Something to ponder
The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) was a very consequential investigation in Canadian history, initiated to tackle the intricate and enduring challenges confronting Indigenous peoples in Canada. Formed in 1991 following the Oka Crisis, the Commission was assigned the responsibility of examining the connection between Indigenous peoples, the Canadian government, and society at large. The 1996 final report presented a thorough examination of the past and present difficulties encountered by Indigenous communities and outlined a precise plan for achieving reconciliation and rejuvenation.
The establishment of the RCAP was a direct response to the increasing tensions between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state, which were particularly emphasized by the Oka Crisis of 1990. The crisis, characterized by a 78-day standoff between the Mohawk village of Kanesatake and government forces on land rights, highlighted the long-standing grievances and systematic injustices that Indigenous peoples have suffered for centuries. In response to the pressing need to tackle these problems, the federal government established the RCAP with a comprehensive mission to examine and suggest remedies for the difficulties experienced by Indigenous peoples.
The Commission was jointly led by Georges Erasmus, a notable Indigenous leader, and René Dussault, a respected Quebec judge. The mandate encompassed the examination of government programs’ historical context and their effects on Indigenous communities. It also involved the exploration of legal and constitutional matters related to Indigenous rights, as well as the provision of recommendations to enhance the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government.
During a five-year period, the RCAP carried out thorough research, organized public hearings, and sought input from Indigenous communities throughout Canada. The Commission received testimony from a multitude of individuals, including Indigenous leaders, community people, scholars, and government officials. The scope of its investigation was unparalleled, encompassing a diverse array of subjects including land disputes, self-governance, education, healthcare, and economic progress.
The technique employed by the RCAP was comprehensive and collaborative, demonstrating the Commission’s dedication to prioritizing the involvement of Indigenous voices in its endeavors. The Commission conducted visits to both remote and urban Indigenous communities, organizing hearings in many languages and employing diverse formats, including roundtables, interviews, and community gatherings, to actively involve Indigenous peoples and collect their valuable feedback.
The RCAP’s conclusive report, entitled “People to People, Nation to Nation,” was published in 1996. The report, consisting of five volumes and totaling over 4,000 pages, offered a thorough examination of the past and present challenges impacting Indigenous communities in Canada. Additionally, it provided 440 suggestions with the goal of fundamentally changing the dynamic between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government.
The RCAP revealed several significant discoveries, which can be summarized as follows:
The report recognized the extensive historical injustices endured by Indigenous peoples, such as colonialism, dispossession, and discrimination. It also mentioned the detrimental effects of residential schools, the weakening of traditional governance systems, and the deprivation of lands and resources.
The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) underlined the significance of acknowledging and endorsing Indigenous self-governance as an essential entitlement. The report contended that Indigenous peoples should possess the autonomy to govern themselves and oversee their own matters, encompassing jurisdiction over lands, resources, and community services.
Land and Resources: The report emphasized the need to address unresolved land disputes and acknowledge the territorial rights of Indigenous communities. Furthermore, it suggested the creation of novel organizations to oversee and regulate lands and resources in collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Social and Economic Development: The RCAP emphasized the necessity of substantial investments in education, healthcare, housing, and economic advancement within Indigenous communities. Additionally, it proposed strategies to mitigate the social and economic inequalities that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
The report emphasized the significance of reconciliation and restoration, both on an individual and collective scale. The proposal entailed the creation of a Royal Proclamation and the development of a fresh connection between Indigenous communities and the Canadian government, founded on principles of mutual respect, acknowledgment, and collaboration.
The RCAP study received widespread acclaim for its meticulousness and its audacious vision for transformation. Nevertheless, the execution of its suggestions has been sluggish and inconsistent. Although there have been advancements in certain areas including land claims and self-government agreements, a significant number of the Commission’s suggestions have yet to be implemented.
The RCAP report is a prominent source of reference for discussions pertaining to Indigenous rights and reconciliation in Canada. It established the foundation for future actions, including the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the acceptance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) by Canada.
The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples was a significant investigation aimed at tackling the fundamental challenges confronting Indigenous peoples in Canada. The final report included a thorough and visionary plan for achieving reconciliation and rejuvenation, based on the concepts of respect, acknowledgment, and partnership. Although the complete implementation of the RCAP’s recommendations is still being worked on, the Commission’s influence continues to impact the ongoing discussion regarding the rights and welfare of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Amidst the ongoing struggle to address the consequences of colonialism and work towards reconciliation, the RCAP’s goal of establishing a fair and balanced relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government remains highly significant.
Volunteers needed at the Indigenous Health Centre of Tiotià:ke!
You can find the sign-up form here.
Volunteers needed at Projets Autochtones du Québec!
- If you wish to become a volunteer at PAQ, you can contact Chloe Turqtuq at chloe.turqtuq@paqc.org.
- If you wish to donate to PAQ, you can do so by contacting Sarah Clark at sarah.clark@paqc.org.
- If you wish to organise a fundraiser for PAQ, you can email me at respect.kanoronhkwatshera@gmail.com.
History
On November 11, 1975, the James Bay and Northern Quebec agreement was signed.
Save the date
On November 18 will be World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. On November 20 will be World Children’s Day and on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. November 25 also marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
A reminder
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Resources for dedication of Mohawk Bible Many Mohawk Bibles have already been delivered to individuals and communities of faith, with more on their way. The Living into Right Relations Leadership Circle has developed some ideas to help communities of faith dedicate their copies of the Mohawk Bible with respect and gratitude, including liturgical resources, video clips of Harvey Satewas Gabriel reading from the Mohawk Bible and other resources about the significance of this translation.
Download resources: Ohiatonhseratokénti, The Holy Bible in Mohawk (DOC) or (PDF)