Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News

Volume 30 Issue 3 Published quarterly by the Anishinabek Nation Ipperwash Special Edition 2020

September 6, 2020, marked the 25th anniversary of the shooting death of unarmed protestor Anthony “Dudley” George by an Provincial Police sniper at Ipperwash Beach. The Anishinabek News featured an Ipperwash Summer Series to highlight the history, trauma, aftermath, and key recommendations from the 2007 Report of the . in Ontario understood that the Inquiry would not provide all of the answers or solutions, but would be a step forward in building a respectful government-to-government relationship.

For information on the 2007 Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry, please visit: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/inquiries/ipperwash/closing_submissions/index.html

Peter Edwards, Toronto Star journalist, and Sam George. – Photo by Veronica George Learning debwewin from my brother

By Peter Edwards he blamed for the tragedy. Sam sued former premier Mike Har- I just tried to show, `We’re not who you say The first time I met Maynard (Sam) “I’m not blaming anyone but I need to ris and several members of his government we are. So I’m totally opposite. You don’t George was in the back of the restaurant at know the truth,” he said. His voice was so and the OPP for answers. He told me he was know me, really. You think you know me, Kettle Point, a few hours after his younger soft I could barely hear him. quietly offered a large sum of money to drop but you don’t. You know me only as this guy brother Anthony (Dudley) George was shot Over the next decade, Sam spoke to his wrongful death lawsuit. that supposedly is coming to nail your hide to death by an Ontario Provincial Police church and labour groups, First Nations As- I knew without asking that he turned it to the wall, when really I’m not.'” (OPP) sniper. semblies, students, teachers, human rights down. The stress of Sam’s search for the truth Sam looked like he was in shock. He had groups like Amnesty International and any- In the fall of 2002, Harris became the was getting to him. been busy at the hospital, identifying Dud- one else who would listen. He sometimes first sitting premier in Ontario history to He was smoking heavily and collapsed ley’s body, and then breaking the news to had to sleep in his car because he couldn’t testify in a civil case against himself, when during a speaking trip to Winnipeg. I was family members. afford a hotel room. he was questioned by Sam’s lawyer, Murray afraid he would drop dead if he didn’t slow Sam looked so small as he kept showing He nicknamed his car “The Truthmobile” Klippenstein, in an examination for discov- down but he refused to let up. me family pictures of Dudley. They were all and it went in the ditch and broke down – lit- ery. He did speak often with Thomas happy snapshots that seemed totally out of erally – more than once. I was shocked to hear that Sam stood up (Tommy) White, a friend and Elder from the place with the mood that morning. One month, he gave 31 speeches. Every and extended his hand to the Premier. Washagamis Bay First Nation near Kenora. Sam had never spoken with a reporter time Sam spoke, it was from the heart as he By then, a government lawyer had called Sam jokingly called him “Akiwenwenzi before. revisited the horrible night we met. him a terrorist, despite a court’s finding that Kiawatin no” or “Old Man from the North,” “I don’t know what I feel right now,” Sometimes Sam and I gave speeches at the Stony Pointers – including Dudley – while Tommy called Sam, “Akiwenwenzi Sam said. “It’s pretty hard when you see the same event. I always used notes and Sam were unarmed. I asked Sam how could he Shawanoo,” or “Old Man from the South.” your brother lying on a slab… He’s got a only tried that once. He froze up and fumbled shake Harris’s hand? I told Tommy how Sam had kept using bullet in his chest.” and went back to speaking from the heart. Sam explained: “It was a hard thing to the word “truth,” from the first time we met. One of my first questions was about who He was always riveting that way. do, but it was a point that had to be made. … ...continued on Page 2 Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 2

The print edition of the Anishinabek News is a quarterly publication of Anishinabek Nation. Views expressed are not necessarily the opinion or political position of the Anishinabek Nation/ Union of Ontario Indians.

No portion of this paper, or online content, in- cluding advertisements, artwork, photos and ed- itorial content may be reproduced without writ- ten permission of the Anishinabek News Editor.

