Relocation & Migration

Thesis (Ph.D.)--The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2006.

Contends that the high prevalence rates of rheumatic diseases seen in this population is probably genetic in origin.

Book review of: Riding the Trail of Tears by Blake M. Hausman.

Anthropology and Sociology Thesis (M.A.)--The University of British Columbia, 2000.

Historical overview of land management, ownership and programs for villages and discusses new opportunities for pastoral communities arising from land policy and legislation. To access this article, scroll down to page 38.

Archaeology Thesis (M.A.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2008.

Book review of: Rivers of Sand by Christopher D. Haveman.

English Thesis (Ph.D.)--The University of Texas at Austin, 2008.

Looks at American Indigenous urbanization policies of the 1950s and how it effected Indigenous people and their relationship with the US government.

Residents of Long Lake reserve evacuated due to presence of Stachybotrys mould in houses.

RCAP 12 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Joe A. Ross School, The Pas, Manitoba. This sitting of the Commission contains a variety of presentations related to various First Nations, women's, youth, educational organizations and individual's issues. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

RCAP 163a contains a part of a transcript of a portion of a sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This part includes presentations, questions and a discussion by the assembled youth, who attend both high school and university, and the Commissioners at a Youth Circle.

RCAP 168 contains a transcript of a telephone consultation between Counsel for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People, Nick Schultz and retired RCMP officer Ross Gibson who had been a witness to the relocation of Inuit to the High Arctic. The conversation focuses on the Gibson's recollection of events and their portrayal currently.

RCAP 171 contains a transcript of a telephone consultation between Counsel for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People, Nick Schultz and journalist Wilfred Doucette who had been a witness to the relocation of Inuit/Eskimos to the High Artic. The conversation focuses on the portrayal, in the current media, of the events that took place during the relocation. Highlighted are articles from the newspapers; Globe and Mail, Toronto Star and The Boston Globe, among others. Also an area of concern was that of a CBC show "Quirk and Quarks" featuring lawyer Andrew Orkin.

RCAP 172 contains a transcript of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, June 28, 1993. Participants present on the High Arctic Relocation followed by a panel discussion on Canadian Sovereingty issues.

RCAP 173 contains a transcript of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, June 29, 1993. Participants present on the High Arctic Relocation, related Inuit, and Canadian Soveriengty issues.

RCAP 174 contains a transcript of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Wednesday, June 30, 1993. Participants present on the High Arctic Relocation, related Inuit, and Canadian sovereignty issues.

RCAP 175 contains a transcript of the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Boardroom, Fifth Floor, Monday July 5, 1993. Participants Andrew Orkin Nancy Carpenter present on the High Arctic Relocation, related Inuit, and Canadian Sovereignty issues.

File contains an opening prayer for the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Sept Iles, Quebec, on November 19, 1992 (translated into English from the original French), followed by a historical account of the community provided by Commissioner of the day and President of the Elders, Montagnais Nation, Daniel Vachon.

File contains an individual presentation by Beatrice Watts focusing primarily on education. She provides a brief history of the Inuit in Labrador and relocation efforts in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1977 the first Inuit education conference was held, which laid the groundwork for the teaching of Inuktitut and cultural programs in schools. Watts also briefly discusses the Inuit radio station at Main, Labrador and a 1978 conference sponsored by Inuit women held in Labrador. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by George Smith, via translator, that focuses on Aboriginal self-government from the perspective of elders. Smith states that elders were consulted in all facets of life pre-contact but with the Canadian government's policies over the years, elder input and influence have been irrelevant. He calls for the government to consult with elders during self-government negotiations. Smith also briefly discusses band relocation, natural resources, and the effects of residential schools. Following the presentation is a discussion with Commissioner Allan Blakeney.

