This is a series of testimonies given by our aboriginal neighbors. We are posting these in an attempt to allow everyone to better understand just how badly Canada has neglected the first nations of Canada. These are the words submitted to the JRP Hearings, to Enbridge and to the Government of Canada.
One of the issues I have with transcripts like these is that all emotions, tears, fears, anguish have been removed. Please check out our Section Five to watch some of the video footage we did find online.
To really understand what we as Canadians are responsible for, it is a shame these were not recorded by way of video. Our government would rather the truth dies off record rather than allow it to be on record for future civilizations to ponder about the intentions of those who claim to lead us as a civilized society.
If it is true that a society is recognized by the way we treat the least among us then Canada will go down in history books as a very cruel nation.
I would like to say, that in spite of its shortcomings the written transcript remains very important, in as much we owe it to those whose country we stole from them, to hear what they have to tell us.
Imagine walking for one day in their shoes, having to play their role in a master slave relationship, where they are told to come to the governments table to once again speak to the issue of the land that was and still belongs to them.
Please listen to what they have to tell us, I can assure you our government would rather you do not know the truth.
“Before attending the Edmonton hearings, local resident Denis Budd was a staunch Gateway supporter, but now says hearing the testimony has changed his outlook on the project.
“I feel we really need the pipeline and I came here with that idea that we have to have one, end of story,” said Budd, choking up.
“I wasn’t quite expecting the depth of emotion the First Nations people are presenting. I am saddened that they’re talking about the loss of a way of life and they’re trying to desperately get other cultures to hear of their loss. I think it’s really important that given such a huge project that’s really going have an impact far into the future, let me have an impact,” he said.”
Quote from the Toronto Sun.
JLS
The following video is an extraordinary introduction to all of these testimonies, as these are in many cases the elders of today, who like all of us are mortal. These testimonies are their legacy and someday these testimonies will be our only evidence of the words they spoke, and their warnings to our future generations to care for our planet so thier children will also be able to live and enjoy what we share today.
The Elders are watching, they have something to tell you…
[youtube]http://youtu.be/4VLBfOqS4j4[/youtube]
Part One
Hearing held at Audience Haisla Recreation Centre 1538 Kitamaat Village, British Columbia January 10, 2012
Haisla Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF SAM ROBINSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ROD BOLTON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF KEN HALL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF CLIFFORD SMITH
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF MARILYN FURLAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF HENRY AMOS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ELLIS ROSS
Part Two
Hearing held in Terrace (British Columbia), Thursday, January 12, 2012
Kitsumkalum Indian Band
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF DON ROBERTS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY KITSELAS FIRST NATION: Mr. Knight – Mr. McKenzie – Mr. Collins
Part Three
Hearing held in Smithers (British Columbia), Monday, January 16, 2012
Wet’suwet’en Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY THE GITDUMDEN CLAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY THE LAKSILYU CLAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY THE GILSEYHU CLAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY THE TSAYU CLAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY THE LAKSAMSHU CLAN
Part Four
Hearing held at Audience Island Gospel Fellowship Church, Burns Lake, British Columbia
Wet’suwet’en Nation
Opening Ceremony for the JRP Hearings held in Burns Lake.
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF BROWN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ALEC
Oral presentation by Chief Austin
Oral presentation by Chief Alfred
Oral presentation by Chief John Ridsdale
Oral presentation by Andrew Tom
Oral presentation by David deWit
Oral presentation by Walter Joseph
Oral presentation by Mike Ridsdale
Lake Babine Nation
Oral presentation by Chief Adam
Oral presentation by Frank Michell
Oral presentation by John Bertacco
Oral presentation by Verna Power
Oral presentation by John West
Ned’u’ten Nation
Oral presentation by Chief Ronnie West
Part Five
Hearing held in Edmonton (Alberta), Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Enoch Cree Nation
Due to the number of requests to publish a more readable version of the testimony given by the Enoch Cree Nation and Samson Cree Nation we are happy to give you the following two transcripts.
