Nelson Keitlah then closes the days proceedings with a prayer in the Nuh-Chah-Nulth language.

File includes a presentation by Chief Gilles Bacon and Councillor Raoul Vollant of the Maliotenam Band Council. Chief Gilles Bacon makes a very brief statement welcoming the Commission and expressing happiness about recent elections.

File contains a presentation by Marlene Pierre and Bernadette Cook focusing on Aboriginal women in politics and they must be included in the decision-making process. She describes the clan system of government and how the benefits of that system could be used in an "Aboriginal Charter," a form of self-government established by Aboriginal women on paper. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File includes a presentation by Mathilda Fontaine on behalf of the Maliotenam School Parents Committee. Fontaine discusses concerns with money being allocated for education not necessarily being spent on it, and also with the recognition of Montagnais teaching certificates. Following her presentation Commissioner Dussault and Wilson discuss these issues with her, while Commissioner Chartrand thanks her for her presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Geraldine Kelly, Archaeologist Jerry Penny, Director of Education Edwina Wetzel, and Michael Joe, all of the Miawpukek Band, Conne River, Newfoundland. The presenters discuss the history of the Micmac people in Newfoundland, and claim that they have Aboriginal rights on the island. They discuss some of the archaeological and historical evidence for this, and the court case that the band is involved in with the federal government to have these claims recognized.

File contains a presentation by Crisis Intervention Officer Marie Francis of the Micmac Native Friendship Centre (Halifax, NS). Francis discusses the financial difficulties faced by the Status Indian population in Canada who lives off reserve, and states that Bands often do not live up to their fiduciary obligations to off-reserve people.

File contains a presentation by Miranda Prosper, a grade 6 student from the Wahpeton Reserve School. Prosper discusses changes she would like to see on the Wahpeton Reserve. These include more policing, an alochol ban, more funding for roads, a Dakota language immersion program for young children, a better firehall, and a safer bus stop.

File contains a wide ranging presentation by Richard Francis and Darrell Paul of the Kingsclear Maliseet First Nation. The presentation is given on behalf of Chief Stephen Sacobie who was unable to attend due to other commitments. Francis outlines a wide variety of concerns to his people centering around the right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as offering a critique of what he sees as a governmental system driven by greed.

File contains a presentation by Richard Long that examines concerns of the off-reserve Aboriginal person. Long states that off-reserve Aboriginal persons feel they have no political or financial power and he questions who will govern urban Aboriginals in the larger centres. He introduces Nora Houle, representative of the Native Council of Canada Board of Directors.

File contains a presentation by Robert Kanateuat focusing on the adverse effects of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement on his and other First Nations in the James Bay area.