I also spent some time reading the Traits paper after browsing the perl6-language list, inspired by ackme's sighting.

As I understand it, the approach the language team is taking, inspired by the Traits paper, aims to provide a common framework that will support a range of programming approaches: role-oriented, prototype-based, design-by-contract and/or aspect-oriented.

Update: Cf this from Larry:

: Where can I read up on roles a little more?

Well, it's not nearly as general as we're making it, but the inspiration for it comes in part from the "Traits" paper:
  http://www.cse.ogi.edu/~black/publications/TR_CSE_02-012.pdf

Basically, I'm attempting to take their concept and unify it with properties, interfaces, generics, aspects, and mixins. Among other things...