Housing

File contains a presentation by Chief Katie Rich, Davis Inlet. Rich discusses how the community was promised better housing when they were relocated in the 1960s, how they face clean water problems, housing problems, a lack of planning by government, alcohol problems, a lack of culturally appropriate curriculum in schools, the need for youth recreation facilities, the need to incorporate Elders in the education system, funding problems, justice issues, policing issues, and the need for relocation on Innu terms.

File contains a presentation by Chief Robert Charlie and Edward John focusing on substandard housing, land claims and the role of Elders, all relating to their First Nations. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Roger Kaye that touches on a number of subjects, including education and youth, housing, justice, land claims and a proposed museum in Old Crow. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Clarence Fournier on behalf of the Beaver First Nation. Fournier discusses post-secondary education and the challenges which his people face in aquiring it including bureaucratic difficulties, and housing concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Fournier and Commissioners Dussault, Robinson, and Beaulieu on post-secondary education issues.

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.

File contains a presentation by Wayne Etches, Joe Scout, and Tom Dixon, Creditors of Kainai Industries. The presenters discuss unemployment in the Kainai (Blood) Nation, Kainai Industries organizational history as a constructor of modular housing, its' failure as a business, and the need for its' resurrection. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with the presenters, after which is a closing prayer to adjourn the day's sitting of the Commission.

This file contains a presentation by Cyndy Desmeules-Bertolin, Fred Anderson and Stan Plante focusing on the effects of funding cuts to their organization. The group calls for the transfer of existing program dollars to Metis institutions. They also call for a Round Table to discuss the needs and provide support to Metis children and families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Darlene McLeod, Band Administrator, Wahpeton Band. McLeod delivers a presentation on housing, mortgages, and education financing concerns. Following McLeod's presentation a discussion takes place between the assembled Commissioners, previous presenter Beverly Waditaka, and Darlene McLeod on the issues raised in their respective presentations.

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 Dennis Sapp and Victor Cote describing the difficulties of being disabled in Saskatoon. They believes changes in the disabled transit service, and in policies for housing, education and employment would benefit all Aboriginal disabled people. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Dolores Andre, Debbie Dedam and Veronique Thusky focusing on the view that "urban Aboriginal women should have inherent rights like all of the First Nations." Their group offers the following recommendations for urban Aboriginal women: Access to social, health and child care services equal to those of the communities; construction of a network of housing co-operatives be developed in Montreal, Quebec City and Hull, which would be accessible to all Aboriginal people; and that greater financial resources be allocated to the Pathway to Success program to provi

The file contains a presentation by Elizabeth Hansen, Councillor, Inuvik Native Band. Hansen delivers a presentation on promoting, preserving, and maintaining Gwich'in cultural heritage. Hansen discusses heritage's relation to Economic development; housing; social services; alcoholism, drug, and solvent abuse; justice; and health services.

This file contains a presentation by Gary Gould recommending that "all Aboriginal people must determine for themselves how they will govern or be governed and that in order for this to fully occur, Aboriginal people must participate as full and equal partners who have a special right to participate in the legislative institutions of this land." Gould re-introduces Frank Palmater, President, New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, who will speak about healing, a Royal Commission touchstone.

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.

File contains a presentation by Mr. Gerard Webb, Federation of Newfoundland Indians. Webb discusses the history of the organization and its court and policy challenges with relation to the federal and provincial governments. Webb also discusses some of the socioeconomic issues facing his constituents such as housing and cultural concerns. The assembled Commissioners engage Mr. Webb in a conversation on some of the points raised. Following this the day's proceedings are adjourned with a Closing Prayer.

The file contains a presentation by the Gitksan and Wet'suwet'en Government; presenters Alice Jeffrey, Sadie Howard, and Vicky Russell. The presenters discusses self-government initiatives, health care, education, housing, mental health concerns, cultural concerns, traditional governance models, and related issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the topics raised with the presenters. Following this the two Commissioners thank the days' participants and the sitting is concluded with a closing prayer.

This file contains a presentation by five members of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. Subjects discussed by the presenters include arrests of Kahnawake residents in 1988 relating to cigarettes; the Oka Crisis of 1990; negotiations relating to self-government; the removal of the Indian Act; transfer payments to Aboriginal persons; education and housing issues, and the Kahnawake Peacekeepers (police force). A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

This file consists of a presentation by Gus Ashawasega and Judi Hall focusing on housing for Aboriginals in Metropolitan Toronto. The Native Men's Residence is one of five urban Aboriginal housing organizations in Toronto perspective on Aboriginal housing in Toronto. Housing is required for families, singles, homeless, two-spirited peoples, seniors and the disabled. The federal government announced as of 1 January 1993 that new funding commitments for urban Aboriginal housing initiatives would no longer be provided.

File contains a presentation by Harold Prince relating to the overwhelming demand for housing on the Nak'azdli First Nation, due to Bill C-31 reinstatement, members returning home for economic reasons or upon completion of their education. He calls on the Commission to help secure more funding for proper housing for band members. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 presentation by seven members of the Indian Band Members of Faust Society, an organization representing registered band-listed treaty Indian people who live off-reserve. The presenters discuss numerous topics including the Faust local model government, land claims, hunting and trapping, Improvement District 17 and housing. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Iris Allen and Margaret Webb focusing on the problems created by the lack of health care services for Inuit people in Labrador. They discuss health problems created by substance abuse, family violence and inadequate housing. The speakers are particularly concerned with the physical and mental health of the youth of Labrador. They call on the Commission to increase financial and professional assistance to Labrador Inuit communities, and to ensure these communities have input in local health care programs.

