Metis Organizations

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand at the first sitting of the Royal Commission in The Pas, Manitoba. Blakeney reflects on the mandate of the Commission and its composition, while Chartrand reflects on the historical significance of The Pas and his own families association with the community.

File contains opening remarks by Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Paul Chartrand at the sitting of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples held at the Edmonton Inn, in Edmonton, Alberta on June 11, 1992. The Commissioners explain the mandate and goals of the Commission for the audience in attendance.

File contains a presentation by Alphonse Janvier. Janvier discusses Metis justice and social issues in Saskatchewan. Janvier also discusses financial issues.

File contains a presentation by Augustine Abraham, President of l'Union nationale metisse St-Joseph du Manitoba, in French. Abraham relates the history of her organization, which was founded to represent the francophone and Roman Catholic Metis community of Manitoba in 1887. She discusses how the idea of a seperate Metis government is contrary to Louis Riel's vision, and how her organization would like to see the Metis as partners in Canada. Abraham also discusses land issues, and the then recent Constitutional talks chaired by Joe Clark (the so-called "Canada Round" of negotiations).

File contains remarks by Bernice Hammersmith, Secretary, Saskatchewan Metis Society. Hammersmith describes some problems facing her organization.

File contains a presentation by Betsy Brooks, President, Metis Nation Local 1935. Brooks discusses the Metis local in Fort McMurray and some of its challenges including the lack of an administration building and funding concerns. Following the presentation Betsy discusses some of these issues with Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney.

The file contains a presentation by BillyJo De La Ronde, Labour Canada. De La Ronde discusses his ideas on Metis history, politics, economic development, education, self-governance, and self-determination (between the last two concepts he draws a clear distinction). Following the presentaiton Commissioner Chartrand and Wilson discuss some of the issues raised with De La Ronde.

File contains a presentation by Buzzie (Henry) Phillips, and Rudy Simard. These two individuals speak on behalf of the community of Manigotagan, the Manigotagan Community Council, the Aboriginal Council of Manigotagan and Bill C-31 off-reserve Indians and the proposed Chillwee Indian Band. Their presentations make a variety of recommendations to aid Métis and non-Status Indian populations in the area particularly with respect to government jurisdiction, land rights, and natural resources. Following the presentation are remarks by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the presentations.

File contains a presentation by Cathy LaValley. LaValley discusses the federal "Pathways to Success" educational and job-training program in Saskatchewan, specifically as it pertains to Metis residents.

File contains a presentation by Chief Bernard Meneen, Narcisse Moberly, Chief Johnson Sewegaham, Francis Meneen, Gabe Meneen, Cliff Kazony, and Harold Cardinal, High Level Tribal Council. The file consists of two formal presentations by the Tribal Council and a dialogue between the representatives and the assembled Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Chief Harry Cook, La Ronge Indian Band. Cook welcomes Commissioners Erasmus and Chartrand to La Ronge, and expresses his solidarity with other Aboriginal peoples such as the Metis. Cook also discusses the importance of Treaties to his people.

File contains a presentation by Clem Chartier of the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan. Chartier relays the regrets of President Gerald Morin who was unable to attend the sitting, introduces some of the participants in attendance, then discusses Metis land title and land rights issues, hunting rights, economic concerns, self-government and self-determination, policy ideas, personal and collective healing, racism and discrimination, intergovernmental relations, and the Metis Nation Accord in order to "give a holistic view of our organization."

File contains an individual presentation by Clifford Trapper. Trapper is a Metis man presenting on behalf of his grandfather, a Metis elder of the James Bay area. Trapper's presentation discusses uniqueness of Aboriginal culture and the need for government help with the decline of the traditional economy. It also touches on issues like pollution and self-governance.

File contains a presentation by Clint Buehler, Executive Director, Metis Nation of Alberta. Buehler outlines the steps the MNA has taken towards self-governance both in terms of consultation within its membership and negotiations with the provincial and federal governments.

The file contains a presentation by Connie Chartrand, Metis National Council. Chartrand, family violence coordinator for Metis Women of Manitoba, discusses her work establishing self-help groups for Metis women, and her concerns about the possibility of suicides in some instances related to family violence and breakdowns.

File contains a presentation by Connie Eyolfson of the Strong Earth Women Lodge. Eyolfson first discusses her home community of Traverse Bay, and claims they are First Nations (Non-Status), and not a Métis population as the Métis Federation of Manitoba has claimed. Eyolfson then goes on to describe her organization, the Strong Earth Women Lodge, which provides 24 hour care service for crisis situations. Following the presentation are comments by Commissioners Sillet and Chartrand on the content.

This file contains a presentation by Cyndy Desmeules-Bertolin, Fred Anderson and Stan Plante focusing on the effects of funding cuts to their organization. The group calls for the transfer of existing program dollars to Metis institutions. They also call for a Round Table to discuss the needs and provide support to Metis children and families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.