Readers are invited to submit letters, articles, and photos for publication. Please include your name, address and telephone number on all material submitted. All submissions will be re- viewed for publication based on priority of inter- est and edited for clarity of thought, taste, brev- ity and legal implications. Remuneration will be paid for submissions only if a written agreement with the Editor is made prior to publication. For news all the time, visit: www.anishinabeknews.ca Editor: Marci Becking Assistant Editor: Laura Barrios Layout: Marci Becking Advertising: Marci Becking Contributers: Kelly Crawford, Tia Davnos, Peter Edwards, Veronica George, Sarah Public education best way to commemorate Hazell, Nicole Latulippe, Laurie Leclair, Harold Levy, Catherine Murton Stoehr, Dwayne Nashkawa, Justin Rhoden, Maurice Switzer, 25th anniversary of Monica Virtue, Cameron Welch and Nathan Wright ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OF- maintaining healthy relationships between FICE – Anishinabek Nation Grand Coun- Anishinabek First Nations, government, PH: 705-497-9127 ~ 1-877-702-5200 www.anishinabeknews.ca cil Chief Glen Hare says the best way to and police services,” says Grand Coun- E-MAIL: [email protected] commemorate the 25th anniversary of cil Chief Hare. “Frequently, Anishinabek P.O. Box 711, Nipissing First Nation, North Bay, the shooting death of Anthony “Dudley” people who exercise their treaty and Ab- ON, P1B 8J8 George at Ipperwash by an Ontario Prov- original and inherent rights find themselves incial Police sniper, is through continued under the scrutiny of not only police servi- The current circulation of this edition of the Anishinabek News public education. ces, but by a public ignorant to the history is 5,000 copies. “On September 6, 1995, we lost a of First Nations people and colonialism DEADLINE FOR warrior. His fight was to protect the land who have not received or sought educa- WINTER PRINT EDITION of his people of Ipperwash. This loss is tion on First Nation treaty and Aboriginal another example of systemic racism that rights. A way to counter ignorance and to November 20, 2020 we continue to fight today; working with commemorate the 25th anniversary of the our people who are dealing with years shooting death of Dudley George and the For more information or inquiries to the Anishinabek of Treaty Right’s Infringement, Inherent Grand Council Chief Glen Hare legacy of his brother Sam is through con- News related to circulation issues please call our Right’s not acknowledged, and unsettled tinued public education efforts.” Toll-free number: 1-877-702-5200 All advertising which examined themes such as history, Land Claims,” states Anishinabek Nation Efforts put forth by the Anishinabek inquiries can be sent to [email protected] policing, heritage and burials, public edu- Grand Council Chief Glen Hare. Nation for public education include lobby- cation and treaties. All of the articles are Since the unarmed protestor’s death on ing and participating in the inquiry, com- intended to reflect on what happened and www.anishinabeknews.ca September 6, 1995, there has been a public memorative events, news releases, books, what is happening today. inquiry and some 100 recommendations teacher’s kits, Treaties Recognition Week nishinabek ews rint “From the Report of the Ipperwash In- ISSN 1182-3178 A N (P ) from the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry events and participating in the bi-lateral nishinabek ews nline quiry, it was found that there is a lack of ISSN 1923-0710 A N (O ) that was released by Justice Sidney Linden table relationship with Ontario. recognition and respect of inherent, Ab- on May 31, 2007. Next spring will see a full launch of original and and how these The Anishinabek News online featured treaty education web-based resources. exhaustive issues together pose a barrier to a summer series comprised of 16 articles

