Hunting, Fishing, Trapping & Gathering

Leaders, Elders and hunters speak about the social and ecological impact of warming in the Arctic. In Inuktitut with English subtitles. Duration: 54:07.

Looks at how the Canadian and American governements controlled the Indigenous peoples by denying their access to bison.

Demonstrates, by the use of stories, various forms of teaching about identity, traditional teachings and traditional territory.

Explores historical and contemporary issues at Holy Angels and St. Joseph's Schools.

Discusses the use of traditional ecological knowledge to manage fish harvests.

He gives an account of the 1862 Minnesota Massacre and, in its aftermath, the movement of a group of Sioux (Dakota) to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan under the leadership of Tarasota (?). He also gives an account of the 1885 Riel Rebellion and its effect on the Sioux (Dakota) living in the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan district.

Evon Peter speaks at a Food and Seed Sovereignty Symposium held in Tesuque, NM. Duration: 21:16.

Describes some of the ceremonies associated with the Hamatsa dance. Mentions tidal wave in the aftermath of the Alaska Earthquake.

RCAP 123 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 presentations of groups concerned with veterans, the disabled and seniors, housing, child welfare and language preservation.

File contains presentation by Darryl McDonald, Genny Besskkaystare, Sara Josejounnen, and Bertha McDonald.

RCAP 32 contains files from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Waswanipi, Quebec. This sitting of the Commission contains presentations on a variety of subjects such as education, health care, unemployment, child and family welfare, and the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains an open discussion forum from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Manawan, Quebec, on December 3, 1992. Participants include Commissioners Rene Dussault, Viola Robinson, and Paul-Emile Ottawa. Other participants include Maxime Ottawa (translated from Atikamekw), and Paul Weizineau (translated from French). Maxime Ottawa discusses his views on the days proceedings, and the need for the Atikamekw people to change their psychology and way of thinking. Ottawa speaks of the need for respect for elders and traditional education in order to do this.

File contains a presentation by Bernard Saladin D'Anglure, Department of Anthropology of Laval University. D'Anglure discusses his work and experiences with Aboriginal culture, particularly with regard to the Inuit people. D'Anglure discusses how he thinks cultural development and education is key to healing Aboriginal societies, and that political autonomy, while important, is not the only thing which must be done. Following his presentation the assembled Commissioners thank him for his thoughts.

File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, unidentified members of the staff and students of the Northern Lights School and Christina Delaney. The conversation involves the retention and restoration of Aboriginal culture in Canada, and the education system particularly with regards to the merits of cross cultural learning techniques and concerns with post secondary funding.

File contains a conversation between Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, Terry Legge, Wilbert Wesley, Christina Delaney, Elie Chilton, and Phoebe Sutherland at the Northern Lights School in Moosonee, Ontario. The wide ranging conversation addresses a variety of topics including educational policy, cultural retention and rejuvenation, and social problems.

File contains an Evening Session Round Table Discussion on Education and Youth Issues from the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples at Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. File contains discussions on Secondary School Issues, Post-Secondary Issues, and Adult Education. Each presentation can be viewed individually on this site.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Secondary School issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants John Nakogee, John Long, Christina Duffy, Theresa Phillips, and Glen Sutherland discuss cultural, jurisdictional, financial, boarding, curriculum, and community concerns with each other and with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson.

File contains an evening session round table discussion on Post-Secondary Education issues held at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Canadore College, Weaver Auditorium, North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, May 11, 1993. Participants Virgina Wabano, Shawn Gladwish, Allen Sailors, Larry McLeod, Joe Skouras, and Wendy Young discuss post-secondary education concerns with each other and with Commissioners Sillett and Wilson.

File contains an individual presentation by Jean-Pierre Ashini discussing low-level flying by Canadian Forces jets in Labrador. His ability to hunt and provide for his family is compromised by the jets flying 15-20 feet above ground. Ashini calls on the Commission to stop the flights as they affect wildlife and scare small children.

File contains an individual presentation by Simeo Rich expressing sadness that elders were not consulted when the Churchill Falls Hydro Project was being planned in the 1960s. The destruction of hunting lands has been devastating to the Innu and Rich hopes that future self-government will eliminate the federal government's control over the Innu.

