Ipperwash Park transferred to Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
Ontario Press Release
Healing and Reconciliation Continues at Ipperwash Park - Ontario and Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Sign Transfer Agreement
TORONTO, May 28
Ipperwash Provincial Park land is being transferred to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
Following a traditional sunrise ceremony, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid and Chief Elizabeth Cloud today signed an agreement to transfer Ipperwash Provincial Park land to the First Nation.
The agreement sets out the next steps for the transfer of park land, including environmental and archeological assessments and discussions on how park land will be used until the land transfer is complete.
The transfer of Ipperwash park land is just one step toward local healing and reconciliation as discussed in the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry.
QUOTES
"This agreement will lead to further healing and reconciliation across Ontario as we work together with Aboriginal partners to implement the recommendations of the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry."
- Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
"The signing of this transfer agreement today is an important step toward meeting our commitment to transfer Ipperwash Provincial Park to the people of Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation."
- Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources
"We are grateful to see this Ipperwash Inquiry recommendation fulfilled and are thankful for the many people and especially Dudley for his personal sacrifice."
- Elizabeth Cloud, Chief of Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
QUICK FACTS
- The Ipperwash Inquiry investigated the events surrounding the tragic death of Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation member Anthony O'Brien (Dudley) George in September 1995.
- Justice Sidney Linden's Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry was released on May 31, 2007.
LEARN MORE
Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry
(http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/inquiries/ipperwash/index.html)
Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
(http://www.kettlepoint.org/
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BACKGROUNDER
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Healing And Reconciliation At Ipperwash Park
In November 2003, the Ontario government appointed Justice Sidney Linden to lead an independent, public inquiry into the events surrounding the death of Anthony O'Brien (Dudley) George at Ipperwash Provincial Park in 1995.
The Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry, released May 31, 2007, discussed transferring Ipperwash Provincial Park to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and outlined the benefits the transfer could bring to the local First Nation community as well as the surrounding non-Aboriginal communities, including improved relationships and opportunities for joint economic development.
The Ipperwash Park Transfer Process Agreement commits Ontario and Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to continue building relationships based on respect and reconciliation as the park transfer continues.
The agreement outlines the next steps to transfer park land to Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, including environmental and archaeological site assessments and transferring the land from the Ontario government to the federal government so it can be added to reserve.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Relationship Building
The Ontario government and the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation are committed to strengthened relationships built on mutual respect. This includes working together with First Nation members residing at Aazhoodena (former military camp), the municipality of Lambton Shores and the federal government through the park land transfer process. The Ipperwash Park Resolution Table and the Municipal Committee have been established to ensure fairness, inclusiveness and transparency. This progress will help to build stronger relationships between the Ontario government and First Nations and between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities across Ontario.
Healing and Reconciliation
Transferring Ipperwash Provincial park land to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation brings us one step closer to healing and reconciliation between Ontario and First Nations and between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. The Transfer Process Agreement recognizes the importance of healing throughout the transfer process, and acts as a road map for continued progress with the First Nation and surrounding area.
Memorial and Heritage/Cultural Facility
The Ontario government will work with Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and First Nation members residing at Aazhoodena to design and construct a memorial for Anthony O'Brien (Dudley) George. Ontario and the First Nation will also work together to develop a plan for a heritage/cultural facility.
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For further information: Scott Cavan, Minister's Office, (416) 314-7395; Greg Flood, Communications Branch, (416) 314-9455