...continued from Page 1 iest men. was always up at the front listening to the Tommy explained that Sam meant “deb- “What’s your point, Edwards?” Sam evidence. wewin” when he used the English word asked. “One day, on my way back to Forest, I “truth.” I then noted that Schweig was well over looked at who was driving me, and I realized It’s a truth that comes from the heart and six feet tall while Sam was considerably how much time has gone by because it was makes things better. shorter. my grandson, who was five when all of this “Debwewin, in my language, means “The stress shrunk me,” Sam said. started in 1995,” Sam said. positive words, positive ways of thinking,” As things caught on, Sam drew bigger “I never dreamed it would take this long Tommy said. “Debwewin is soft – a soft, and bigger audiences, including 3,000 for a to get those answers because we just wanted honest way.” benefit concert at Massey Hall. to know the truth.” “That’s part of healing,” Tommy said. Sam was particularly excited to hear that Sam was proud that one of his grandchil- “In our culture, the spirits tell us, `We’ll comedian Charlie Hill was on the bill. Sam dren deposited Linden’s lengthy report into help you if you do things in a positive way.’ told me he made a conscious effort to keep his school library at Kettle and Stony Point. Anthony ‘Dudley’ George The best advice they (spirits) gave me was, smiling and not to give in to bitterness. It included several recommendations on how `Don’t use what we’ve given you in a nega- “If I didn’t, I’d just be another angry per- to make things safer in the future. tive way or we’ll take everything back.'” son,” Sam said. The last time I saw Sam was in late May Sam and Tommy often spoke on the For all of the joking, there was nothing 2009. He was in bed and his voice was even phone. foolish about Sam. He maintained a deadly softer than usual. He was dying of cancer Sometimes they spoke about serious serious goal. and asked me to be a pallbearer and to keep things, like Sam’s dark, puzzling dreams in- “We want Dudley to be the last person to telling the truth about Dudley’s death. volving Dudley’s death. die in a dispute over First Nations territor- Six days later, on June 3, 2009, Sam died Other times, they joked like schoolboys, ies,” Sam said. “Dudley has left to the Spirit in the middle of the night. By then, all sorts including teasing each other with Viagra World, and we can only thank him for what of people had grown to love him, including jokes. he did for the First Nations people at Kettle police, politicians and journalists, including I liked teasing Sam too, like when I told and Stony Point. But one life lost is one too myself. When our journey together finally him that producers Jennifer Kawaja and many, and one can’t put a price on a person’s ended, I felt like I was losing a brother. Julia Sereny of Sienna Films had cast the life, especially since all life is sacred.” excellent actor Eric Schweig to play Sam’s Sam eventually won his public inquiry, Peter Edwards is a long-time journalist for character in their movie, “One Dead Indian,” which began in April 2004 before Mr. Jus- the Toronto Star. He is the author of One based on a non-fiction book I wrote with the tice Sidney Linden in the town of Forest, in Dead Indian: The Premier, The Police and same title. a hockey rink where Dudley was once a pee- the Ipperwash Crisis. He is also the recipi- wee goalie. ent of a Debwewin Citation – an honour Sam George I smirked as I noted that Schweig had been voted as one of People magazine’s sex- The inquiry ran for two years and Sam given by the Anishinabek Nation. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 3 THE IPPERWASH CRISIS TIMELINE The Ipperwash Crisis took place in 1995 on expropriated land in and around what is known as “Ontario’s Ipperwash Provincial Park”. The underlying cause of the crisis was the expropriation of the Stoney Point Indian Band (now known as the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation) reserve land by the federal government for use as a military camp in 1942. After repeated requests from the First Nation for the land to be returned, members of the Stoney Point Indian Band occupied the camp in 1993 and in 1995. On September 4, 1995, protesters also occupied Ipperwash Provincial Park nearby. Tension between the protesters and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) increased, resulting in a lethal confrontation on September 6, 1995, during which unarmed protestor Anthony “Dudley” George, was killed.

The Ipperwash Crisis: A Brief History

Events on September 6, 1995, are the result of OPP moving in on protesters occupying Ipperwash Provincial Park, land expropriated from the Stoney Point Indian Band in 1942 by the federal government under the War Measures Act. The citizens of Stoney Point Indian Band were relocated to nearby Kettle Point First Nation and federal government built a military camp – . Ancestral burial grounds were destroyed when the camp was built. After 18 families were relocated, the government changed the name to Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. In the years following the war, the Stoney Point citizens tried to get the land back. By 1972, the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Jean Chrétien, recommends that if the land is not returned to Stoney Point citizens, the band should be offered another piece of land as compensation. This advice was ignored. On April 16, 1992, citizens of Kettle and Stony Point serve the army with a 90-day eviction notice. Families from the original Stoney Point community begin moving back onto the land.

