Indigenous Learning - Introduction to Research

Summary

• RCAP was established in 1991 to address issues of concern to the Aboriginal people of Canada. It was motivated by the Oka Crisis and the failed Meech Lake Accord.
• The mandate of the Commission was to study the evolution of the relationship between Aboriginal peoples, the government of Canada and Canadian society as a whole.
• Sixteen areas (*see terms of reference below) were identified for special attention by Justice Brian Dickson.  On his recommendation, 4 of the 7 commissioners appointed were Aboriginal people; 3 were non-Aboriginal.
• The integrated research plan, which was published in 1993, had 4 theme areas: governance; land and economy; social and cultural issues; and the North. In addition, these themes were addressed from 4 perspectives: historical, women, youth and urban perspectives.
• In its public hearings process, the Commission visited Aboriginal communities across Canada and heard briefs from over 2000 people. More than 350 research studies were commissioned.
• The 5-volume final report was released on November 21, 1996 at a special ceremony in Hull, Québec.
• Each of the five volumes presented the Commission's thoughts and recommendations on a range of interconnected topics. Chapters are devoted to major themes such as treaties, economic development, health, housing, Métis perspectives, and the North.

Relevant documents

The five volumes of the final report are:

v. 1. Looking forward, looking back
v. 2. (pt. 1 & 2) Restructuring the relationship
v. 3. Gathering strength
v. 4. Perspectives and realities
v. 5. Renewal: a twenty-year commitment

Online access is available through Saskatchewan's Our Legacy site.

Full-text access is also available through Library and Archives Canada.

There were 16 areas identified for review:

1. History of relations between Aboriginal Peoples, the Canadian government and Canadian society as a whole.

2. The recognition and affirmation of Aboriginal self-government; its origins, content and strategy for progressive implementation.

3. The land base for Aboriginal Peoples, including the process for resolving comprehensive and specific claims, whether rooted in Canadian constitutional instruments, treaties or in Aboriginal title.

4. The historical interpretation and application , and potential future scope, of s. 91(24) of the Constitutional Act 1867 and the responsibilities of the Canadian crown.

5. The legal status, implementation and future evolution of Aboriginal treaties, including modern-day agreements.

6. The constitutional and legal position of the Metis and off-reserve Indians.

7. The special difficulties of Aboriginal Peoples who live in the north.

8. The Indian Act and the role, responsibilities and policies of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND).

9. Social issues of concern to Aboriginal Peoples.

10. Economic issues of concern to Aboriginal Peoples.

11. Cultural issues of concern to Aboriginal Peoples.

12. The position and role of Aboriginal elders.

13. The position and role of Aboriginal women under existing social conditions and legal arrangements, and in the future.

14. The situation of Aboriginal youth.

15. Educational issues of concern to Aboriginal Peoples.

16. Justice issues of concern to Aboriginal Peoples.

Summary

• Ontario government passed the Environmental Assessment Act in 1975
• MNR submitted its Class Environmental Assessment for Timber Management to the Minister of the Environment in Dec 1985 (amended June 1987)
• EA Board began public hearings in Thunder Bay on May 10, 1988 and continued for 4 ½ years ending on November 12, 1992 in Sudbury
• Hearings took place in 15 locations
• EA hearing record includes 70,000 pages of daily recorded transcripts, over 2,300 exhibits, and over 500 people/groups presented
• Environmental Assessment Board released its decision in April 1994 which was subject to 115 terms & conditions

Relevant documents

Ontario.  Ministry of Natural Resources.  Class environmental assessment for timber management on crown lands in Ontario.  1987. Regional   SD 146 O5O565 1987

Ontario. Environmental Assessment  Board.  Hearing of the proposal by the Ministry of Natural Resources for a Class Environmental Assessment for Timber Management on Crown Lands in Ontario: in the matter of the Environmental  Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1980. c.140; and, in the matter of the Class Environmental Assessment for Timber Management on Crown Lands in Ontario. 1988-1992.    411 volumes. (silverbacks – transcripts of the hearings) Regional SD 387 E5O5A43

Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources.  Index of exhibits from Environmental Assessment Board hearing related to Class Environmental Assessment for Timber Management on Crown Lands in Ontario.  1993 Regional  SD 387  E505A735  1993

Ontario.  Environmental Assessment Board.  Reasons for decision and decision:  class environmental assessment by the Ministry of Natural Resources for timber management on Crown Lands in Ontario.  1994. Regional  SD  387 E5O5A48 1994

Ontario.  Ministry of Natural Resources.  A Review by the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the Class Environmental Assessment for Timber Management on Crown Lands in Ontario:  MNR’s Timber Class EA Review.  2002                            Regional  SD 387  E5O685 2002

Useful terms for searching in the Library’s Online Catalogue:

• Class environmental assessment  (keyword)
• Class environmental assessment , witness statement (keywords)
• Crown lands – Ontario
• Environmental impact analysis – Ontario
• Forest management – environmental aspects – Ontario
• Forest management – Ontario
• Forest policy – environmental aspects – Ontario
• Forests and forestry – environmental aspects – Ontario
• Public lands – Ontario

Summary

• An Order-in-Council was passed by the Ontario Cabinet in July 1977 to establish a Royal Commission
• Justice Patrick Hartt was appointed Commissioner
• Between November 1977 and February 1978 public consultations were held at 14 northern locations including Dryden, Ear Falls, Geraldton, Moosonee, Red Lake, Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Timmins, etc. (1 location in southern Ontario – Toronto)
• Commission received over 450 submissions from a wide spectrum of stakeholders ex. forestry, mining, tourism, First Nations, government, anglers & hunters, environmentalists, etc.
• Mr. Justice Hartt issued his Interim Report and Recommendations in April 1978
• Later in 1978 the Commission published the Issues Report
• Mr. Ed Fahlgren was appointed Commissioner in August 1978 and the Final Report and Recommendations was published in June 1985

Relevant documents

Submission to the Royal Commission on the Northern Environment.
Regional HC 117 O5F34S no. 1-329  (Note: catalogued separately)
Note:  Index to the submissions located at Regional HC 117 O5F34E95

Ontario. Interim report of the Royal Commission on the Northern Environment, April 4, 1978. Regional HC 117 O5F2I7 1978

Ontario.  Issues Report of the Royal Commission on the Northern Environment.  Dec 1978.
Regional HC 117 O5F34I

The economic future of the forest products industry in Northern Ontario / prepared for The Royal Commission on the Northern Environment by Lakehead University.  Regional HD 9764 C33O53

Ontario. Final Report and Recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Northern Environment. Regional HC 117 O5F34 1985

Useful terms for searching in the Library’s Online Catalogue:

• Royal commission on the northern environment (phrase)
• Land use – environmental aspects – Ontario, northwestern
• Economic development – Ontario
• Natural resources – Ontario, northern – management
• Forests and forestry – Ontario, northern – management
• Forest products industry