Well-being

File contains a presentation by Eric J. Large focusing on major issues affecting his First Nation - lack of proper housing, education, lack of available capital funds to implement various economic development opportunities, recreation for youth and health care. Chief Carl Quinn gives closing remarks to Large's presentation, and then he and Large engage in a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Ernest Beck. Beck discusses social and child services arrangements in James and Hudson Bay communities. Specifically he discusses his organization Paykotayno, which was designated a Children's Aid Society in April, 1987. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses the composition of Beck's organization with him.

The file contains a presentation by Floyd Crowshoe. Crowshoe discusses Youth Centres and the positive impact he thinks they have on Aboriginal youth.

This file contains a portion of Volume 2 of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Akwesasne Mohawk School, Cornwall Island, Ontario. This portion of the Volume includes a presentation given by Francis Jock for the Department of Social Development and Health, Mohawk Council of Akwasasne on the subject of the care for the disabled, senior citizens and children in the Aboriginal Community.

File contains a presentation by Jamie Farrell discussing the role of group homes in the rehabiliation of young offenders in Labrador. She states that often the youth need to escape a bad home life so they commit crimes and enter the group home, often a safer environment than their own home. Farrell also discusses the high rate of suicide among Labradorian youth. Following the discussion is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by the Jean-Marc Penosway and Claire Penosway. Jean-Marc and Claire are two youths from Grand Lac Victoria who requested to speak with the Commission. They discuss a variety of problems they have faced including family breakdown, drug and alcohol addiction in the family, racism and discrimination, foster care, and related matters. Claire requests a private audience with the Commissioners later to discuss a personal matter, which the Commissioners accept.

File contains a presentation by Jo-Anne Olson and Dene Kameka. Their group home in Slave Lake cares for behaviourally difficult and emotionally disturbed teenagers from ages 13-17. 60% of their clientele is Aboriginal and from northern Alberta. Their concern lies with the lack of transitional support from group homes back to their families. They call on the Commission to increase funding so that Aboriginal people can be hired to assist the youth with their recovery and their return to their reserve. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

This file contains a presentation by Kim Fraser and Cathy Bomberry focusing on the self-esteem of Aboriginal youth. The youth need to learn about their culture and classes could be offered in Aboriginal culture, history and language. Fraser also suggests that if high schools and post-secondary education institutions be built on First Nations to less the cultural shock that the youth suffer when leaving their families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Linda Andersen focusing on legal resources for Aboriginal people in Labrador. She provides a history of her organization and states its purpose is to assist Aboriginal people in their dealings with the justice system. Andersen calls upon the Commission to ensure that funding from the Native Court Worker Program continues so that her organization can establish programs for young offenders to attempt to lower the rate of recidivism. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Lorne Smith. Smith discusses his work as a youth worker for the Peigan Nation, and some of the issues they face with youth such as low self-esteem, and the need for cultural and historical education.

File contains a presentation by Mary Ann Felle, Cross Cultural Information Committee. Felle advances a proposal for an Aboriginal child care structure which she "believe[s] would work to maintain a child's sense of identity and encourage the development of self-worth and self-esteem." Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Mary Desmoulin providing a brief history of the Sault Ste. Marie Friendship Centre. She describes the Friendship Centre's goal as "improving the quality of life for Aboriginal people in an urban environment by supporting self-determined activities which encourage both equal access to partnership in Canadian society and in Aboriginal culture. Desmoulin also expresses concern for children, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, with recent government cutbacks on child care.

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 by Michelle Harding, Metis Women of Saskatchewan. Harding welcomes the Commission to La Ronge on behalf of that communities Metis Women's Chapter. Harding lists many of the concerns facing Metis women including child care, education, problems facing Metis youth, family violence, and others. She stresses the need for fully subisidized, accessible daycare. She discusses how the current social system has created a destructive welfare cycle amongst her people, and the need to strengthen families through the creation of a crisis shelter.

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.

This file contains a presentation by Naomi Tuglavina and Michelle Kinney that begins with a brief history of the group home dedicated to young offenders between ages 12-18 whose custody orders from Youth Court determine they must go to a correctional facility. Nain's young offenders remain in the community and receive counselling, some schooling and serve their open custody orders. A question-and-answer period with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Peter Naluktuk. In a brief presentation, Naluktuk discusses childhood poverty and hunger.

File contains a presentation by Raymond Laliberte, Metis Addictions Council. Raymond discusses his organization which aids all people with addictions regardless of legal status, including Status Indians and Non-Aboriginals. Laliberte discusses the disorganized state of Metis youth, his views on the Canadian Constitution and makes some specific recommendations for facilities to help address some of the social problems afflicting Aboriginal people.

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.