The Ipperwash Crisis: Occupation

After Ipperwash Provincial Park closes for the season on September 4, 1995, a group of approximately 30 protesters build barricades in the park to underline their land claim and protest the destruction of the burial ground. Dudley George is one of the group’s leaders. On September 6, 1995, the OPP move in on the protestors during the night. Shots are fired and Dudley George is shot and killed by Acting Sergeant Kenneth Deane. Protestors say they were unarmed and that police used unnecessary force. The OPP claim that the protestors were armed which necessitated their guns and riot gear. The OPP blamed placed blame on Premier , claiming he issued the go-ahead order for the rush of barricades at the nighttime raid. Sgt. Deane is convicted of criminal negligence causing death on April 28, 1997, after the court ruled he did not have “reasonable belief” George was armed. He later resigned from the OPP. On June 18, 1998, the federal government and Kettle and Stony Point First Nation sign an agreement returning Camp Ipperwash to the band. The Ipperwash Crisis: The Inquiry

A United Nations commission on human rights urged the Government of Ontario on April 9, 1999, to call a public inquiry into the death of Dudley George. The Progressive Conservative government of the time resists, saying it had nothing to do with police actions of the day. On November 12, 2003, after eight years of First Nations and other groups calling for an official inquiry into George’s death, the On- tario government, under newly-elected Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty, announces a public inquiry into the death of Dudley George. The Ipperwash Inquiry was established on April 20, 2004, to examine and report on events surrounding the death of Dudley George and make recommendations aimed at avoiding violence in similar situation. The Union of Ontario Indians had official standing in Part Two. On May 31, 2007, the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry was released to the public and included 100 recommendations. Justice Sidney Linden, commissioner of the inquiry into the shooting death of unarmed protestor Anthony ‘Dudley’ George by an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) sniper, ruled that the OPP, the government of former Ontario Premier Mike Harris, and the federal government, were all responsible for events that led to Dudley’s death. In December of that year, the Government of Ontario agrees to turn over Ipperwash Provincial Park, 56 acres on the southeast shore of Lake Huron, to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. In May 2009, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and the Government of Ontario sign an agreement to transfer the park. A year later, Ontario introduces legislation to deregulate the parklands, bringing the land transfer another step closer to finality. Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation host a two-day Healing and Reconciliation Gathering on October 15-16, 2010, where archaeologist Brandy George announces that human remains dating back to 1,000 years has been found at the Stoney Point dig site.

The Ipperwash Crisis: After the Inquiry

The cleanup of Camp Ipperwash continues. It was estimated in 2010 that it would take 20 years to finish. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 4 A short history of the alienation of Stoney Point territory, 1818-1945