Oral presentation by the Samson Cree Nation
Oral presentation by the Enoch Cree Nation
Part Six
Hearing held in Edmonton (Alberta), Thursday, January 26, 2012
Swan River First Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF HERBERT ARCAND
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF LEON CHALIFOUX
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. DORIS COURTOREILLE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. KEVIN TWIN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. GORDON COURTOREILLE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. RYAN DAVIS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. DARRYEL SOWAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. LEE TWINN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY DR. AVE DERSCH
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. RODERICK TWIN
CLOSING REMARKS BY CHIEF HERBERT CHALIFOUX
Part Seven
Hearing held in Edmonton (Alberta), Thursday, January 27, 2012
Dene Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY GRAND CHIEF BILL ERASMUS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY ELDER FRANCOIS PAULETTE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ALLAN ADAM
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF CHEYEANNE PAULETTE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. DENNIS BEVINGTON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ROY FABIAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF WAYNE SABOURN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF JIM ANTOINE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY GRAND CHIEF SAMUEL GARGAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF MARVIN YELLOWBIRD
Part Eight
Hearing held in Edmonton (Alberta), Thursday, January 31, 2012
Driftpile First Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ROSE LABOUCAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. DEVON BELLEROSE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. JOHN HENRY GIROUX
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. ANGELINE BELLEROSE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. ROGER OKIMAW
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. GEORGE GIROUX
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. ROGER OKIMAW
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. LEO GIROUX
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. PETER OKIMAW
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. ERNIE GIROUX
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. STANLEY ISADORE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. GENE CHALIFOUX
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. CAROLINE BADGER
ORAL PRESENTATION BY DR. AVE DERSCH
CLOSING REMARKS BY CHIEF ROSE LABOUCAN
Part Nine
Hearing held in Fort St. James, Thursday, February 2, 2012
Tl’azt’en Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. LARRY SAGALON
Nak’azdli Band
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. VICTOR SAM & BY MS. LILLIAN SAM
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. DICK A’HUILLE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. JIM MUNROE
Part Ten
Hearings held in Prince Rupert, BC on Feb 17th and 18th 2012
Metlakatla First Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF LEIGHTON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF NELSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY ROBERT NELSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. FANNY NELSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. DAVID LEASK
CLOSING STATEMENT BY CHIEF LEIGHTON
Part Eleven
Hearing held at Old Massett Community Hall 348 Eagle Avenue, Old Massett, British Columbia February 29, 2012
Haida Nation
CHIEF ALLAN WILSON – Opening Ceremony and Opening Prayer
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF GUUJAAW
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. MARGARET EDGARS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. REG DAVIDSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. OLIVER BELL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. ALLAN DAVIDSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. TREVOR RUSS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. LESLIE BROWN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. VANESSA BELLIS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. RON BROWN JR.
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ALLAN WILSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. RUSS JONES
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. ROBERT DAVIDSON
Closing remarks by Reverend Bell
Opening Ceremony and Opening Prayer by Chief Allan Wilson
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. FREDERICA (RIKI) OTT
Closing comments by Chief Guujaaw
Part Twelve
Hearing held at Memorial Centre, 312 Weexaa Avenue, Hartley Bay, British Columbia
Gitga’at Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ROBERT HILL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. KYLE CLIFTON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ALBERT CLIFTON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ERNIE HILL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ARNOLD CLIFTON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. CAMERON HILL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ROBERT HILL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. ARTHUR STERRITT
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. MORGAN HILL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. HILARY ROBINSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. HELEN CLIFTON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. EVA HILL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. SIMONE REECE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. NICOLE ROBINSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. MARGARET REECE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. HENRY CLIFTON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. ALAN ROBINSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. CHRISTOPHER BOLTON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. DANIEL DANES
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. BRUCE REECE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. ARTHUR STERRITT
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. MARVEN ROBINSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. CAMERON HILL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. KYLE CLIFTON
Part Twelve
Hearing held at Lach Klan School, William Shaw Memorial Gymnasium, Kitkatla, British Columbia – March 12, 13, and 14th, 2012
Opening remarks by the Gitxaala Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ELMER MOODY
ORAL PRESENTATION BY THE GITXAALA NATION GOVERNANCE PANEL Pt. 1
ORAL PRESENTATION BY THE GITXAALA NATION GOVERNANCE PANEL Pt. 2
ORAL PRESENTATION BY THE GITXAALA NATION (still subject to being released)
Part Thirteen
Hearing held in Skidegate (British Columbia), Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Council of the Haida Nation – Skidegate Band Council
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. APRIL CHURCHILL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MILES RICHARDSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. JASON ALSOP
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. BEATRICE HARLEY
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. DIANE BROWN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. KATHLEEN HANS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. ROY JONES SR.
