Infrastructure

The file contains a presentation by Marguerite Sanderson. Sanderson, presenting on behalf of the Northern Women's Resource Services, discusses that organization's mandate and work in northern Manitoba "improving the situation of the Northern women and their families, in the social, economic, and political spheres." Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Sanderson.

File contains a presentation by Marcelle Sinclair of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. Sinclair discusses his organization's background, its mandate, and goals. Sinclair discusses the general historical, cultural, and economic position of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Sinclair states that "self government without land is something impossible.

File contains remarks by Marg Beament, Norsask Native Outreach. Beament describes the work of her organization which is intended to facilitate employment and training for northern residents (both Aboriginal and Non). Beament describes some of the problems her organizations field workers commonly encounter in northern communities including: poor self-esteem and lack of confidence, little or no employment history, lack of personal support, little training or education history, family problems, lack of transportation, lack of childcare, lack of quality housing, and lack of justice services.

File contains a presentation by Margo Vermillion, a Fort Chipewyan resident who works as co-ordinator of a temporary elders care unit in the community. Vermillion discusses seniors issues in the community, particularly in terms of long-term care. She discusses the need for such a facility in the community itself, and the detrimental effects of removing seniors from their home community for long-term care. Following the presentation is a discussion between Vermillion and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on senior's issues.

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 Mark Wedge of the Yukon Indian Development Corporation. Wedge discusses his views on education and how different cultures have different basic definitions of the concept. Wedge discusses some traditional Tlingit and Hopi views, as well as educational legislation and constitutional issues. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners engage Wedge in a discussion on the issues raised.

File contains a presentation by Mary Anne Wilson, Skidegate Caregivers. Skidegate is a small reserve of the Haida Gwaii people on the Queen Charlotte Islands. Wilson discusses the administrative structure of the band, its' health needs, and her organization's composition and mandate. Wilson discusses the need for a healing house for the people there, and some of the needs it could address in the community such as addictions, general and cultural education.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Mary Lou Fox. Fox, an Ojibwa Elder from the West Bay First Nation, discusses residential schools impact and inter-generational legacy on communities, language issues and their relation to identity; the lack of educational assistance and direction needed for community level language instruction, a cross-Canada Elder's conference on language issues to be held at Manitoulin Island, the need for full time interpreters in some hospitals, and access to justice services in Aboriginal languages.

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 Mary Teya, Community Health Representative. Teya discusses health staffing concerns; alcoholism; the community's Concerned Persons Committee; suicide; running water, sewage, and basic infrastructure for Aboriginal people. Following the presentation Teya discusses some of the issues raised with the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Mayor Lawrence Martin on behalf of the town of Sioux Lookout. Martin discusses his position as an Aboriginal person and Mayor, the changing demographics of the town, his personal background, the Wataway Native Communications Society, self-governance issues, education and the difficulty of separating non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal issues in a mixed town like Sioux Lookout, cultural education and race relations, the local friendship centre, Aboriginal language curriculum.

File contains a presentation by Mayor Tom Lawson of Grand Bend, Ontario, and Walter Kornas. Lawson, presenting as an individual, discusses economic self-sufficiency with regard to reserves. Lawson discusses business partnership programs, on-reserve banking, and related security issues. Following the presentation Lawson and Kornas discuss economic self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship issues with Commissioners Chartrand and Erasmus.

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.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation by the United Indian Councils given by Vice-Chief Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux; Greer Atkinson; Laurie Flynn; Chief Jeff Monague and Vice-Chief Mel Jacobs, at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.

This file contains a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at The Fern Resort, Orillia, Ontario. This portion includes a presentation by Merle Assance-Beedie of the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC), at a Round Table discussion of Self-Government.