By Laurie Leclair British Crown over the transfer of 2.7 Many years ago, I read a document million acres of land along the southeast written in 1945 by an Anishinabek shoreline of Odaawaa Gichi-gami [1][Lake soldier who had just returned from the Huron] and following the river, which ends war. He recalled how it was late in the at Waawiiyaataan [Lake St. Clair]. On July afternoon when the bus dropped him 10, 1827, Osaw a wip and principal chief off along Highway 21, a short distance Wa wa nosh, the appointed negotiators, from home. Perhaps because of wartime along with leaders from the Reindeer, communications or the fact that it all Beaver, Catfish and Crane clans, signed happened so quickly, he was unaware that Treaty no. 29, or the Huron Tract Treaty. had evoked the War Measures Chiefs Chemokomon and Quaikeegon, Act and had taken over his community, and principal men from Wiikwedong and the Stoney Point reserve. There were new Aazhoodenat, safeguarded reserves of two miles square each, bordering on the waters of Odaawaa Gichi-gami. Once surveyed out, these lands became colloquially identified as Kettle Point (2,446 acres) and Stoney Point (2,650 acres). Here is what the two tracts looked like from the eyes of Upper Canada’s Deputy Surveyor in 1827: For years, the communities successfully resisted the Indian Department’s pressure to have their territories chopped up into concessions and lots, aware of the fact that subdivision surveys would lead to the loss of more land. Because of this solidarity, the reserves at Kettle and Stoney Point did not receive a registered subdivision survey 0447: Detail from the sketch attached to Treaty 29, initialled by James Grant Chewitt, until Walter Stanley Davidson completed Deputy Surveyor, Upper Canada. Treaty 29, IT-093, RG 10, vol. 1843, T-9938. his in 1900. Still, the survey was highly contested and took years to finish. Davidson created several lots and planned for five roads to cut across Stoney Point. Community leaders chose to reserve land that was both beautiful and able to sustain their people culturally, materially and spiritually. Outsiders also recognized the area’s importance. In 1928, a real estate developer from Sarnia, W. J. Scott, applied to purchase frontage across the entire reserve through Davidson’s ranges A, B, C, D. A surrender vote was held on October 12. Eight months later, Scott paid $13,500 for all four lots along the Stoney Point shore, amounting to 377 acres. Scott’s purchase proved to be a smart business decision as cottage development bordering Lake Huron began to expand throughout the late 1920-30s. The [oochim.lac] Dodems of some of the Chiefs popularity of the motorcar and accessible and Principal leaders involved in the early roads brought others further out into the discussions which would eventually lead country on pleasure drives and picnics. to Treaty 29. LAC, M. G. 19 F1, vol. 11, Beginning in 1932, local residents C-1480. appealed to Ontario to establish a public park somewhere in the vicinity. It was a 419 CLSR: Extract from Plan of Indian Reserves at Kettle Point and Stony Point, Bosanquet buildings, strange faces; soldiers just like difficult task, as most of the shorefront Township by W. S. Davidson, 1900. CLSR 419. himself but not from these parts. Stranger properties were privately owned. The still was the realization that what he province’s Department of Lands and close to a highway, had hills and valleys, history and pointed out that her people had fought for, his home and family, his Forests combed the area and decided that inland lakes, plenty of timber and in the were already doing their part for the war before-life, was somehow gone. It was too Lot 8 Concession A, now owned by the opinion of outsiders, had a very small effort, having young men who enlisted, late and too dark to walk the five miles to developer Scott, was the most suitable. population. It was not long before DND “but some of them are overseas and some Kettle Point and being emotionally and Eight years after Scott bought all four contacted Canada’s Department of Mines training in Canadian soil yet …while their physically exhausted, he simply fell asleep frontage lots, he severed Lot 8, Concession and Minerals, under which the Indian backs are turned their beloved reservation in a ditch. The answers would come the A and sold it to the province for $10,000. Affairs Branch could be found, asking to is taken right from under their parents’ next day and for years after. In 1936, after six years of negotiations, purchase the entire reserve, a land base of feet?!” “It happened as if overnight” is a Ipperwash Beach became the fourth 2,240 acres. When the Kettle and Stoney A council was called to discuss DND’s quote that often prefaces the retelling of provincial park in Ontario. Point communities were approached for proposal on April 1, 1942. When the the complex and difficult Stoney Point Three short years later, Canada entered a negotiation, both were adamant that vote was held, 59 people stood against narrative, but when we examine the the Second World War. Early in 1942, they did not want to lose any more land. and 13 for the proposition. In spite of the history of the alienation of the land, the the Department of National Defence An incredulous Mary Greenbird wrote to results, DND continued its presence on story begins over two centuries ago. (DND) wanted to establish an Advanced Ottawa, “I am the oldest and have rights the reserve, running test pits, drilling for Between the years 1818 and 1827, Training Base and looked toward Stoney to say something about our poor children’s wells. Finally, on April 14, 1942, evoking Anishinabek leaders negotiated with the Point as a possible site. The area was inheritance…” She recounted the treaty the War Measures Act, an Order in Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 5