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. JAMES COWPAR
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ROBERT MILLS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. RANDY TENNANT
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. JENNIFER CROSS
Part Fourteen
Quality Hotel and Conference Centre, 11201 – 100 Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta, March 26, 2012
Kelly Lake Cree Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF CLIFF CALLIOU
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. TONY SAVARD
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. JACK BELCOURT
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. LAURIAN GLADUE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. CHARLES CALLIOU
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. STANLEY GLADU
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. MARGARET GLADU
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. LENA TOOLE
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. DION BELCOURT
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. FARON HAMBLER
Part Fourteen
Quality Hotel and Conference Centre, 11201 – 100 Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta, March 27, 2012
THE HORSE LAKE FIRST NATION
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY THE HORSE LAKE FIRST NATION
Part Fifteen
Quality Hotel and Conference Centre, 11201 – 100 Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta, March 28, 2012
Saulteau First Nation
OPENING STATEMENT BY CHIEF HARLEY DAVIS
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY THE SAULTEAU FIRST NATION – PANEL 1
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY THE SAULTEAU FIRST NATION – PANEL 2
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY THE SAULTEAU FIRST NATION – PANEL 3
Part Sixteen
Comox Community Centre, 1855 Noel Avenue, Comox, British Columbia, March 30, 2012
Alexander First Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF HERBERT ARCAND
Part Seventeen
Bella Bella Community School, Bella Bella, British Columbia, April 3, 2012
Heiltsuk First Nation
Opening Ceremonies Heiltsuk First Nation
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. PAULINE WATERFALL
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF EDWIN NEWMAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF WOYOLA
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF GARY HOUSTY
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF PETER MASON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF HARVEY HUMCHITT, SR.
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF MEL INNES
Part Eighteen
Hearing held at Klemtu Community Hall, Klemtu, British Columbia – April 12, 2012
Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation
ORAL PRESENTATIONS of the KITASOO XAI’XAIS FIRST NATION
Note the above link does not contain any testimony at this time based on the following reason given. The publication of these transcripts is subject to a motion that is before the Panel
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF ARCHIE ROBINSON SR.
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF BRIAN MASON SR.
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. VIOLET NEASLOSS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF PERCY STARR
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. BEN ROBINSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. CHANTAL PRONTEAU
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. LESTER NEASLOSS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. TIM ROBINSON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. THOMAS BROWN JR.
ORAL STATEMENT BY MS. MERCEDES NEASLOSS
ORAL STATEMENT BY MS. MEAGAN MacDONALD
ORAL STATEMENT BY MS. BENITA DUNCAN MASON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. ELIZA MASON
ORAL PRESENTATION BY PAR MS. DEANNA DUNCAN
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. ERNEST MASON III
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. RON ROBINSON SR.
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. LARRY GREBA
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MR. KEN CRIPPS
ORAL PRESENTATION BY MS. SANDY HANKEWICH
ORAL PRESENTATION BY CHIEF DOUGLAS NEASLOSS
Part Nineteen
Hearing held at the Museum of Northern British Columbia, Ceremonial Room, Prince Rupert, British Columbia – April 17, 2012
GITXAALA FIRST NATION
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY THE GITXAALA FIRST NATION CULTURE PANEL – Part One
ORAL PRESENTATIONS BY THE GITXAALA FIRST NATION CULTURE AND PLACE NAMES PANELS – Part Two
This concludes the hearings in the first stage of testimony by First Nations. If anyone is aware of any errors or omissions, please let us know. We are only human and to make mistakes is normal, for me anyways.