File contains a presentation made by Ambrose Maurice on the topic of the lack of knowledge of early Aboriginal lifestyles. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

This file contains a presentation by Andy Von Busse relating to the management of fish and wildlife resources, particularly concerning the unlimited and unregulated hunting and fishing ability of Status and Non-Status Aboriginals. The presenter recommends that individual First Nations should be given a clear authority to make bylaws concerning the management and use of fish and wildlife resources within their boundaries. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by April Waditaka, Student, Carlton High School, Prince Albert. Wadikata discusses issues in education, babysitting, the need for more Aboriginal staff in the city school system, the need to upgrade the band's recreation program, social issues of home life which need to be addressed, money for recreation facilities, and other issues addressing youth. Following the presentation is a discussion between Waditaka, Miranda Propser (the preceding presenter) and Commissioners Erasmus, and Chartrand on the issues raised in their presentations.

File contains a presentation by Barbara Russell, and Cheryl Mullens from Skookum Jim Campus. Russell discusses how and why she thinks the school system needs to be changed in the Yukon. Amongst the concerns she lists are racism and discrimination, the need for Aboriginal faculty, and the need for listening on the part of teachers to Aboriginal students. Mullens discusses the need to make the schools equal in terms of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal curriculum in fields such as history, the need for learning at ones own pace, and the need for more programs for pregnant teenagers.

File contains a presentation by Bernard Arcand, Department of Anthropology, Laval University. Arcand argues that a cultural revolution is needed in non-Aboriginal Canada, and that non-Aboriginal Canadians need to be properly educated on Aboriginal culture. Arcand states this is will give non-Aboriginal culture egotistical as well as altruistic benefits. Following Arcand's presentation the Commissioners discuss his ideas with him.

File contains a presentation by Councillor Beverly Waditaka, Councillor of the Wahpeton Band. Waditaka discusses education on the Wahpeton First Nation at the elementary level, then goes on the discuss Daktoa language and problems with language retention on reserve. Waditaka discusses how the Dakota believe that post-secondary education is an inherent right. She then goes on to discuss women's issues such as Bill C-31.

The file contains a presentation by Cam Shade. Shade, a post-secondary student at the University of Lethbridge, discusses the need for education "based on some of the native cultural aspects rather than the white society" and his reasoning for thinking this way. Shade also mentions the need for better instruction in culture and history in non-Aboriginal Canadian society.

File contains a presentation by Chief Allan Happyjack and Jack Blacksmith that first provides a brief history of Waswanipi. Their presentation covers a wide range of issues, including the justice system and policing, hunting and trapping, the environment and health care. The speakers believe that the Canadian and Quebec governments have either ignored, set aside or in breach of major sections of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains an individual presentation by Chief Ignace Gull. Gull discusses the living conditions faced by Aboriginal people in the area which he describes as third or fourth world. Specifically he discusses water and sewer issues, fire protection, energy, social development, drug and alcohol abuse, and a lack of economic oppotunities and education. Gull also discusses trapping concerns, concerns with the justice system, problems with RCMP and Conservation Officers regarding game law enforcement, proposed hydro developments, and protection of burial sites.

File contains a presentation by Chief Simon Lucas, Hesquiat Tribe Access to Sea Resources. Lucas discusses the relationship of his people with the ocean and the resources therein, as well as how it forms part of their worldview. He critiques contemporary Western views of resource usage, and discusses the importance of sea resources. Following the presentation is a discussion between Lucas and Commissioners Erasmus, Robinson, and Keitlah regarding sea issues.

File contains a presentation by Daniel Oweetaluktuk. Oweetaluktuk makes a brief statement (via translator) requesting funding to instruct youth "on how to go about in the land" and assistance from the Crown to make "the fur trade accepted."

File contains a presentation made by Darren Deschambeault on Aboriginal language preservation and history preservation in general. Also contained are comments and questions from the assembled Commissioners and those of the Commissioner-of-the-Day.

File contains a presentation by Denny Grisdale, District No. 70 School Board. Grisdale discusses the trust and relationship between his School District and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council. He relates several anecdotes about the importance of First Nations language instruction, First Nations teaching approachs, and respect for First Nations culture in a more general sense. Grisdale then introduces the next presenter who is also from his school board, Donna Brett.

File contains a presentation by Donna Brett, Former Chairperson of British Columbia School District No. 70. Brett is introduced by the preceding presenter, Denny Grisdale. Brett presents an artistic picture to the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council "in Recognition of the Growing Co-operation Between the School District and Its People." Following Brett's brief remarks on the symbol of the two organization's relationship, Danny Grisdale briefly discusses some of the contracts between his School District and the Tribal Council.

