The file contains a presentation by Chairperson Kris Ramchandar and Harold Rampersad, of the Community and Race Relations Committee of the City of Winnipeg. The presenters discuss the position of Aboriginal peoples in Canadian society, some of the history of colonization, and make a series of recommendations to the Commission regarding government policy in the social and economic spheres.

This file contains a presentation by Larry Chartrand and Troy Chalifoux of the Indigenous Law Program at the University of Alberta. Chartrand wonders if "my promoting the virtues of a legal education to Aboriginal students is essentially promoting Aboriginal society, or are we promoting the continued subjugation of Aboriginal people by the European-based colonial powers?"

The file contains a presentation by Larry Soldier, Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre. Soldier discusses the background of the Friendship Centre, its' operations, and some of its' organizational history. Amongst the issues Soldier raises are race relations; elder's issues; recreation and youth issues; cultural programming; self-governance; housing; addictions; education; and service delivery. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Soldier.

File contains a presentation by Lazarusie Epoo. Epoo relates some personal experiences related to the history of the community, and the abuse the Inuit people suffered from the police and Euro-Canadian companies operating in the area. Epoo states that when the Inuit people got involved in elections they "stopped being so scared of the white people," and that "If the white people had chosen to work closely with us instead of being so dominant, we wouldn't have been so far apart in the beginning."

This file contains a presentation by Lisa Maracle focusing on taxation of Aboriginal people. She states that the Indian Act directs that there be no taxation for Aboriginal people, yet the federal government is taxing Aboriginals. Maracle also says that the current federal government anti-racism program that advertises on radio, television and in print has not been successful in combating racism. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Lisa Raven, Hollow Water Band, Wanipigow School. Raven discusses her theory that the government has deliberately underfunded Status Indian education which she equates with an act of genocide. She also discusses the need for significant investments in education and economic development on reserves.

File contains a presentation by Louisa Smith, North Coast Tribal Council. Smith discusses First Nations education issues, a dispute she had with School District 52, funding issues, administrative problems in schools, teacher issues, special needs students' issues, and teacher racism in schools. Bernice Goldie discusses her experiences as a teacher, administrative abuses, bureaucratic practices which detrimentally effect students, and related concerns.

File contains a presentation by the Aboriginal Advisory Council. Chairperson Louise Chippeway, Dan Highway, Elsie Moar, Bernice Hilts, Brian Ranville, and Clayton Sandy all contribute. The presenters are all civil servants with the provincial and federal governments and discuss affirmative action programs, overcoming racism, and Aboriginal participation in the labour force. Chairperson Chippeway and Ranville deliver most of the presentation. Following it the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by Lucassie Arragutainaq, Vice-President, Arctic Co-operatives Limited. Arragutainaq discusses the Co-operative movement in the North, its principles, function, and history across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. He discusses its importance to Inuit and Dene people, and the need for government policies that are helpful to this kind of community development, particularly in the finanical sector (Credit Unions).

File contains a presentation by Maggie Hodgeson discussing the Nechi Institute's purpose and goals. In the last 18 years this Aboriginal training institute has trained 2500 counsellors to work in the 15 Aboriginal treatment programs and 30 prevention programs in Alberta. Hodgeson calls for the Commission to ensure funding for the Nechi Institute continues because its graduates are contributing to the decline of substance abuse among Aboriginals in Alberta.

File contains a presentation by Margaret McCullough of the Yukon Human Rights Commission. McCullough discusses the Commissions activities and her witnessing of racism and discrimination in Yukon society. She also discusses some of the steps the Commission has taken to educate about racism. Following her presentation McCullough discusses racism and related issues with the assembled Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Marguerite Cardin and Pierre Taillon relating to their group that represents Aboriginal people living off-reserve and Metis in Quebec. Cardin states that these persons suffer with a lack of identity and cites multiple examples of this problems. She also states that Aboriginal women need to fight to improve conditions for themselves, as Aboriginal male leaders "appear not to be interested" in being involved in the struggle for Aboriginal women's rights. The Commissioners provide questions for the presenters during the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Marie Pitawanakwat and Carol Martin relating to "the relationship within and among ourselves, the Native people," because of their experiences as Aboriginal women and businesswomen. They have experienced oppression and paternalism from Aboriginal men relating to starting their own businesses. They believe self-government cannot be achieved when Aboriginal men do not consider Aboriginal women as their equal. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Marilyn Fontaine, Spokesperson, Aboriginal Women's Unity Coalition. Fontaine discusses her organizations history, and the issues it deals with including sexism, violence, abuse, lack of political representation, self-government talks, and the environment.