Council was passed granting DND leave houses to Kettle Point. Although by May, from Camlachie, to conduct the move, a four, their homes too fragile to withstand to expropriate the lands, all the while the First Nation had hired a lawyer to project that began in June 1942 and was the disruption, had to find alternative continuing negotiations. Ultimately, the contest the decision, expropriation efforts completed the following month that year. accommodation. As it was, most of the community received $50,000 for the land, were already underway. The Department There were 16 families directly buildings that arrived at Kettle Point improvements and the cost of relocating employed Oliver Tremaine, a contractor impacted, 12 had their houses relocated and suffered severe foundational cracks and broken sills and windows. Some people, especially those involved in working outside of Stoney Point, did not have time to pack their belongings and once settled, found plates, cups, keepsakes and other breakables destroyed by the bumpy move. Beginning in March 1943, DND entered into negotiations to purchase the three shoreline lots contiguous to Ipperwash Provincial Park. The result added only an additional 270 acres to the camp but took much longer to conclude, ending with an Order in Council dated October 6, 1944. In contrast, DND acquired the entire Stoney Point reserve, all 2,240 acres, in just 37 business days. I cannot recall the name of the soldier who returned home that afternoon in 1945, but a quick comparison of a list of Kettle and Stony Point World War II veterans with that of those who lost their homes on Stoney Point in 1942, would have made him either a Bressette, George, Greenbird, Shawkence or a Henry. After spending a fitful night, he got up and followed the trail of crumbling chimney stones and broken glass west to Kettle Point where he would have been told a most unbelievable story. [1] I am indebted to Dr. Alan Corbiere for his assistance with Anishinaabemowin place names.

Laurie Leclair has been involved in Indigenous issues for over 30 years, and more than half of that time she has worked as an historical researcher for Anishinabek Submitted as part of the Ipperwash Commission of Inquiry: Historical Background, this map, prepared by Joan Holmes & Associates uses Nation. the Davidson 1900 survey to illustrate the acquisition of land for Camp Ipperwash, p. 9. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 6

