Infrastructure

File contains an individual presentation by Ron Spencer. Spencer discusses the history of his people and how he thinks Aboriginal people can effectively deal with the government by staying united in the face of outside incursions on traditional lands like Ontario hydro development. Spencer discusses the need to rewrite the Constitution to include Aboriginal peoples and stresses the importance of education.

This file contains a presentation in French by Rosaire Gendron relating to sport fishing as a tourist attraction in the Pointe a la Croix area, resulting in employment opportunities for area residents. Bruce Macintosh, Mayor, Campbellton, New Brunswick, is introduced as the next speaker.

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 presentations made by Roy Bird, Clive Diller and Del Anaquod of the Saskatchewan Indian Equality Foundation, concerning economic development, loans and banking in the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included.

File contains a presentation by Roy Cheechum on Community Project Development. Cheechum delivers a brief history of La Loche, an overview of problems the community faces such as high unemployment and high dependency on outside goods and services, housing issues, economic developments, tourism, and government spending in the community, the lack of a community tax base, and the success of the non-profit Methy Construction. Cheechum suggests that government spending has generally been ineffective and poorly delivered given the communities needs.

File contains remarks by Roy Myke, Jim Brady Metis Local Representative. Myke claims that self-governance has to be established from the bottom-up, at the community level. He states that "if the government ever gets serious about self-government, it has got to start at the bottom and not at the top." Following this Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand have a brief discussion with Myke regarding self-governance.

File contains a presentation by Ruth Flowers. Flowers presents on the concerns of the Makkovik Women's Group which include the establishment of daycare in the region, economic development and the impact of hard times for the fisheries, concern with vandalism in the community, and concerns with the justice system. Following the presentation Flowers discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Dussault and Robinson.

The file contains a presentation by Sadie Parnell of the Kermode Friendship Centre. Parnell discusses the Friendship Centres operations and goals. Parnell requests more assistance from the government in terms of programming and education, particularly with reference to disabled people and non-Aboriginals to foster cross-cultural understanding. Following the presentation Commissioners Chartrand and Wilson comment on the presentation.

File contains multiple presentations on the topic of Gaming related issues. The first presentation is by Mary Star and Gary Courchene of the Sakeeng Gaming Commission (pg. 82-84). Star discusses the creation of the Gaming Commission and the hope that proceeds could be used for the betterment of the community. Star also discusses conflict with the provincial government over their plans. Courchene introduces himself but declines to comment on these issues.

File contains a presentation by Sandra Green, First Nations Women's Group. Green, a member of the Haida Nation and Eagle Clan, discusses the mandate and issues of the First Nations Women's Group of Prince Rupert. Their mandate is to "preserve the First Nations family in a healthy and positive way" and their issues include "social issues of family violence, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual abuse" AIDS, and high youth mortality generally. Green goes on to highlight a number of root causes of these problems, and recommend solutions to the Commission.

File contains a presentation by Sara Jerome. Jerome, (sometimes speaking in Gwich'in which is provided in English translation) discusses her experiences with the education system (post-secondary), and her views regarding the culture and language of the Gwich'in people. She expresses frustration with Commissions visiting the Western Arctic in the past which lead to no changes. She also discusses her frustration with the Canada 125th birthday celebrations which ignored aboriginal peoples languages but put a high emphasis on English and French.

The file contains a presentation on behalf of Secwepemc re Social Development by Charlene Belleau, Ralph Phillips, and Bob Manuel. The presenters discuss social development as a necessary precondition of land claims and self-governance. They discuss the need to address the social damages inflicted by residential schools and foster homes, dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. Commissioner Sillett discusses some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by Shibogama First Nations Council, Sarah McKay. McKay discusses the social and health conditions of the local First Nations, and attributes many of their problems to colonialism and policies such as the residential schools. McKay recommends that any move towards self-governance first start by addressing the mental, spiritual, and physical health concerns of area First Nations. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with McKay.

File contains a presentation by Simeon Tshakapesh, Youth Council and Tribal Police. Tshakapesh discusses the lack of control Innu youth feel over their own lives as the root of many of the serious social problems plaguing Davis Inlet. Tshakapesh stresses the need for community based education, treatment programs, and support groups. He discusses the rights of youth, need for recreational facilities, relocation to a new and better village site, funding, community policing, language and culture issues.