File contains an individual presentation by Harry Maksagak focusing on the life of the Inuit pre-contact and the negative impact of losing their nomadic way of life. He foresees the future government of Nunavut as being able to negotiate with the federal government for much-needed schools, employment and housing for the Cambridge Bay area. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains an opening prayer and opening remarks from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at the Citadel Inn, Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, June 28, 1993. Commissioner Georges Erasmus introduces the other Commissioners in attendance and discusses the Commission's hearings to date on the High Arctic Relocation, and the purpose of this sitting which is to hear witness testimony from non-Inuit sources involved with the High Arctic Relocation.

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 the opening prayer given by Ernie Benedict and Taylor Montour as well as opening remarks made by Facilitator Alma Ransom, Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Co-Chair Georges Erasmus and Co-president Rene Dussault. Also included is a brief presentation by 3 to 6 grade students concerning problems facing the Mohawk reservation of Akwesasne.

The file contains a presentation by Alan Marcus. Marcus, a doctoral candidate at the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University (UK), discusses his observations on the High Arctic Relocation program. Marcus performed a case study of the relocation from Inukjuak, Quebec to Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay. Marcus discusses associated sovereignty and Inuit issues. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the ideas therein with Marcus.

The file contains a presentation by Andrew Orkin. Orkin, presenting as a concerned citizen from the perspective of a legal professional, discusses his views on the events of the High Arctic Relocation program of the 1950s. Following Orkin's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Arctic Exiles Markoosie Patsauq, Andrew Iquak, Anna Nungak, Patsauq Iqaluk, Samwillie Elijassialuk. These survivors of the High Arctic relocation program which forcibly removed Inuit people in the 1950s to the high arctic recount some of their personal stories of the process. Following the presentations Commissioner Dussault thanks them for presenting to the Commission.

The file contains a presentation by Armand Brousseau and Pierre Desnoyers. Brousseau and Desnoyers relate their experiences with the High Arctic Relocation as witnesses who lived in Resolute Bay at the time and served with the Canadian Armed Forces. Following their testimony the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with them.

The file contains a presentation by Brent G. Sivertz, Former Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Gerard Kenney assists Mr. Sivertz as he is feeling ill. The presentation deals with the High Arctic Relocation program, the rationale behind it, and Mr. Sivertz's role in it. Sivertz claims that some of the allegations made at earlier Commission hearings were untrue, and that no Inuit were forcibly relocated. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners question Sivertz on the contents of his presentation.

File contains a presentation by Bernd Christmas, Chairman, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto Self-Government Committee. Christmas discusses the historical phenomenon of Aboriginal migration to urban areas, the establishment of clubs and their historical evolution into Friendship Centres, and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. Christmas discusses his organizations views on urban self-governance, and the work they have done in this area. Following the presentation is a discussion between Christmas and Commissioners Blakeney and Erasmus, followed by the closing of the days proceedings.

The file contains a presentation by Bob Pilot. Pilot, who was an RCMP officer at Craig Harbour and Grise Fiord in the 1950s, discusses his experiences related to the High Arctic Relocation program. Following his statement the assembled Commissioners question Pilot on the contents.

The file contains a presentation by Bud Neville. Neville, a former employee of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, discusses his experiences in Resolute Bay, Northwest Territories (now Nunavut) with regard to the High Arctic Relocation program. Following Neville's presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with him.

File contains a presentation by Cathy Adcock focusing on troubled Aboriginal youth who move to Thunder Bay from reserves without a support system. These youth may have experienced hardship in their family life and are on their own once they arrive in the city, looking for employment, continuing with their education or leaving a troubled family situation. Adcock calls on the Commission to help secure more funding for programs and services to assist youth in the transition from reserve life to city life. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Charlie Evalik that first describes the life of the Inuit in the Cambridge Bay area beginning in the 1950s, where the Inuit were forced to adapt to a more permanent home life in settlements, rather than continue with their nomadic way of life. He discusses some issues that are affecting Cambridge Bay residents, such as lack of post-secondary opportunities, employment, lack of proper housing, and a high rate of residents on welfare. A lengthy question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Gilbert Anderson that describes the people of his First Nations as being "a little island by outselves." Anderson describes the events leading to the formation of the reserve and 1958, its surrender. Anderson states that descendants of the original Michel Band still select leaders and maintain social ties, and the Band's goal now is to secure a land base. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by Chief James Firth of the Inuvik Gwi'chin Council. Chief Firth delivers a presentation on the history of Inuvik including the relocation of people by the government from nearby Aklavik to Inuvik; alcoholism and related social and health problems; the need to prepare for future resource development; the need for cross-cultural co-operation and mutual respect; some of the goals of the Council; the relation of self-esteem to quality of life; and the need for a "renewed political arrangement with the Government of Canada."