File contains a presentation made by Brian Favel for the Metis Society, Local 21 on the topics of the justice system, the education opportunities for northern communities, 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 made by Bernice Hammersmith on Aboriginal self-government issues pertaining to the Métis society. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

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 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 Director Gordon King of the Micmac Native Friendship Centre (Halifax, NS). King discusses the role Friendship Centres play in communities, their non-political nature, and the success they have had working with urban Aboriginal populations. King introduces the days presenters from the Friendship Centre and states to the Commissioners that they "have the powers to start the process for change to ensure a better life for Aboriginal peoples residing in urban areas.

File contains a presentation by Mike Cardinal. Cardinal, who is area supervisor for Native Counselling Services in High Level, discusses what his organization is and relates its history. Cardinal then discusses the organizations programming, particularly with relation to the justice system. Following the presentation is a discussion between Cardinal, Robinson, Dussault, and Beaulieu with regard to Native Counselling Services.

File contains a presentation by Mike Mercredi, Director of Athabasca Native Development Corporation. Mercredi describes the mandate and goals of his organization which represents Metis and First Nations people throughout Northern Alberta, and works to provide economic opportunity for them. Mercredi discusses some of the challenges his organization has faced, and some of the structural problems confronting northern economic development. Following the presentation are some remarks by Commissioner Paul Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Patsy Paul-Martin of the Millbrook Native Learning Centre. Paul-Martin discusses "the major barriers the Native participants face when they enrol in the Millbrook Native Learning Centre that impedes their upgrading to success." She highlights a variety of concerns and makes some recommendations for addressing them. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Paul-Martin, after which are closing remarks and the conclusion of the day's sitting of the Royal Commision.

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 presentation by Laurent Gagnon of Moral Rearmament. Moral Rearmament (now Initiatives of Change International) is an international moral and spiritual movement that, in 1938, grew out of the Reverend Frank N. D. Buchman's Oxford Group. Gagnon discusses the personal development of his changing views as someone from a Quebecois farming background towards the province's Aboriginal people. Gagnon discusses how his organization has worked to build dialogue and partnerships between communities in conflict worldwide, and the parallels between the Aboriginal and Quebecois experience.

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 Namerind Housing Corporation given by Christopher LaFontaine and Sterling Brass concerned with the independence of the an Aboriginal Housing Corporation. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

File contains a presentation by the Native Outpatient Centre: Meysncut Counselling Centre by Sara Williams and Jane Caprion. Sara Williams begins with a presentation giving an overview of their organization, and its work dealing with abuse and education in the community. Williams also makes a variety of organizational and funding recommendations to the Commission related to the organization's work. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand engage Williams and Caprion in a discussion on the issues raised, and the activities of the Centre.

File contains an individual presentation by Neil Thompson. Thompson presents a pre-prepared statement on behalf of the Daily Press in Timmins, Ontario by John Farrington. Farrington addresses the Commission about the publications they create for Aboriginal communities, and youth literacy programs they run. Following the presentation Thompson discusses these programs with Commissioner Georges Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Nellie Beardy and Janet Gordon of the [Sioux Lookout] Aboriginal Health Authority. Beardy discusses the health situation in the area particularly with regard to infrastructure, service delivery, disease and injury problems. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Beardy.

File contains a presentation by Norma Shorty, Kwanlin Dun First Nation. Shorty describes the history of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation, and its reserves in the Whitehorse area. Shorty suggests that since the government contributed to the destruction of traditional systems of Kwanlin Dun learning, it should contribute to rebuilding them. Following Shorty's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss language, education, and rights issues with Shorty.

File contains a presentation by Paul King of the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital. King discusses Aboriginal mental health, training, and teaching. King also provides an overview of the hospital, its' geographic service area, staffing, and mandate. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with King.

File contains a presentation by Bill Nothing and Isaac Beaulieu of the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council. Nothing, Executive Director of the Council, discusses his work with the people of the Nishnawbe-Aski area for the past twenty years. It expresses his personal views as well as those of the Education Council.