File contains a presentation by Snowden Parsons. Parsons discusses the importance of education for young Labradorians. He points out that 85 percent of Labradorians have never completed high school, and that the time has come for "a center to press for workforce education and quality education."

The file contains a presentation by Abbey Crook of the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre. Crook, Executive Director of the Centre, makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on behalf of Northwest Territories Friendship Centres. These include culture and language recommendations; education recommendations; justice recommendations; social recommendations (in terms of delivery of social services); and economic recommendations all based on a survey conducted by the Friendship Centres of their constituencies.

File contains a presentation by Steeve Mathias, Director General, Algonquin Economic Development. Mathias, a representative of the largest Algonquin institution for economic development, discusses Algonquin economic concerns. Mathias discusses the current situation of the Algonquin economy, the steps he sees as being necessary to invigorate it, and some of the problems he sees with federal programs designed to aid it. Following his presentation Mathias discusses some of these issues with Commissioner Dussault, Polson, Blakeney and Robinson.

File contains a presentation by Rita Campbell and Chief Greg Lucus of the Stephenville Crossing Indian Band. Campbell presents on the composition of the band, the need for federal recognition, employment problems, a lack of family services, housing concerns, hunting and fishing rights, linguistic and cultural concerns, health concerns, and self-governance. Following this Chief Greg Lucas discusses health and service issues with Commissioner Erasmus, then with Commissioner Robinson and Tony John, including post-secondary education concerns.

File contains a presentation by Steven Jakesta that discusses the Cassiar mine closure scheduled for late 1992. There is no other economic base for the area and Jakesta foresees the deterioration of existing infrastructure in Good Hope Lake once the mine closes. He calls for funding to assist the town in maintaining services and programs. Following the presentation is a brief discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney and Blakeney's closing remarks.

File contains a presentation by T'mas Young of the Micmac AIDS Task Force. Young makes a wide array of recommendations to the Commission related to Aboriginal AIDS awareness and treatment. Following the presentation Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Morris, thank Young and discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Ted Andersen, Makkovik Economic Development. Andersen discusses training program, employment issues, trapping and fishing, and general economic issues facing the community.

File contains a presentation by Arnold Paul of the Temagami First Nation. Paul discusses his home community of Bear Island, education, and economic development; specifically M'Kwa Minissi Anishnabaquec which operates a craft shop and training program for local women. Paul recommends to the Commission that the government negotiate self-governance arrangements on a case by case basis to suit the needs of individual communities.

File contains a presentation by Mireille Sioui, Michel Gros Louis (Tare Dan Deh), and Annette Vincent (Wat Ron Yon Non Nen) of the Akiawenrak Long House. The three deliver a presentation discussing the structure of the Long House, its place in Huron society, its spiritual and cultural significance. A dispute is mentioned between the Huron-Wendat and the City of Lorrettville over the territory on which the longhouse is.

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 Association of Friendship Centres given by Ivan Cody concerning the distribution of social services to the Aboriginal Community. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also present.

File contains a presentation by the Centre de formation Nutshimiu Atusseun. Reginald Volland, accompanied by Ben Sylvestre McKenzie, and Bernard St-Onge, discusses the work of their centre whose purpose is to "provide traditional wilderness skills courses, activities such as hunting, trapping, fishing, [and] particularly life in the wilderness. These activities are taught by elders, elders of the community, elders who still today have many values and skills to pass on.

File contains a presentation by the City of Quebec. Participants include Deputy Mayor Claude Cantin, and Reginald Gravel of the City Planning Department. Cantin delivers a detailed presentation on the relations between Aboriginal and Quebec societies, Canadian municipalities and Aboriginal governments, and the specific relations between Quebec City and the Huron-Wendat Nation. A host of issues are covered including racism and discrimination, ignorance of culture, economic development, the need for jurisdictional clarity, the importance of history in education, and related topics.

