Employment

File contains a presentation by Dorothy Wynne describing the frustration with continuing the operation of the Friendship Centre in Kapuskasing without federal government funding. She also expresses concern with Kapuskasing being a bilingual town and most job opportunism require that English and French are a requirement for employment. Wynne describes the early stages of a tanning program and the construction of a tannery that would establish an economic base for the Friendship Centre. She calls on the Commission to address the Centre's inability to secure federal funding.

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 Dr. John Hylton concerned with the provision and distribution of Social, health and education services to the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

File contains a presentation by by Earl Campbell, Joe Baptiste, and Amanda Gail Daniels, Anishnaabe Owayishi. Campbell discusses their organization Anishnaabe Oway-Ishi Inc. (based in Winnipeg, MB) which he describes as "a pre-training program for employment and training opportunities program for Aboriginal youth." Amanda Gail Daniels speaks about racism, employment equity, and the welfare system. Joe Baptiste discusses the government and economics as they pertain to Aboriginal people in Canada.

File contains a presentation by Earl Dean of Xeno Exploration. Dean, who works for a mineral exploration company, discusses the bond that develops through people working together doing meaningful work, and discusses his experiences working with Cree, Slavey, and Inuit people. Following Dean's presentation are comments by Commissioners Erasmus and Wilson, after which the day's sitting is concluded with a closing prayer by Helena Laroque.

File contains a presentation by Eileen Van Bibber that offers six proposals relating to the Liard First Nation and its residents. They include construction of a building for the creation and sale of crafts, training of band members for equipment operation in the Liard area, and construction of a community hall. Van Bibber calls for funding to achieve these goals. Following the presentation is a lengthy discussion with Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Viola Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Emma Robert. Robert discusses concerns affecting working women, particularly those with children, in the community. She sees the biggest problems as being a lack of daycare and babysitter facilities. Another concern she raises is rents being too high for working people. She highlights her biggest concern for people in the community in general as being proper job training which isn't available at the moment. Following the presentation, Commissioner Rene Dussault offers a comment and question on daycare and housing which Roberts answers.

File contains a presentation by Everett Lambert. Lambert, a Mohawk-Cree-Metis man, discusses economic development for Aboriginal Canadians. Lambert states that "Natives don't just need money. Natives need jobs. They need meaningful full-time jobs, jobs that keep them busy eight hours a day, 40 houyrs a week, not the part-time underpaying overworked position too many of our people presently hold." Following the presentation Commissioners Blakeney and Shirt discuss employment issues with Lambert.

This file contains a presentation by Fenton Scott that first states: "The Prospectors of Canada and their predecessors have lived in harmony and mutual respect with Canadians of native ancestry for nearly 400 years.

The file contains a presentation by Flora Zaharia and Cam Mackie, Frontier College. Zaharia and Mackie discuss the College's operations as the oldest adult educational institution in Canada, and its' relationship and programs for Aboriginal peoples. Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.

This file contains a presentation by Fred Hall that begins with findings of a 1985 Newfoundland provincial commission stating that "paternalistic policies and programs, however well-meaning and however high-spending, are clearly not working." Hall goes on to say that the federal and provincial governments must change their focus so that Aboriginal and Inuit people can provide for themselves, rather than governments providing for them. Hall is not optimistic that this Commission will be any different than the last one.

File contains a presentation by Gary Mitchell. Mitchell, a resident of Makkovik, former mayor and past president of community councils of Labrador, and Inuit field worker, speaks on the topic of economic development and fisheries.

File contains a presentation by Gary Patsey focusing on self-government of Gitanmaax based on the Gitksan governmental system. He provides a brief history of the ancient village of Gitanmaax and calls on the Commission to assist on the repealing of Section 74 of the Indian Act. Patsey also briefly discusses housing, unemployment and the negative effects of residential schools upon the Gitanmaax population. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains spresentation by George Gillies, Inuvik Regional Hospital. In response to a question by Commissioner Allan Blakeney, Gillies discusses the amount of health staff in the Mackenzie Delta area including the proportion of Aboriginal employees, and their positions. Commissioner Mary Sillett also asks a staffing question, and then preceding presenter Patricia Lowe and Allan Blakeney discuss northern community staffing issues.

File contains a presentation by Gerri Ense and Marla Metson, Native Skills Centre. Ense discusses her life experiences with reference to her own career, and some of the issues her organization encounters such as different cultural expectations in the workplace, and the establishment of the Native Skills Centre. Marla Metson, a non-Aboriginal person, discusses how she got involved with the Skills Centre then goes on to discuss a variety of organizational issues including funding concerns, Aboriginal trainers, and the need for increased Aboriginal input into training programs.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Swan of the Nicola Valley Community Futures Association. Swan discusses his organization, a Non-Profit whose focus is on promoting employment opportunities within the community by both encouraging business growth and helping workers match up with jobs. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault, Chartrand, and Joe thank Swan.