File contains a presentation by Dave Barron of the Pacific Metis Federation. Barron discusses the story of his people, their neglect by government, his views on Bill C-31 and how the government has divided Aboriginal peoples starting at the family level. Barron concludes by recommending that "some form of legislation be enacted within the near future to release our people from the bonds of Bill C-31, if they should desire." Following the presentation is a discussion between Barron and Commissioner Erasmus on the ideas raised in the presentation.

The file contains a presentation by David Chartrand and Pat Harper of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Chartrand and Harper, representing the Winnipeg Region of the Federation, discuss a brief history of their organization as an urban based entity, Metis membership's issues from an urban perspective, self-determination and self-governance in an urban setting, education and training issues, employment issues, economic development issues, family issues, cultural issues, child care, and cultural issues.

File contains a presentation by Denise Thomas, Southeast Region of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Thomas discusses the need for Métis economic development in her region of Manitoba, and highlights some ways she thinks this can be done through financial and educational infrastructure measures. Following the presentation Thomas engages in a brief discussion with Commissioner Sillet on women's business issues, followed by a comment on the presentation by Commissioner Chartrand.

File contains a presentation by Dennis McLeod, Presdient of the Stanley Mission Metis Local, and Gabriel Dumont Institute Area Representative.

File contains remarks by Diane Delaronde of the Pas Region, Manitoba Metis Federation. Delaronde welcomes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to The Pas, Manitoba on behalf of her organization.

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 Donald Thompson regarding treatment of Metis with hunting and land laws. Questions from the assembled commissioners are also included with the answers that were provided.

File contains a presentation by Dr. Anne Anderson. Anderson's presentation entitled "The history of the Metis nation." The presentation gives a general overview of Metis history from Anderson's own personal perspective and what she thinks is its relevance.

File contains a presentation by Elmer Herman. Herman discusses his work for the Metis Nation in Alberta as an advising counsellor, his views on Bill C-31, and the need for a Metis landbase. Following his presentation Commissioners Blakeney and Chartrand discuss the issues raised therein with Herman and previous presenter Betsy Brooks.

File contains a presentation by Garth Wallbridge. Wallbridge, a Métis man, presenting as an individual, raises a wide variety of concerns. These include Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal relations, government policy, the Commission itself, educational issues, self-governance, languages, Métis issues, and others. Following the presentation the assembled Commissioners discuss some of the issues raised with Wallbridge.

File contains a presentation by Gerald Thom, Senior Vice-President of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Thom thanks the Commission and introduces several MNA officials, then makes a few general remarks on the political situation for the Metis, Alberta, and Canada. To conclude his presentation he introduces the next presenter Thelma Chalifoux, Senator Co-Chair of the Metis Nation of Alberta.

File contains a presentation by Gordon Carter, member of the Metis Nation. He reiterates comments made by an earlier speaker regarding toxic waste disposal. Carter then acknowledges the historic contribution that Metis people made in the construction of the first buildings in Victoria and Vancouver in the 1700s. He hopes that Metis people will be recognized in the future for their contributions to Aboriginal life.

The file contains a presentation by President Rocky Simpson of the Hay River Metis Nation. Simpson summarizes a group discussion and its' findings held to discuss a new relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of Canada, self-determination for Aboriginal peoples within Canada through self-government, economic self-sufficiency for Aboriginal people, and personal and collective healing for Aboriginal people and communities. Simpson makes a variety of recommendations to the Commission on these points.

File contains a presentation by Isabelle Impey. Impey discusses the Gabriel Dumont Institute: its' mandate, guiding principles, organizational structure, and relation to self-government. Impey also discusses some of the Insitute's programs, post-secondary education financing issues, and projects it is involved with. Following brief comments by Commissioner Dussault, Impey delivers the second part of her presentation which deals with Metis women's concerns.

File contains a presentation by Jack McDonald, Port Alberni Native Council. McDonald discusses what it means to be a Metis in British Columbia, and the challenges that confront his people as well as what he characterizes as an ignorant government and populace when it comes to Metis issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Georges Erasmus discusses some issues of Metis identity in British Columbia with McDonald.

The file contains a presentation by Jim Penton, Metis Senator. Penton discusses racism in southern Alberta, his solidarity with the Peigan people in their struggles with respect to the Oldman River dam, issues of Metis identity, decolonization, Constitutional rights, urban concerns, education concerns, justice concerns, and general Metis issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Erasmus and Jim Penton discuss the definition of Metis people.

File contains a presentation by Joe Blyan stating that the Commission that all different status groups must meet and determine their courses of action. Blyan says a common vision is necessary when dealing with Aboriginal and Metis groups. Following the presentation are remarks by the Commissioners.

The file contains a presentation by Joey Hamelin, Metis National Council. Hamelin discusses funding issues for the Metis, some examples of suicides that occurred amongst that community in Alberta, and the role of the Metis Services Organization, and Native Brotherhood in Alberta.