File contains a presentation by Gwen Phillips Clement of the Ktunaxa Independent School System. Clement discusses a variety of educational concerns related to funding, taxation, cultural curriculum, language instruction, and related issues with reference to both the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people in British Columbia. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Dussault and Phillips.

File contains a presentation by Raphael Gregoire, Director of Education, Innu Nation. Gregoire makes his presentation on behalf of both the Sheshatshiu and Utshimasit Innu. He discusses educational concerns and developments in the field, language issues, self-governance as it relates to education, and traditional skills training. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus discusses some of the issues raised with Gregoire.

This file contains a presentation by Jane Vinet that describes the Association as an animal welfare organization dedicated to improve humane trapping methods. Vinet offers a number of recommendations to the Commissioners, including coordinated partnerships to implement trap replacement and trapper education programs, and that Aboriginal trappers voluntarily adopt trapping regulations in accordance with the humane trapping regulations as a minimum standard. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by the Principal Jim Whitson, Lambton County Board of Education. Whitson discusses developing good relationships in the educational setting with Aboriginal peoples, specifically in the context of what has been done in Lambton County, Ontario. Whitson discusses concerns such as cultural, historical, and language education. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Whitson.

File contains a presentation by John Edsu of Fort McPherson. Edsu discusses his views on the trapping industry in the area and his view of its great importance to people of the north. Edsu protests southerners coming in as transient labour and taking jobs that he feels northerners are qualified to do. He also discusses rival claims over land by trappers and large multinational resource companies. He requests recognition from the federal Government of the importance of the trapping industry to his people, and criticizes the anti-fur movement as destructive and naive.

File contains a presentation by John Joe Sark, Captain of the Micmac Grand Council. Sark discusses the need to tell Aboriginal history, particularly the positive side, in schools in New Brunswick. He also discusses the Micmac's struggle to hold onto their culture through generations of assimilative pressures. Following Sark's presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Katherine Morrisseau and Iris Lauzon of the Ojibway Language Immersion Program for Preschoolers in Winnipeg. The presenters discuss reasons for the decline of Aboriginal languages, their importance, curriculum, and their efforts to teach Ojibway to children. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by President Paul Labreque, and Executive Director Jacques Fortin l'Association des cadres scolaires du Quebec. The presenters put forth the Association's views on self-governance and related issues, arguing for a political interpretation of the concept. They discuss the implications of self-governance as it relates to education in the province, and argue for a co-operative harmonization of standards, and an approach that will integrate First Nations cultural and educational aspirations while still maintaining universal and reciprocal goals.

File contains a presentation by Lise Bastien of the First Nations Education Council. Bastien discusses educational policy, the need for Aboriginal educational autonomy, the need for education on Aboriginal history in the non-Aboriginal population, funding concerns, drop-out rates, and related issues. Following Bastien's presentation the assembled Commissioners engage her in a discusion on education issues.

File contains a presentation by Madeline Rizzoli, representing the Alberta Trappers Association. She states that trapping has and is an ongoing occupation that residents rely for survival. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners regarding leghold traps.

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 Simon, Melva George, Christine Keechago and Amanda Blackbird. The presenters discuss education concerns in their Ojibwa and Oneida communities, particularly with regard to Aboriginal language curricula.

File contains a presentation by Meeka Kilabuk, Executive Director, Baffin Regional Council. She provides background information on the purpose of the Council and the large land base that the Council covers. Kilabuk states that the high cost of airfare is a deterrent when members of the Council, located great distances apart, attempt to meet. Kilabuk also relates a successful effort by the Baffin Regional Council to raise the quota on hunting Beluga whales from 5 to 35 and wonders why this number is always under review by the Canadian government, as the whales are essential for survival.

File contains presentations by Mandy Na'zinek Jimmie, and Amy Thom of the Nicola Valley Language Advisory Group. Jimmie delivers a presentation on Aboriginal language use, its importance, and the need for self-governance. Following remarks on this by Commissioner Dussault, Thom makes some personal remarks on the issue from the perspective of both a First Nations person and a language instructor. Following this Commissioners Dussault and Chartrand thank the presenters for their thoughts.

File contains a presentation on behalf of the Northern Lights School Division by Rick Laliberte and Gordon Rutten. Laliberte discusses his own background as a Cree person and educational issues in Northern Saskatchewan, the need for a child centred approach, and linguistic issues. Rutten delivers a series of 13 recommendations to the Commission on education in Nothern Saskatchewan dealing with administrative, finance, cultural, and linguistic concerns. Following the presentation the two presenters discuss educational concerns with the assembled Commissioners.

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.