This file contains a presentation by Rix Rogers relating to his experiences traveling to a number of rural and remote First Nations in Canada and speaking with Aboriginal leaders about child welfare and family violence. People cannot heal themselves when they live in a threatening environment, so creating a new social climate is essential before dealing with patterns of violence. Rogers states that if there is to be a restoration of the full richness of Aboriginal culture, it likely will occur because of the efforts of women.

File contains a presentation by Robert Beaudin focusing on special education, as defined as a refinement of existing programs offered to children. He believes that the funding methodology used by the Department of Indian Affairs Canada should be re-evaluated to accommodate First Nations in meeting and satisfying the terms and conditions of the Department's funding arrangements. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains remarks by Stanley McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. Stanley remarks that earlier presenter Winston McKay "covered all the issues that I was going to talk about, so I cut out most of the things." McLeod goes on to highlight that the Metis of the north have very limited resources to operate programs with, and asks for more help with recreation facilities and substance abuse.

The file contains a presentation by Tobias Provost. Provost discusses his ideas on Peigan youth, and what can be done to empower them and stop negative behaviours. Provost proposes returning to traditional Peigan culture and language to build self-esteem, as well as discussing the positive results of the Nation's Youth Program.

The file contains a presentation by Tyson Yellow Horn. Yellow Horn discusses the condition of youth on the Peigan Reserve from his perspective as a youth worker there.

File contains a brief presentation by an unidentified female speaker who believes that before larger issues can be solved, "We need to take care of the people at home first." The speaker says the childhood abuse she suffered made her stronger as an adult, but more adult role models and more child services programs are required to help children before abuse occurs.

File contains a discussion between an unidentified teacher at the Northern Lights secondary school in Moosonee, Ontario and Commissioner Georges Erasmus. The teacher asks a question of Erasmus for an unidentified student who wishes to know why the Assembly of First Nations doesn't have students needs as its number one priority. Following this query is a discussion between Erasmus and the student via the teacher on youth issues, and then on the Commissions work with the Metis people.

File contains a presentation by Yance Sheehan and Lisa Blandford, Aboriginal youths concerned with education (particularly the teaching of Metis history and culture) and the lack of recreational facilities for Aboriginal youth. They suggest that the Royal Commission plan a session only for Aboriginal youth to hear their ideas. Following the presentation are comments made by the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Donna Sears and Bernice Ireland on behalf of the Atenlos Women's Group. Sears discusses the "epidemic" of violence in Aboriginal communities, particularly with regard to family violence.

File contains a presentation made by Edna Daigneault and Sharon Yole on Métis women's issues and the Métis society in general. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

The file contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This part includes a presentation by Stephanie Sandy concerning the Native child welfare system.

File contains a presentation regarding Child Abuse by Patricia Darling. Darling discusses the use of play therapy to treat troubled children in the school setting on reserve. Following the presentation Commissioner Chartrand engages in a discussion with Darling on the ideas raised.

File contains a presentation regarding Women's Issues by Millie Nelson. Nelson, a member of the Roseau River Women's Group since 1975, discusses child welfare, prostitution, and family violence issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the issues raised with Nelson.

The file contains spresentation by Cheryl Pascal, Gwich'in Youth and Eugene Pascal, Chief, Aklavik Indian Band. Cheryl Pascal discusses Gwich'in language; cultural; post-secondary education; and general youth concerns.

File contains a presentation by Chief Andrew Kirkness in English and Cree (translation provided in text). Kirkness discusses the historical relationship between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Canadians, land claims, intergovernmental affairs, the Constitution, the status of off reserve First Nations people, Education, nothern conditions, the Indian Act, economic issues, cultural issues, the importance of Elders to First Nations governance, and the situation of Aboriginal youth.

Celebrates the opening of the facility in this remote Northern Territory, Australian community.

Discusses an approach, based on traditional Aboriginal values, whereby parents who are attempting reunification with their children meet with other family members to explore which options are in the best interests of the child in terms of a permanency plan. Duration: 15:08. Accompanying material: Discussion Guide.

Provides background for two-day forum held January 24-25, 2012 in Ottawa, Ontario. Accompanying video.

Describes two Inuit youth who walked from British Columbia to Ontario to raise awareness about suicide in Aboriginal communities.

Examines rationales for social exclusion, discrimination and increased risk factors for children.

Defines child abuse under the law and looks at the responsibilities of service providers and implementation of the protocol.

Explores the limitations of participation under the Child and Family Services Act and makes recommendations for improvement. Submission to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Delivered in support of Bill-C92, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, and Families which dealt with the right of Indigenous governments and organizations to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services.

Reports on the 1924 "The Declaration of the Right of the Child" and the work that the Save The Children Fund does in New South Wales, Australia.

Describes role of the SCAN committee which creates locally-based solutions to situations in remote Australian communities.

Uses example of schools in British Columbia to illustrate that while children's health education was used as a method of assimilation, children were undernourished and conditions were unsanitary encouraging the spread of disease.