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 Jacqueline Ellsworth, Native Housing Program. Ellsworth discusses housing programs in PEI, and the effect of government cutbacks as well as recommendations to improve the system. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

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 Joe Seymour and Reuben Wasacase relating to the Native Veterans Housing Project in Kenora, Ontario. The presenters originally surveyed Aboriginal veterans in the Kenora area and discovered a number of other issues affecting them, such as land entitlement, pensions and allowances, medical benefits, and unfair treatment relating to lack of recognition and neglect of veterans. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 Jolene Wasteste in the youth circle on the topic of youth involvement in the Aboriginal Community after which a discussion of the presentation is recorded.

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.

This file contains a presentation by Katherine Bransfield relating to self-government and Aboriginal women. Gignoo Transition House recently opened in Fredericton, New Brunswick and its role is to provide shelter, food, love and support, education, counselling and play as an advocacy for women and children fleeing from abuse. As this house has been very successful in helping women and children, Bransfield calls for another house to be built in north-central New Brunswick. Her organization will be presenting a brief to the Commission in September 1993.

File contains a presentation by Keith Chief Moon, Mohk-E-Saun Committee, Blood Indian Reserve #148. Moon discusses his people's history, and some of their problems with regard to living conditions.

The file contains a presentation by Keith Chiefmoon on social housing. Chiefmoon discusses racism in the Lethbridge rental market, homelessness, and Aboriginal student's housing needs. Chiefmoon also discusses the exclusion of the disabled from on-reserve housing programs at the Blood Reserve. Chiefmoon makes recommendations regarding emergency housing, the establishment of an urban Indian housing program, the establishment of a student housing program, and the need for Aboriginal representation on the city's Landlord-Tenant Board.

File contains a presentation by Keith Milne focusing on self-government in relation to social concerns and social service. He suggests that the Commission hold a hearing in the Thunder Bay Shelter House to hear directly the concerns of those persons requiring the Shelter House's services. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 Ken Harris, Meensganist Housing Society. Harris discusses his organization, a non-profit low-rental organization...not affiliated with any tribal councils or villages. We are actually independent." Harris discusses his organization's activities and associated housing concerns. Harris also discusses his relationship with the government and funding agencies, off-reserve migration of Aboriginal people to Prince Rupert and associated issues, and a series of questions about government policy.

File contains a presentation by Sophie Pierre, Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council. Pierre discusses a variety of issues in a general fashion on behalf of the Tribal Council including: justice concerns, housing and capital programs, the Council's wellness program, economic development, and fiscal arrangements in existence between the Tribal Councils and the federal government.

File contains a presentation made by the Lac Seul First Nation. Deputy Chief Roger Bull, Jack Brightnose and Harry Ignace all spoke to the topic of social plights on the Reserve and conditions of the First Nations reserve community. Also contained are questions and comments from the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Larry Desmeules and Sheila Genaille that first details the history of the Métis Nation in Canada. They state that there is "a lack of understanding of the political realities of the Métis Nation and our aspirations as a nation." Desmeules calls for the Commission to establish a round table to deal exclusively with Métis Nation issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

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 Laverne Cook. Cook explains how she has been hired by the Port Alberni Friendship Centre to do a survey of "the disabled natives in the Port Alberni area" and how she feels that their needs in areas such as transportation, housing, and medicine need to be addressed.

File contains an individual presentation by Leo Marcellous. He states that the Aboriginal way of life has been lost due to colonization and compares the Ten Commandments to the four circles once taught to Aboriginals - 'I' (yourself), family, community and nation (all peoples). He states that elders speak of this time in the past where "the old way of our people, our forefathers, the way they used to think, the way their values were of life" would be essential in helping Aboriginal people to heal themselves. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

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.

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.

File contains a presentation by Marion Lindsay discussing the substandard housing conditions that are commonplace in the Umpherville settlement. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners. She calls for the repair of the local community hall, hub of activity in the settlement. She introduces Mrs. MacKenzie, member.

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 an individual presentation by Marlene Poitras expressing her frustration with poor housing and living conditions for Aboriginals. She states those conditions are directly related to the rate of illness and disease among Aboriginals. She says that off-reserve Aboriginals particularly suffer with poor housing conditions. Poitras calls on the Commission to ensure that adequate funding is given to lifestyle and health programs for all Aboriginals. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Marvin Sampson focusing on the social problems caused by residential schools, forms of abuse, and alcohol and drug abuse. Sampson states the programs in place in his community are under-funded and under-staffed, resulting in broken families and individuals. He states that self-government is ineffective if Aboriginal people are unable to recover from negative events in their past. Following the presentation is a brief question-and-answer session with Georges Erasmus, Co-Chair.

File contains a presentation by Mary Rose Maksagak discussing the lack of recreation facilities, housing and educational opportunities in Cambridge Bay. She hopes that Grades 11 and 12 will be offered soon as students must leave home to finish high school in Yellowknife. She calls on the Commission to help with proposed funding for a new building that would hold Grades 9-12 under one roof. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Mavis Henry, social worker for the [Pauquachin] Band. Her presentation illustrates the need for better housing, mental health services and increased personal safety on First Nations. Henry states to the Commissioners that without basic security in one's own home, children grow up "victimized as there is no support from the local community or from the justice system." She hopes the Commission will ensure that "our people become powerful, healthy and strong again."

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.