Policing ‘critical incidents’ after Ipperwash: 15 years of the ‘Framework’, no evaluation By Tia Dafnos underlying grievance.” These principles In February 2020, the Ontario Provincial were accompanied by specific operation- Police (OPP) arrested 10 people and disman- al recommendations, including that police tled the camp near CN rail tracks on Tyendi- should address the “uniqueness” of Indigen- naga Mohawk Territory that was established ous “occupations and protests” including in solidarity with Wet’suwet’en land defend- their “historical, legal and behavioural dif- ers. CN quickly obtained an injunction in six ferences.” Many of these recommendations days, and the OPP enforced it 12 days later. are reflected in the OPP Framework, which Over this time, OPP spokespeople referred became a Critical Policy in 2005. work appears to have become a self-referen- positions itself as a neutral “peacekeeper” to the “Framework for Police Preparedness The Framework is a guide for how police cing accountability measure in itself. If the during conflicts, police are state representa- for Indigenous Critical Incidents” to explain should respond to “critical incidents” using organization decides that officers have fol- tives enforcing laws created and interpreted both the perceived delay and their eventual “negotiation and mediation” to minimize the lowed the Framework, it seems to shut down by a settler-colonial system. As the Yellow- enforcement of the injunction. Police repre- use of force and respect constitutional rights. any need for further examination of police head Institute’s Land Back analysis shows, sentatives and politicians made references While “Indigenous” is in the title, it applies actions. in the past 20 years this has meant enforcing to Ipperwash as a reminder of the potential to all protests, “major incidents” and “critic- Since 2013, the OPP has published an- private companies’ injunctions. The report consequences of taking aggressive, escalated al incidents”, which could include hostage nual reports summarizing their use of the suggests that private injunctions have in- police action. These comparisons to Ipper- situations or disasters. The Framework does Framework, fulfilling another Inquiry rec- creasingly become a strategy for getting wash imply that the current approach is in- incorporate recognition of the complexity of ommendation. According to these reports, around the growing affirmation of consti- herently better than past practices, supported Indigenous conflicts by defining “Indigen- the OPP has responded to 575 “Indigenous tutional Aboriginal rights. It allows police by the fact that Ipperwash Inquiry Com- ous critical incidents” as: “any critical or critical incidents” and 1,060 “non-critical” forces to continue to assert their “neutral” missioner Sidney Linden had described the major incident where the source of conflict Indigenous and non-Indigenous-related pro- role and respect for Indigenous rights while Framework as a “best practice.” However, may stem from assertions of inherent, ab- tests between 2007 and 2017. The continued being obligated to enforce these injunctions. Commissioner Linden also recommended original or treaty rights; or that is occurring lack of independent evaluation and scru- The Framework may have reduced lethal that it be subject to “independent, third-party on a First Nation territory; or involving an tiny of practices is concerning as the OPP force, but it has not reduced infringements evaluations” with “meaningful” involve- Aboriginal person(s), where the potential for has been involved in so many “incidents”, of Indigenous self-determination and juris- ment of First Nations representatives. This significant impact or violence may require including high-profile actions at Ardoch diction. recommendation remains unfulfilled. activation of an OPP Integrated Response.” Algonquin and Sharbot Lake, Six Nations, The Framework and liaison programs The Ipperwash Inquiry remains one of One implication of this definition is that as- Aamjiwnaang, Kitchenuhmaykoosib In- have changed since Commissioner Lin- the only official inquiries in Canada to ad- sertions of self-determination are treated as ninuwug, and Tyendinaga. The Framework den’s endorsement in 2007, and so has the dress the policing of Indigenous struggles; potentially higher-risk because of the under- may indeed have contributed to reducing po- broader social context. The OPP’s annual its findings and recommendations were lying “complexity.” If an event is considered tential lethal police violence at reclamations reports provide only limited transparency, directed at the OPP but reverberated widely a “critical incident”, it may involve an Inte- and demonstrations, but the OPP’s uses of presenting activities from the organization’s in policing. Underlying its recommendations grated Response, which means the use of the force during these and other events have not perspective. While previous annual reports was an emphasis on recognizing that the dis- Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), Emergency been subjected to independent review and stated that the OPP was planning for an in- tinctiveness of Indigenous struggles within Response Team (ERT) and/or crisis negoti- accountability. For example, Amnesty Inter- dependent evaluation, there is no mention of a settler-colonial context makes policing ators. In 1995, it was a TRU officer who shot national has repeatedly called for transpar- it in the most recent report released in 2018. more complex than in other conflicts such Dudley George. ency regarding force used at Tyendinaga in As time passes, the recommendation for an as strikes. Commissioner Sidney Linden’s Twenty years after the first version of the 2008. There are also questions about the less independent review of the Framework ap- broad policy recommendation was that po- Framework, it has become a model for other visible roles of ERT, TRU, intelligence, and pears to be fading. lice forces should adopt a “peacekeeping” police forces. In October 2019, the Canadian whether liaisons can hold “trusting” relation- role during conflicts involving First Nations, Association of Chiefs of Police released a ships with “all involved parties” when their Dr. Tia Dafnos joined the University of New , and Métis communities. This approach “National Framework for Police Prepared- organization shares information with private Brunswick Sociology department in 2015 emphasizes negotiation and mediation “to ness for Demonstrations and Assemblies”, companies. This was recently highlighted and is currently the Law in Society program minimize risk of violence”, “preserve and drawing significantly on the OPP’s Frame- in Tyendinaga. After the OPP enforced the coordinator. Her doctoral research exam- restore public order”, “facilitate the exercise work, as a “suggested best practices docu- CN injunction, CN asked for information on ined changes in the policing of protests and of constitutionally protected rights”, and ment” for police across Canada. With Com- specific individuals involved so they could activism in Canada since the mid-1990s, build “trusting relationships that will assist missioner Linden’s endorsement, a “neutral” take them to court. The OPP gave them this with a focus on the policing of Indigenous the parties to resolve the dispute construct- positioning, and overarching language of information so that their liaison officers peoples’ protests after the 1995 Ipperwash ively”, while “remain[ing] neutral as to the reconciliation and trust-building, the Frame- wouldn’t be subpoenaed. While the OPP reclamation. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 7 Shifting our learning from deficit to coexistence