File contains a presentation made by Rick Laliberte and Harold Schultz for the Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) and the Northern Professional Access College (NORPAC) on the topics of the the Royal Commission's mandate, the education opportunities for northern communities, 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 Olie Schell. Schell is the manager of Career Development and Employment for the Government of Alberta. Schell discusses programs which Alberta Career Development and Employment have been involved with in the area around Fort McMurray. Following the presentation is a discussion between Schell and Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand on some of these programs.

File contains a presentation by Ovide Mercredi, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations. Mercredi discusses his view of the Royal Commission and its goals, his organizations participation in Constitutional talks, and the importance of self-governance and self-determination to Aboriginal peoples. Following the presentation is a discussion between Mercredi and Commissioners Erasmus, Sillet, Wilson, Dussault and Blakeney.

The file contains spresentation by Patricia Lowe, Society of Friends Against Family Violence. Lowe discusses the society's work promoting the establishment of a shelter for battered women and children and women in Inuvik over the past four years, and why such a facility is needed.

File contains a presentation by Paul Daignault, President, Student Association. Daignault makes reference to previous presentations during the day and claims that "all of these things I see as the root of the problem is jobs basically. People do not have jobs and which leads to all kinds of social issues." Daignault goes on to discuss funding for Metis and Status Indian post-secondary education, and how he thinks Education should be a top priority in Canadian Constitutional talks.

File contains a presentation by Pauloosie Weetaluktuk, Co-op and Grocers' Association. Weetaluktuk discusses the high cost of living in the community, and the difficulties this causes not only for individuals but for Co-ops and small businesses. Weetaluktuk also discusses the problem of high rents for tenants in the north. Commissioner Dussault thanks her for her presentation and remarks that the Commission has heard complaints regarding the cost of living at other locations across the north and will be making note of it.

File contains a presentation by Peter Nakogee. Nakogee gives a demographic overview of the community of Moosonee, and discusses the composition of the Moosonee Development Board (a system of local governance) of which he is a part. Commissioner Erasmus discusses this governance model with him following the presentation.

File contains a presentation made by Marie Symes Grehan for the Pinehouse Metis Society Local and Deputy Mayor George Smith. The presentation touched on the topics of economic development and employment in the Metis community. Also contained are comments and questions concerning the Intervenor Funding Program.

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 Professor Vance Peavy concerning the health system in the Aboriginal community. Questions from the assembled Commissioners follow the presentation.

File contains a presentation made by Frank Morin for the Protectors of Mother Earth on environmental issues pertaining to Northern Saskatchewan communities and the lack of proper government representation. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Ralph Richard on behalf of Native Employment Services in High Level, Alberta. Richard discusses his organizations history as a formerly federally funded, and now provincially funded agency that acts as an "honest broker" between non-Aboriginal employers and Aboriginal people. Richard discusses some of the issues his organization faces in this respect and their work with pipeline companies in Alberta. Following the presentation is a discussion between Richard and Commissioners Beaulieu, Robinson, and Dussault.

File contains a presentation by Randy Sawyer. Sawyer discusses Aboriginal languages in Canada and their importance. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with Sawyer.

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.

The file contains a presentation by Roger Jones. Jones, a member of the Shawanaga First Nation, discusses "solutions and recommendations for self-government, exercising our inherent right and he will also discuss the barriers and resolutions." In doing so Jones discusses the Ojibwa worldview and Canada's obligations to his people. Following the presentation Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss the issues raised with Jones.

File contains a presentation made by Ron Caisse on the topic of youth in the Metis community. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

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 Ron Martelle, Mayor of Cornwall and Denis Thibeault, Director of Employment Office, Cornwall on the subject of responsibilities of governments to the First Nations.

The file contains a presentation by Ron Nadeau, Native Communications Incorporated. Nadeau discusses the operation of Aboriginal broadcasters like NCI in Canada, touching on mandate, cultural, government policy, and funding issues. Following the presentation Commissioners Wilson and Chartrand discuss some of the issues raised with Nadeau.