File contains a presentation by the Corporation de developement economique montagnaise and by the Conseil regional de concertation et d'intervention en milieu amerindien. Presenters include co-coordinator Stephane Bacon of the CRCI, President Zacharie Mollen of the CRCI, and General Manager Paul A Fournier of the CDEM. Stephane Bacon covers a variety of economic concerns including Band management of businesses, Constitutional, Treaty, and Indian Act issues, the need for sharing based on equality and respect, and the need for self-governance to direct economic development.

File contains a presentation by the Gaming Commission by Councillor Ed Hayden in charge of Economic Development and Gaming, Carl Roberts, and General Manager Ernie James of the Gaming Commission. The three presenters discuss relations with the province, gaming developments on the First Nation, Treaty rights, self government, self determination, economic and jurisdictional concerns. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with the presenters.

File contains a presentation by the Grand Lac Victoria Band Council Helene Michel and James Papati. Helene discusses education and building a healthy cultural self-image, as well as inspiring the youth of the First Nation. James discusses political questions facing the band, including some of the unique circumstances it faces as a Band without a reserve which inhabits La Verendrye Park, economic matters, and land ownership issues. The assembled Commissioners comment on and discuss some of these issues with Michel and Papati.

The file contains a presentation by Jim Ivens and Bill Gagnon of the Hay River Chamber of Commerce. President Ivens welcomes the Commission, discusses his organization's mandate, and introduces Bill Gagnon. Bill Gagnon then delivers a presentation discussing the Hay River business communities views on Aboriginal relations, self-governance, culture, cross-cultural understanding, economics, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business, self-government and definitions of self-government, education, and general business issues.

The file contains a presentation by Carl Simms, Greg Haste, and George Hinton of the Hay River Corridor Group.

File contains a presentation by Community Worker Monik Sioui from the Kitcisakik Welfare Society. Sioui gives a brief history of her organization which services a community made up of 18 camps spread throughout Laverendrye Park, Quebec (the community has no reserve). Themes Sioui addresses are the delivery of health and social services, relations with the province, and staffing issues. Commissioners Dussault, Robinson, and Blakeney ask questions and comment during the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Simon Anichinapeo, Councillor/Information Officer Noe Mitchell, and Annie Cheezo of the Lac Simon Band Council. Mitchell discusses some of the issues facing the band including social problems, suicide, and a lack of resource access. Mitchell discusses the need for self-determination for her people, and government-to-government negotiation. Next Anichinapeo gives a demographic breakdown of the reserve, and band in response to questioning by Commissioner Dussault. Anichinapeo, Cheezo and Dussault also discuss justice concerns.

The file contains a presentation by the Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, Government of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Don Morin. Minister Morin discusses some of the unique problems his agency faces, jurisdictional disputes with the federal government, their relationship with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, on-reserve vs. off-reserve housing, and the need for capital funding to go forward with their home ownership encouragement plan.

File contains a presentation by Louis Bordeleau of the Native Aid and Friendship Centre of Senneterre. Bordeleau discusses the operations of his friendship centre which deals with support to drug addicts, help for the disadvantaged, liaison services in education and health care, organization of recreational activities, inter-ethnic awareness-raising, participation in socio-economic development, and the people they service who come from the Cree (50 percent), Algonquin (28 percent), and Atikamekw (22 percent) cultural backgrounds.

File contains a presentation by Laura Wynn, Executive Director of the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre. Wynn discusses the Friendship Centre itself in terms of funding and service arrangements, and delivers their position on issues of land claims, self-governance, urban issues, and health issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of these issues with Wynn.

File contains a presentation by Serge Lefebrve, representative of the Central Council for Northwest Quebec, CNTU, an affiliated body of the Confederation of National Trade Unions. Lefebrve discusses his labour organizations relationship with the Cree and Algonquin peoples of Northwestern Quebec, a relationship he recounts as beginning in a common front to defeat a plan to store PCBs in the region.

The file contains a presentation by Deputy Mayor Red McBryan on behalf of the Town of Hay River. McBryan presents a submission which summarizes the views of the Town Council and residents on self-determination, self-sufficiency, and healing. The report includes a variety of recommendations to facilitate a new relationship between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Canadians. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus and Paul Chartrand thank Red McBryan for his contribution.