JLS ……For What It’s Worth


Harper’s negligence of the F.N. in northern Ontario, was horrible. When the people had to call in the U.N. and the Red Cross stepped in…This is a crime against humanity. That tiny F.N. baby that died of pneumonia, was pure negligence of Harper’s health care, for the F.N. The one and only thing out of all of this. We have been made aware of just how badly the F.N. people have been suffering, this out and out abuse.
The F.N. deserve warm comfortable homes, with indoor plumbing. Their children deserve good, decent schools. Their education has to be looked very closely at. F.N. children all deserve to go on to a higher education, the same way our kids do. I was horrified, at the number of the F.N. young people committing suicide. That is truly heartbreaking, they have no hope for a better life. I can’t even imagine the sorrow of the parents.
Over 80% of the BC citizens, are supporting the F.N….To stop the Enbridge pipeline and the dirty oil tankers. A spill from either one, would seriously affect the food sources of the F.N. It’s bad enough, Campbell thieved and sold our rivers. The dams have destroyed important salmon runs. The filthy diseased fish farms, are killing off the wild salmon, as well. Salmon is a staple for the F.N. to feed their family’s. They also rely on the sea for food.
I can’t wrap my mind around. Harper could care less about destroying the F.N. hunting grounds, and their fishing, needed for food. Their clean drinking water gets poisoned. All of that for, just plain government greed.
The F.N. don’t deserve our hate. They deserve our help. I sign petitions for them, I pass their messages along to everyone I know, and ask them to pass it along to others, and ask everyone to sign their petitions. I hope many others, to do the same.
I support the First Nation’s communities in saying “NO” to the Enbridge Gateline Pipeline through their lands. This pipeline will effect everyone, as well as the land and other lifeforms.
Who cares?
If First Nations can’t get on board with the new global economy then they can wither away on the sidelines. Modern economy doesn’t care about race or creed or religion, it cares about value. Pipelines add value. They bring a valued resource to a global market. First Nations are dreaming if they believe they can exist on a planet where they provide no value. American First Nations are in way better shape than Canadians, due in large part to the US Government telling them to be valuable contributors to the community, or go live in a cave. Canadian First Nations prefer the cave. Bravo to Enbridge for trying to bring value and wealth to Alberta. Every taxpayer should support every effort to maximize value on the land. Say “NO” to crybaby First Nations.
I approved the above comments that came as anonymous to the public, but not so anonymous to us. This post was made from the following web address and poses the following question, what is their link to all of this? Why are they so brutally uncaring about the plight of aboriginals in Canada.
Here is the home address of that writer. Q9 Networks
Let this be a warning to other businesses who try this same trick.
Please also be aware of this companies conection to Enbridge.
Colonizer paid to say NEGATIVE COMMENTS AGAINST THE REAL PEOPLES OF TURTLE ISLAND.
How much are you been paid to attack the Inbdigenous Peoples of Kanata(Canada)?
You are racist bigot- no value in oil, no value in GREED!!
GIVE YOUR SWOLLEN HEAD A SHAKE AND SMELL YOUR ASS BARKING DISCRIMINATORY REMARKS AGAINST PEOPLE THAT CARE ABOUT HUMAN LIFE!!!
I’m thinking that “caucasian taxpaying person” is spreading his hate on a work computer. We should pass it on to his/her employer……
Or it could be that Q9 Networks launders comments from companies (or governments) that don’t want to be recognized.
(Taken from commenter above, because it is simply and well written:)
I support the First Nation’s communities in saying “NO” to the Enbridge Gateline Pipeline through their lands. This pipeline will effect everyone, as well as the land and other lifeforms.
(My own:)
Further, thank you for standing up and speaking your truth. I recognise that your choice to stand up is not for me, but because it represents my opinion, I am most grateful and I stand behind you in this fight.