File contains a presentation by Graham Tuplin, Tom Conners and Brenda Leslie focusing on Aboriginal treatment in the criminal justice system and on-going land claims negotiations with the Canadian government. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Hari Dimitrakopoulon, Northern Women's Development Network. Dimitrakopoulon discusses a report submitted to the Commission on women's economic development. Dimitrakopoulon highlights some of the content of the report which deals specifically with the socio-economic position of Aboriginal women in Northern Manitoba, and some of the reasons behind that position going back to pre-European contact days. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the reports findings with Dimitrakopoulin.

File contains a presentation by Harry Maksagak, whose organization supports territorial Aboriginal training and employment policies, and provides a territorial forum for discussion and possible adaptation of policy that will encourage programs and services for Aboriginal people seeking to enter the unique labour markets of the Northwest Territories. Citing census statistics, he calls on the Commission to help provide more funding for Aboriginal youth to obtain the necessary post-secondary education to fill urgently needed jobs.

File contains a presentation by Harry Sock, Director, Child and Family Services, Big Cove, New Brunswick. Sock discusses the effect of unemployment, lack of housing and social problems have on Aboriginal families on his home First Nation. Following the presentation is a discussion involving Harry Sock, Leon Sock and the Commissioners.

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 Howard Sark with regards to teaching youth the Micmac language, alcoholism, schools, and status issues.

File contains a presentation by Real Vollant, Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Maniutenam. Vollant discusses how the Montagnais see the future in terms of three areas: land claims, constitutional offers, and self-government. He states that "Development, education, justice, health and social services--all of these depend on self-government." Following Vollants presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses education and language matters in the community with him. They then discuss industrial development, policing, trapping, hunting, fishing, wages, and other concerns.

File contains a presentation by Irene Ness focusing on Aboriginal economic programs and Bill C-31 funding. She calls on the Commission to make housing funds available to Bill C-31 persons for use either on or off reserves as per personal situations. She also requests a review of Aboriginal economic programs to ensure the needs of Aboriginal people are met. She speaks personally of being denied program funds for her business despite meeting the required standards for funding. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Isabelle Impey. Impey discusses the Gabriel Dumont Institute: its' mandate, guiding principles, organizational structure, and relation to self-government. Impey also discusses some of the Insitute's programs, post-secondary education financing issues, and projects it is involved with. Following brief comments by Commissioner Dussault, Impey delivers the second part of her presentation which deals with Metis women's concerns.

File contains a presentation by Isabelle Smith relating to programs and services for disabled Aboriginal people in Saskatoon. She expresses frustration with the lack of funding for programs for health issues, employment, housing and education for her clientele. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by James Mercredi representing the Fort Simpson Dene Council. He expresses concern about proposed uranium mining and how it will affect the Deh Cho River system. Mercredi cites Treaties 8 and 11 and various governmental papers and believes aspects of these documents are unconstitutional. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Jane Tennyson, Community Studies Researcher, Corporate Relations Planning and Research Department, Ontario Hydro. Tennyson's group is responsible for addressing the cultural environment of a proposed project site and to take an active interest with Aboriginal issues and concerns in the environmental impact assessment process. Her group seeks to promote employment for Aboriginals for future projects and to be aware of opposition to projects that may alter the landscape negatively and affect Aboriginal life negatively.

The file contains a presentation by Jason Goodstriker. Goodstriker, President of the Native American Students' Association at the University of Lethbridge, discusses that organization's activities specifically what they have been doing for the past year. Goodstriker discusses Aboriginal enrollment rates, financial assistance, the importance of peer support, employment opportunities as they pertain to post-secondary education, and his organizations work with the Canadian Federation of Students.

File contains a presentation by Jean-Paul Nicolette focusing on Aboriginal employment at the McClean Lake Mine in Saskatchewan. His company welcomes Aboriginal employees and employs them in direct and in-direct jobs relating to the operation of the mine. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Jennifer Scott relating to her organization, whose mandate is to provide services to adults with disabilities in order to assist them to become contributing and participating members of their communities. The association provides two non-facility based programs, the first being an outreach program designed to assist disabled persons acquire skills to live independently.

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 Joan Ryan focusing on education for the Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en people, including programs offering fishery, carpentry, forestry and court worker training. She calls on the Commission to ensure continued funding for programs that educate Gitksan-Wet'suwet'en persons and return them back to their communities to help others. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Joan Tornberg, Tornberg and Associates. Tornberg, a Metis woman, operates a service delivery agency in Northern Alberta. Tornberg presents on issues related to education and job training for Aboriginal people in the community of Anzac, Alberta. Following her presentation are some remarks by Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney.