File contains a presentation by Marjorie Andersen, Mayor of Makkovik. After welcoming the Commission to her community, Andersen discusses some of their concerns such as a lack of adequate community funding, water and sewer system problems, poor roads, fishery issues, policing, housing, and the need for land development.

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 contains a presentation Mary Guilbeault, Vice-Chairperson, Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. The presentation contains some personal background on Guilbeault and her experiences as an Aboriginal woman and community/political leader in Winnipeg. She raises a number of issues, most importantly the neccessity to recognize Treaty Rights and provide services regardless of geographic location. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with the Commissioners regarding both this presentation and Eric Robinson's similarly themed one on urban Aboriginal issues in Winnipeg.

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 Mary Pitananakwat concerning the employment of Aboriginals in the Community and human rights. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

File contains a presentation by Maxwell Yalden, Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, regarding his organizations past advocacy on behalf of Aboriginal peoples (including its support for the creation of the Commission), a universalist approach to Charter of Rights and Freedoms rights, his view that the Charter is complimentary to collective Aboriginal rights, the need to redress and relieve discrimination and abuses against Aboriginal Canadians, the importance of acting now with regards to Aboriginal issues rather than later.

This file contains a transcript of a part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes a Presentation by members of the All Nations Youth Council, Author Thomas, Jolene Lalonde, Tracy Peters, Wanda Willier, Chris Brett, Jason Thomas, April Prince, Pearl Morgan, George Chapman, Carla Aubichon, Karen Aubichon and Dave Norbert concerning activities of youth in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

File contains a presentation by Betty Thomas and Jean Clayton of the Metro United Way (Halifax). Thomas and Clayton discuss their organizational history and their Multicultralism/Anti-Racism Program. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus discusses the program with them.

File contains a presentation by Mr. Rheal Boudrias. Boudrias, outgoing President of the Native Alliance of Quebec, discusses his own past, the way Aboriginal people have been treated in his region, the struggles of off-reserve populations, resource and economic development, housing, culture, racism and discrimination, and rights. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Boudrias.

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 Oscar Kistabish on Algonquin Economic Development. Kistabish, whose Algonquin name is Osezima, discusses the history of his people, his idea of autonomy and self-sufficiency, the importance of territory and the different conceptions which Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people have of it.

File contains a presentation by Peter Sackeney and Holly Kowtook Holopainen relating to the importance of the Native Criminal Court Worker program provided at their Friendship Centre. Despite decreasing funding, their services include translation and after-court assistance. The presenters call on the Commission to ensure funding for the hiring of Aboriginal court workers to continue serving the urban Aboriginal community in Timmins. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Peter Sinclair, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Sinclair discusses "our day to day nightmare with the ongoing obstruction and interference by Government Bureaucracies." Sinclair relates some of the Cree Nation's history with regard to resource exploitation, residential schools, land use, racism, the negative impact of hydro-electric development, and related concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Wilson discusses some of the issues raised with Sinclair after which the Commission's sitting is concluded for the day.

File contains a presentation by Phil Fontaine (at the time the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs) regarding a wide range of topics including the Commission's mandate, Treaty issues, residential schools, justice reform, self-government, and resources. Following the presentation is a wide ranging discussion between Chief Fontaine and the Commission members on topics raised in the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Randy Tindale, Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes. Tindale discusses the composition of his organization, its structure and mandate. He then goes on to relate difficulties it has experienced with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and what he describes as a minority of government bureaucrats with prejudicial attitudes towards Aboriginal organizations. Tindale reccomends that the federal government appoint an ombudsman to look into such concerns.

This file contains a transcript of part of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Prince George, British Columbia. This part includes a presentation by Elder Ray Prince of the Northern Region of the National Aboriginal Veteran's Association on the topic of the situation of Aboriginal veterans in Canada compared to non-native veterans.

File contains a presentation by Reed Gauthier in French. The presentation relating to the Canadian government's "systematic destruction of the cultures of Aboriginal peoples." Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners in English.

