Georges Erasmus: Reflections on the Royal Commission for Aboriginal Peoples

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Reflecting on the Relevance of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People

Mike D from Nipping University introduces a video featuring George Arasmus reflecting on 20 years since the report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People (ARCAP).
George Arasmus, co-chair of ARCAP, highlights the continued relevance of the recommendations and their significance for the future.
The interview explores the historical context of ARCAP, initiated shortly after the Oka crisis, and compares the mood in Canada then with the current receptivity towards Aboriginal people.
Arasmus mentions that the Oka incident was just one of many demonstrations and protests by Aboriginal people across Canada.
While Oka gained national attention due to the involvement of the police and exchange of fire, it was not seen as unique compared to other similar situations.
Arasmus discusses the progress made since ARCAP and identifies achievements in specific chapters of the commission's report.

Achievements and Areas for Improvement in Indigenous Rights in the Last 20 Years

The creation of the Ainal Healing Foundation and the granting of over $500 million to assist with the impacts of Indian residential schools is a significant achievement.
Indigenous healing programs created in communities across Canada by Indigenous people themselves have had a major impact.
However, the healing process was not completed due to the long-lasting effects of the residential school system, which caused generational trauma and cultural loss.
The comprehensive claims process, which initially focused on land, has expanded to include governance and self-government due to the impact of the Royal Commission.
Despite these achievements, there is still work to be done to fully address the impacts of the residential school system and restore Indigenous cultures, languages, and worldviews.

Land and Governance Negotiations and the Impact of the Role Commission

Comprehensive claims policy influenced by the role commission.
The alternatives to extinguishment were recommended by the arap.
The Harper government consulted on improving comprehensive claims, including addressing extinguishment.
The Deo agreement had a complete alternative to extinguishment.
Governance power for land is not recognized if only surface lands are claimed.
Clino Chon has control over their land due to owning the subsurface.
Clear governance power like a province is still a goal for future generations.
Impact on specific claims was not as significant as in comprehensive claims.

Impact of the AR Cap Report

Colonial Accord and the involvement of the Prime Minister and National Chief Phil Font.
Meetings leading up to the Colona meeting with provincial support.
Government falling after the meeting, wasting the effort.
Impact of the AR on court cases, including the recognition of oral history in the Delgamuukw case.
The TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) being a direct result of the AR Cap report, specifically recommended 20 years ago to address Indian residential schools.
Indian residential schools becoming a major issue during hearings, leading to the creation of the TRC.
Unfinished work and the need for people to tell their stories and express their desires for change related to Indian residential schools.
Influence of the AR Cap report in areas such as research concepts and involving Aboriginal communities in research.

Importance of Hiring Indigenous People for Research and the Need for Comprehensive Funding for Indigenous Communities.

Hiring a significant number of Indigenous people for research work in the original AR cap process was a source of pride.
Young Indigenous individuals were given opportunities to gain experience and eventually take on leadership roles in research.
It was recommended to provide 20 years of funding for infrastructure, self-government, negotiations, land and governance agreements, social programs, and healing programs in Indigenous communities.
Urgency was stressed to capture the Next Generation and provide them with education, cultural understanding, and the ability to contribute to their own community and society as a whole.
The government of the day under Prime Minister Chrétien did not take immediate action and only provided limited funding for healing programs.
The implementation of the fundamental recommendations from the AR cap report has been lacking.
It took 20 years of lobbying and support from Canadians for a comprehensive claims policy with land and governance to be established.
Despite the challenges, there is still hope for the implementation of the AR cap report's recommendations.

Need for an Institution or Process to Implement Undone Recommendations

Difference between ARAP and TRC recommendations in terms of specificity and action steps.
Questioning the need for another commission or institution to implement undone recommendations.
Recognition of the usefulness of ARAP recommendations in various areas.
Emphasis on the need for political will to implement recommendations.
Example of missed opportunity with Paul Martin and surplus funds.
Importance of long-term investment in Aboriginal communities and potential returns.

Addressing Underlying Problems for Indigenous People in Canada

The underlining problems that were identified 20 years ago still need to be addressed to prevent issues like suicide among indigenous people.
These problems have been ignored and unless they are implemented, the same issues will persist.
In a speech in 1992, the question of what there is to celebrate in Canada's 125 years highlighted the challenges faced by indigenous people.
The hope lies in the resistance and struggle of indigenous people, as each generation takes up the mantle to advance Aboriginal and treaty issues.
Investing in indigenous people is a better use of resources than prioritizing immigration.
Healing the wounds between indigenous and non-indigenous people is crucial for a truly united and comfortable nation.

Challenges and Steps Towards Reconciliation in Canada

The issue of reconciliation in Canada requires addressing the root causes and implementing the recommendations provided by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People (AR cap).
Reconciliation involves a two-way process where Canadians and Indigenous peoples need to come together, listen to each other's stories, and work towards understanding.
Major issues such as land rights, governance, and social issues need to be addressed for true healing and reconciliation to occur.
The healing required from historical injustices such as Indian residential schools and the Indian Act needs to be prioritized.
The AR cap report provides a roadmap for addressing these issues, but its implementation has been slow.
The participation and involvement of Indigenous peoples are crucial for true reconciliation to happen.
The support of Canadian society has been significant in the past, and creating the right conditions can help facilitate the reconciliation process.

Support for the Canadian Government and Recognition of Indigenous Rights.

Canadians showed overwhelming support for the government and police actions.
The support was so high that the phones were constantly jammed.
The lack of implementation of the AR cap was not due to Canadian people.
Canadian governments have not been as generous as the Canadian people in recognizing the rights of indigenous people.
Canadians may feel uncomfortable or even ashamed about the situation of indigenous people.

George Arasmus Reflects on the Relevance of the ARCAP Recommendations and the Need for Implementation

ARCAP recommendations are still relevant and significant for the future.
Historical context of ARCAP, initiated after the Oka crisis, compared to current receptivity towards Aboriginal people.
Oka incident was not seen as unique compared to other similar situations.
Progress made since ARCAP, including the creation of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and grants for Indian residential schools' impacts.
Indigenous healing programs created by Indigenous people themselves have had a major impact.
Comprehensive claims process has expanded to include governance and self-government.
Work still needed to fully address the impacts of the residential school system and restore Indigenous cultures.
Comprehensive claims policy influenced by the Royal Commission.
Impact on court cases, including the recognition of oral history in the Delgamuukw case.
TRC is a direct result of the ARCAP report and addresses Indian residential schools.
Influence of ARCAP in research concepts and involving Aboriginal communities in research.
Limited funding and lack of implementation of fundamental recommendations from ARCAP report.
Importance of political will and long-term investment in Indigenous communities.
Underlying problems identified 20 years ago still need to be addressed.
Importance of healing the wounds between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people for a truly united nation.

The Need for Reconciliation in Canada and the Role of Canadians

Reconciliation in Canada requires addressing the root causes and implementing the recommendations from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People (AR cap).
Reconciliation is a two-way process where Canadians and Indigenous peoples need to come together, listen to each other's stories, and work towards understanding.
Major issues such as land rights, governance, and social issues need to be addressed for true healing and reconciliation to occur.