File contains a presentation by Elaine Pichet, General Manager of the Val d'Or Chamber of Commerce. Pichet reads a letter to the Commission expressing the Chamber of Commerce's desire for good relations with the local Cree and Algonquin peoples, and explaining some of the projects and initiatives they have taken to promote those relations. Following her presentation Commissioners Dussault and Polson discuss the Chamber of Commerce, its position, programs, and role in race relations with Pichet. Following the discussion the sitting of the Commission is adjourned for the day.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Val d'Or Friendship Centre by Executive Director Edith Cloutier, Vice-President Lucy Louttit, Council Member Johanne Lacasse, and Secretary Alain Kistabish. The representatives discuss urbanization amongst Aboriginal peoples in the area, research their organization has conducted amongst these peoples (including Algonquin, Inuit, Metis, and Cree respondents), service delivery, self-governance in the urban context, building relations with the non-Aboriginal community and other matters.

The file contains a presentation by Sharon Caudron, Claire-Anne Bouchard, and Jacquie Soroff of the Women's Resource Centre in Hay River, Northwest Territories. The three women present on "condensed information and possible solutions to address generational violence" including family violence and abuse of multiple varieties. The presenters also suggest some possible solutions to the intergenerational cycle of violence, and its' relation to the criminal justice and education systems.

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 Theresa Cole on the subject of the Akwesasne Native Teachers Association.

File contains a presentation by Theresa Neegan. Neegan discusses what she sees as the discrepancy between the views of the Aboriginal political leadership with regards to their views towards women, and the reality at home in the communities. Following her presentation Commissioners Erasmus and Robinson discuss her presentation and the other three preceding presenters which dealt with women's issues (Grace Delaney, Karen Pine-Cheechoo, and Brenda Small) regarding the issues raised in their presentations.

File contains a presentation by Tim Paul, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council, Curriculum Co-ordinator. Paul discusses the partnership and relations between the Tribal Council and British Columbia School District No. 11. Also included are some remarks by School District reprentative and preceding presenter Denny Grisdale on similar issues. Following the presentation is a short discussion between Commissioner Georges Erasmus and the two presenters.

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.

File contains a presentation by Tom Erasmus who is a community development worker for the Alberta Mental Health Association located in the northeast region of Alberta. He is also a co-ordinator of native services for the northeast region of Alberta.

File contains a presentation by Tony Murdoch and Con Graham of the Battlefords Adult Diversion Project. Murdoch delivers a presentation describing the project which exists to reconcile non-dangerous adult offenders with their victims under the direction of a mediator. Murdoch describes the program and its success, as well as the ethnic makeup of the participants (roughly 50% Non-Aboriginal and 50% Aboriginal). Following the presentation Murdoch discusses the program and its particulars with Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus.

File contains a presentation by Tony Punko, Executive Director of the Athabasca Tribal Corporation. Punko outlines his views on Federal policy towards First Nations, with particular attention to legislative, economic, and social issues. Punko suggests that more attention need be payed to issues of local self-governance. Following the presentation is a discussion between the Commissioners and Punko on these topics.

File contains a presentation by Tony Sinclair, Student, Anicinabe School. Sinclair, who is Junior Chief of Anicinabe School highlights a variety of concerns including: a lack of recreation and related facilities for youth, the need for daycare, the need for improved road infrastructure, the need for running water, and a request that the school board cut funding for band students who go to school off reserve and invest that funding in the community's school instead.

File contains a presentation by Treena Miller of the North East Native Advancing Society. Miller discusses her organization's Board of Directors who form the governing body responsible for "the program development, program delivery and the funding allocation to meet the training needs of the Aboriginal people in North East B.C." Miller then discusses the educational training issues which her organization has identified through their experiences with programs in the North East. These include funding, staffing, and cultural concerns.

File contains a presentation by Frank Parnell and Cliff Anderson of Tricorp. Tricorp is the Tribal Resources Investment Corporation. Parnell delivers an overview of "economic development in how it evolved in the northwest here right from our involvement in the village that I'm from to where we are at today" and then makes four recommendations to the Commission regarding it. Following Parnell's presentation, he and Anderson field questions from the assembled Commissioners.