File contains a presentation by Regena Crowchild, President of the Indian Association of Alberta. Crowchild discusses Aboriginal lands in Canada, and argues that the Canadian government uses a racist approach to land claims questions based on the outdated notion of terra nulius. To ameliorate this, Crowchild suggests the Canadian government must recognize "Indigenous ownership to lands and resources." Crowchild then discusses Treaties and the need to discuss the benefits that non-Aboriginal people enjoy from the Treaty relationship.

File contains a presentation by Rene Tenasco, Councillor of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Council. Tenasco delivers an address on Aboriginal history in Canada, and his opinion on the ongoing move towards reconciliation of which the Royal Commission is a part. Following the statement Commissioner Dussault thanks Tenasco, and Commissioner Robinson discusses Indian Act concerns with Tenasco.

This file contains a presentation by Rev. Dr. R. Burn Purdon, Rev. Faye Wakeling and Rev. Pierre Goldberger.

File contains a presentation by the Rev. Ken Forrester of the Roman Catholic Church Development and Peace Group. Forrester discusses some of his organizations views on issues like reconciliation, justice, solidarity, and the fight against racism and discrimination. Following the remarks Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank Forrester for his thoughts.

This file contains a presentation by Rhonda Alain discussing her group's research project that identifies concerns and issues that impact on the lives of Aboriginal youth and finding solutions to those concerns. She calls for Canada-wide Aboriginal youth groups; school curricula to include an accurate history of Aboriginal peoples; healing circles that include involvement of elders; and recreation programs that promote positive self-image for Aboriginal youth. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Richard Mills and Evelyn Buffalo focusing on the approach Aboriginals have toward health care: the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects. The two presenters state that an Aboriginal health centre is required as non-Aboriginal health care workers do not understand the Aboriginal approach to health care. They anticipate the new health centre to be open in 1993.

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 Rod Martin of the Indian Council of First Nations. Martin discusses the impact of his experiences working for the government, his perspective on the Indian Act and the problems it has caused for First Nations.

File contains a presentation by Ronnie Leah, Sociology Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Leah discusses research she performed in the community which highlights the experience of Aboriginal women in the Lethbridge area in terms of systemic racism they face in their daily lives. Leah discusses her methodology, findings, and some ways in which she thinks the problems of racism in the community can be addressed.

This file contains a presentation by Rosemary Brown focusing on education, the First Nations Chartered Lands Act and the Lubicon Lake Cree land claim. Education funding cutbacks are threatening to close the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School, an important facility for Aboriginal youth education in Calgary. The Lands Act will empower Chiefs and Council to request that reserve lands by privatized and available for mortgages, and Brown requests that the Act be scrapped.

File contains a presentation by Sandra Delaronde, Vice President of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. Delaronde discusses the status of Aboriginal women in their relationship within Aboriginal organizations, and Aboriginal communities, as well as offering a few suggestions to the Commission. Following the presentation is a discussion between Delaronde and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of the issues raised.

The file contains a presentation by Wes Whetung and Sanford Cottrelle of Newberry House (a halfway house). Whetung and Cottrelle discuss the prison system and Aboriginal offenders offering a comparative view of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal halfway houses, compensation for former residential school residents, accessible moneys to implement both cultural and non-cultural programs for children and youth, and stereotypes of Aboriginal people in text-books. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

File contains a presentation by Sarah Anala. Anala is an Innu woman originally from Labrador, a member of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples' Council, and a board member of the New Brunswick Native Indian Women's Council Inc. Anala relates her personal, spiritual, and cultural background.

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 the School of Human Justice given by Jim Harding concerning the Justice System as it pertains to the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

File contains a presentation by Senator Fortunate Guiboche, Metis Senate of Manitoba. Fortunate Guiboche welcomes the Commission to the Metis Homeland, and stresses the importance of this homeland to the Metis people, as well as explaning the significance of the Metis Senate to his people. He then introduces a presentation by Senator Bear.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Shacken Band School. Martha Aspinall, Charmane Sheena, and Sally Holmes discuss a variety of concerns regarding Band Schools, post-secondary funding, racism and discrimination, and jurisdictional issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank the presenters for their thoughts.

File contains a presentation by Sharon Pelletier at the University of Manitoba regarding her personal experiences as a mature student, single parent, and Bill C31 person. Following this is a discussion with the Commissioners also involving the preceding presenter, Dave Mowat, also a student at the University of Manitoba, regarding the issues raised in their two presentations.