File contains a presentation by John Crisp. Crisp discusses the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement, its establishment, history, and socioeconomic condition. Crisp relates problems with the Federal government whose census refuses to acknowledge Paddle Prairie's existence as a Metis Settlement, and a variety of health care, social services, and education concerns. Following the presentation is a discussion between Crisp and Commissioners Barb Beaulieu and Rene Dussault on these topics.

File contains a presentation by Larry Desmeules and Sheila Genaille that first details the history of the Métis Nation in Canada. They state that there is "a lack of understanding of the political realities of the Métis Nation and our aspirations as a nation." Desmeules calls for the Commission to establish a round table to deal exclusively with Métis Nation issues. Following the presentation is a question-and-answer session with the Commissioners.

File contains a presentation by Leon McAuley, Director, Provincial Metis Housing Authority. McAuley describes the problems facing Metis communities in the North, and advocates a new level of government (a Metis local government) to facilitate self-governance, as well as discusing economic development and a land base. Following the presentation a brief discussion on the definition of the Metis people takes place between Commissioner Chartrand and McAuley.

File contains a presentation by Leonard Morin, Regional Representative, Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Morin gives a demographic overview of northern Saskatchewan, relates some of the issues faced by northerners, then gives a beif overview of Metis history. Morin stresses the importance of gaining a Metis land base, and discusses possibilities for Metis self-governance. Morin then speaks on an issue of importance to his home community of Cumberland House, the construction of a traffic bridge connecting the community with the mainland across the river.

File contains a presentation by Lyle Boland. Boland, representing the SaskNative Economic Development Corporation, discusses a variety of issues pertained to the Metis economy in Saskatchewan. Foremost amongst these is the need to "level the playing field" for Metis people with comparison to Status Indians.

File contains a presentation by Marc Leclair, Spokesperson, Metis National Council. Leclair discusses his organizations participation in the 1992 Canadian Constitutional talks, and its efforts to have the federal responsibility for Metis people recognized alongside the provincial premiers. Leclair also discusses his organizations efforts to form a central registry of descendent's of the historic Metis nation, land and resource concerns, self-governance, and his views on his organization's relations with the Commission and its mandate.

File contains a presentation by Marge Friedel. Friedel presents on behalf of the Women of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Friedel addresses the exclusion of women from the Canadian Constitutional process, and the struggle for inclusion within Metis political organizations. Friedel also discusses self-government and critiques the Metis National Council for not, in her view, representing the concerns of Metis women. Following the presentation is a discussion between Friedel and the Commissioners Chartrand and Blakeney on the issues contained therein.

File contains a presentation by Mary Wiegers, President, Provincial Metis Women of Saskatchewan. Wiegers highlights her concerns with the notion of Metis self-governance in Saskatchewan. She is highly critical of how Metis institutions have been functioning in the province, and argues that self-governance as things are currently consituted will lead to abuses by the Metis leadership. Wiegers highlights examples of electoral fraud, and undemocratic behaviour within the Saskatchewan Metis organization.

File contains a presentation by Max Morin, Metis Society of Saskatchewan, Regional Director - Chairman, Gabriel Dumont Institute. Morin discusses the problems faced by the Metis people in northern Saskatchewan, and complains that multinational corporations have more rights to the land than its rightful owners (the Metis themselves). Morin also discusses how wealth has been extracted from the region with no benefit to the people living there, who have actually gone into debt. Morin sees the way forward for the Metis as dependent upon good education for his people.

This file contains a presentation by Melanie Omeniho that first describes her organization's mandate as being a political activist group that continues to develop and/or improve social structures to meet the needs of Metis women. The group assists in developing economic bases for Metis women, as well as developing educational and culturally sensitive opportunities to better the lives of Metis women.

File contains a presentation by Armand Murray of the La Loche Local of the Metis Society of Saskatchewan. Murray discusses the need for recognition of Aboriginal rights on the part of government, land issues, a lack of capital in the community for utilizing resources, a conflict with the provincial government over Clearwater River park, fisheries issues, forestry issues, tourism and guiding, and related issues. Following the presentation Commissioner Dussault discusses some of the issues raised with Murray.

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 remarks by Morgan McLeod, Metis Youth of Stanley Mission. McLeod discusses his concerns with drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, child abuse and neglect in his community. He relates how the Metis youth have started a youth centre at Stanley Mission to deal with these problems, but need support on the provincial level to help provide information and recreational facilities.

File contains a presentation by Nelson Sanderson regarding the need to connect Metis youth and the general public with the history and culture of the Metis people. Following the presentation is a discussion with the Commissioners regarding these issues.

File contains a presentation by John Novak of the North Bay Chapter of the Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association (which represents Metis and Non-Status people). Novak discusses the difficulty for his people in obtaining resources, their difference from Status Indian people, a lack of educational assistance, a request for "some kind of structure that we would be able to get our own funding," the desire for a land base, economic concerns, hunting and fishing rights, racism and discrimination concerns, the problem sustaining the organization's locals, and housing concerns.