This file contains a presentation by Chief Jean-Charles Pietacho and Sylvie Basile titled "Learning to Sail in Troubled Waters." It touches on youth suicide, the forced relocation in the 1960s of the Montagnais community of Saint-Augustin (Pakuashipi) to the Lower North Shore, and the despair and hopelessness that Aboriginal people experience "with the marginalization that their cultures and lifestyles have suffered for decades." A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Chief Jerry Attachie, Doig River First Nation. Attachie discusses his issues with resource companies, specifically forestry and oil companies, causing problems for his peoples trapping and hunting activities. Attachie also discusses concerns with education and housing. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Attachie.

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 Katie Rich detailing the effects of relocation, substance abuse and hopelessness that the Innu of Davis Inlet suffer from. She describes the early history and relocation of Davis Inlet and feels that the only hope for residents is to relocate again, due to the lack of proper housing, sewer and water in their present location. The mortality rate of children is very high, and Rich calls on the Commission to assist Innu people with resources to regain control of their lives through culture, traditions, values and spirituality.

File contains a presentation by Commissioner of the Day Louis Morin. Morin discusses his own life experiences including the relocation of his people from Clear Lake to Turnor Lake by the government, fishing, hunting, and trapping issues. Following Morin's presentation Commissioner Dussault and discusses some of the issues raised with Morin.

The file contains a presentation by Dan Soberman. Soberman, an academic and lawyer, discusses a variety of evidence pertaining to both the intent and implementation of the High Arctic Relocation program. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss the contents and some of the issues raised with Soberman.

The file contains a presentation by Doug Wilkinson. Wilkinson discusses his experiences with the High Arctic Relocation both in Ottawa and the Arctic during the early 1950s. Wilkinson was a film-maker with the National Film Board of Canada who lived amongst the Inuit in the High Arctic.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Adrian Tanner, Native Peoples' Support Group of Newfoundland and Labrador. This group is primarily made up of non-Aboriginal people who believe a partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people could work towards solutions for the problems facing Aboriginal people. The group's main focus is self-government and Tanner draws parallels between Newfoundland entering Confederation in 1949 and the push for Aboriginal self-government. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commission members.

The file contains a presentation by Dr. Graham Rowley. Rowley, a retired professor and public servant, discusses his experiences with the Inuit in relation to the High Arctic Relocation program, and associated issues. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Rowley.

The file contains a presentation by Gerard Kenney. Kenney, a telecommunications engineer with Bell Canada in the 1960s and early 1970s, discusses his experiences traveling to the High Arctic Relocation communities of Pond Inlet, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay during this era. Kenney also discusses his research at the National Archives in the early 1990s seeking to find evidence of Canadian intentions, or as he calls it, the "smoking gun," behind the High Arctic Relocation program.

The file contains a presentation by Gordon Robertson. Robertson, a federal civil servant during the time of the High Arctic Relocation, testifies on the government's intentions with regard to Inuit policy, Arctic policy, and sovereignty issues during the era. Robertson also gives his view of Inuit testimony on the relocation and his own visits to Resolute Bay during the 1950s. The assembled Commissioners question Robertson on some of his testimony.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Warner. Warner, of Mennonite Central Committee discusses his work and experiences in the community of Davis Inlet. Warner discusses construction concerns and issues related to community relocation. Following Warner's presentation Commissioner Erasmus thanks him for his views. Following this Commissioners Erasmus and Sillet deliver closing remarks and close the sitting of the Commission for the day.

The file contains a presentation by Ila Bussidor, Sayisi Dene First Nation.