File contains a presentation by Joe Ohokannoak that covers a number of subjects, including no high school courses past Grade 10 in the Cambridge Bay area, potential employment with the expected construction of a new mine, a lack of radio broadcasting facilities, and health issues. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by John Jamieson of the PEI Fisherman's Association. Jamieson discusses the fishery in PEI and the Micmac's involvement. He focuses on the need for co-operation to conserve fish stocks, a plan to incorporate Micmac fishermen into the commerical fishery, and relations with the federal government. Following the presentation is a discussion between Jamieson and the Commissioners regarding fisheries in PEI.

File contains a presentation by John Turner. Turner presents on behalf of the Mushkegowuk Traditional Harvesters. Turner outlines three reasons why it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a living off the land: the activities of animal rights groups who oppose trapping, the activities of sport hunting groups who oppose subsistence rights to hunt, and the development of hydroelectric projects which negatively impact habitat. Turner then goes on to discuss how Aboriginal people have increasingly adopted European values and look with disdain upon trapping as a career choice.

The file contains a presentation by Joy Playford of the Federal Business Development Bank serving Aboriginal people. Playford, Director of Business Management Training Services for the Bank in the prairie provinces and Northwest Territories, discusses what the Bank does and gives some examples of "individual efforts that perhaps would be helpful to others who seek to support Aboriginal peoples and their enterprises." Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with Playford.

File contains a presentation by Joy Thorkelson, United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union. Thorkelson, the Union's Northern Representative, delivers a presentation "from a Northern perspective of a fishing community that has a great deal of Native participation and certainly within our Union we have many First Nations people...Seventy-five to eighty per cent of our members." Thorkelson discusses a range of environmental, trade, and economic issues effecting the West Coast fishery, and its various communities.

File contains a presentation by Joyce Racette. Racette, a member of the Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan, discusses that organization's programs, philosophy, and relation to other organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous. Following Racette's presentation Clem Chartier makes some comments on the provincial Metis Housing Corporation.

File contains a presentation by Julia Eweing focusing on her organization's role in Aboriginal economic development initiatives that assist Aboriginal people in working toward increased economic development and self-sufficiency through a number of programs offered by her organization. Eweing calls on the Commission to help deal with obstacles in receiving government funding for essential programming. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Kathy Jensen, School of Social Work Program. Jensen discusses educational opportunities in Northern Manitoba from "the perspective of the Faculty of Social Work" at the University of Manitoba, Thompson campus. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand discusses some of the issues raised with Jensen.

File contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon. Chiefmoon discusses racism "as it pertains here today" with a focus on off-reserve life. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the city of Lethbridge in the employment, post-secondary, and provincial government services. Chiefmoon also discusses what he deems discriminatory law enforcement practices, and Aboriginal over-representation in prisons. Chiefmoon also makes recommendations about languages, land claims, political representation in the federal parliament, and the need for an "off-reserve Indian government."

File contains a presentation by Kelvin Ng whose organization deal with political, economic and social issues at the regional level. Their goal is to lobby for changes which will benefit all residents of the region. Subjects discussed are education, economic development, the establishment of a financial institution that would serve area residents, a housing shortage and high rates of employment. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Kevin McCormick, representative, Inuik Fisheries, and a resident of Pangnirtung. He feels that the Canadian government should be dealing with important economic and social issues in the Baffin region and that negotiations relating to the formation of Nunavut should not take precedent over these issues. He calls for the Canadian government to subsidize airfares and hotel costs in the Eastern Arctic to create growth in the tourist industry.

File contains a presentation by Larry Ussak. He discusses his concerns with the way the government handles the polar bear population, specifically some of the techniques they use which he believes is contributing to the populations decline. Ussak also talks about job training, welfare, drop-out rates, suicide, the financial difficulties of life in the north, and related concerns. Following the presentation Commissioner Robinson discusses employment and training issues with Ussak and Paul Kaludjak.

File contains a presentation by Laurie Moyes that calls for more Aboriginal people to be employed in all areas of the criminal justice system, more cross-cultural workshops for police and non-Aboriginal criminal justice employees. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Lex Ross and Billy McReady that states: "Aboriginals without basic literacy and academic skills will never secure and retain gainful employment." A new curriculum should be implemented that would enhance the self-image of young Aboriginals as to their culture and history. Amulet Consulting's teaching technology "doesn't replace existing teaching systems, it enhances them" with that new curricula. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

Historical note:

This file contains a presentation by Linda Pinch focusing on the Westman WomenÂ’s Shelter in Brandon. The shelter provides safe and temporary accommodation to women and their children who have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused. Pinch also discusses the YWCA Residence Program, a halfway house facility serving people on federal and provincial people, and those needing post-mental health and post-addiction treatment.

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 Lorna Standingready concerning the access to higher education by the Aboriginal Community and Urban Indian rights. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

This file contains a presentation by Lorraine McKay focusing on Aboriginals living off-reserve in Brandon. She states that large numbers of Aboriginals are moving to larger centres and are finding it difficult to find housing and gain employment. The speaker calls on the Commission to secure funding for more programs for Aboriginals living in Brandon. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.