The Chippewas of Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation may be finally going home.
Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid signed a deal to begin transfer of Ipperwash Provincial Park to the Stony Point First Nation.
The handover was a key recommendation that came out of the 2007 inquiry into the death of Aboriginal activist Dudley George.
George had occupied the park, along with other Aboriginal protesters, and was shot after a confrontation with Ontario Provincial Police in 1995.
The Stoney Point First Nation claimed the area contained a Native burial ground and the status of the park led to the protest that resulted in George’s death.
The government will also pay the cost of erecting a memorial to George in the park, which has been closed because of the land dispute. The park is expected to reopen next spring.
Don’t hold your breath just yet as the park won’t become part of the reserve right away. Thursday’s deal outlines the steps to make that happen.