By Justin Rhoden crises and injustices without thinking about My name is Justin and I am an immigrant how it affects Indigenous communities. student from Jamaica who moved to On- Many of my professors were persistent in tario four years ago to attend university. ensuring this. My course readings often I live and study in Toronto, as a result of featured sections from the Truth and Rec- Treaty 13. I am a Treaty person. I have al- onciliation Commission designed to inform ways had a burning interest in understand- Canadians about Canada’s Indian Residen- ing the social world around me, and the tial School system, the severe intergenera- University of Toronto Scarborough mural by Isaac Murdoch and Christi Belcourt. injustices people face every day. Because tional impacts, and Canada’s commitment --Photo by Nicole Latulippe of this passion, I enrolled in a Critical Inter- to nurturing “right relations.” process of orienting ourselves to Indigenous to guide how we activate our agency in national Development Studies program at These interactions were the extent of Peoples through the Knowledge embedded solidarity. Moving beyond colonial rhetoric the University of Toronto Scarborough. my Indigenous education. in their Creation stories and worldviews. about begins to weave a At the end of my second year, I attended The dynamics in the classrooms taught This journey was an eye-opening experi- tapestry more reflective of Indigenous com- a workshop on campus. Like many events me that it was necessary to acknowledge the ence. It was the beginning of understanding munities in which students can understand I attended, I initially had no idea what was inequalities Indigenous communities’ ex- Indigenous communities within a context the rich Knowledge these communities em- going on but stopped by for the free food. perience. In response, I tried to practice this of Knowledge and histories from time im- body and its essential value in interpreting At the front of the room, the guest speaker, by creating spaces in my assignments, and memorial. and shaping our collective realities. a man by the name of Isaac Murdoch, began my everyday conversations with friends These classes were my first time learn- This result has been the case for me. to introduce himself in his native tongue and family to discuss these atrocities. ing about Indigenous Peoples outside of a Now, when I think about the climate crisis, and then in English. I quickly realized he Despite all of this, I found myself ques- colonial context. Indigenous perspectives I cannot help but reflect on Robin Kim- was an Indigenous (Anishinaabe) speaker, tioning my allyship. The challenges we in other courses were often only discussed merer’s The Honorable Harvest. I immedi- so I decided to stay and listen. often discuss are pressing. They are wide- concerning their marginalization in Canada. ately consider the principles and values Throughout his speech, I felt more and spread, structural, and sometimes discour- High suicide rates, lack of material resour- she discusses and the implications for en- more outraged by the realities he described. aging. I wanted to help, but I could not ces, high incarceration rates, low education- vironmental protection, conservation, and He discussed communities without running understand how a student like myself could al attainments, racially-biased police profil- governance. In doing this, I can determine water, Missing and Murdered Indigenous make any meaningful impact. ing, and the list seems to go on forever. how I use my agency as a student, a voter, a Women and Girls, the racism, the climate Where do I even start? These separate engagements in my vari- consumer, an advocate, an immigrant, and a crisis, the land grabs— yes, in present-day My doubts and uncertainties about my ous courses constructed my initial orien- Treaty person in solidarity. Canada. After he discussed this unnatural allyship led me to explore more. I enrolled tation to Indigenous Peoples. I frequently Isaac Murdoch’s call to action resonates suffering experienced by Indigenous com- in an Indigenous Environmental Know- learned about their marginalization, and with me because of the significant influence munities, he concluded by offering a way ledge course, which focussed entirely on without realizing, I operated as if that is all my different understandings of Indigenous forward. He urged that what is necessary using Indigenous Knowledge and perspec- they are: marginalized. Peoples have on what I practice as an ally. for social change is a better understanding tives. I thought this context would provide Without providing students with the Like myself, many students attend uni- between Indigenous and non-Indigenous me with a greater understanding of what it appropriate holistic context, university versities across Canada. In these spaces, our peoples to achieve mutual support, unity, means to be an ally to Indigenous commun- curriculums instill inappropriate, ahistor- education will collectively shape the soli- justice, and respect in solidarity. ities by immersing myself in their Know- ical, and deficit perceptions of Indigenous darity non-Indigenous communities’ prac- I have and continue to reflect on his call ledge. Peoples. tice with Indigenous communities. As insti- for action: How do I understand Indigenous Unexpectedly, my professor went weeks I continue to unlearn these misconcep- tutions, there is a profound opportunity to Peoples? How do I practice solidarity with without mentioning the Truth and Rec- tions to engage meaningfully with Indigen- nurture and sustain this solidarity through them? onciliation Commission, racism, sexism, ous communities. It is hard; it is a constant holistic education, rooted in genuine en- In my earlier semesters, much of what I patriarchy, colonialism, or any other forms process of personal and collective reflection gagement with Indigenous People. learn and unlearn about Indigenous Peoples of colonial violence. Instead, she shared to recognize the biases that shape not only There is also a pervasive opportunity was at the university. Although my class- with us some Creation stories. For the first the societal structures around me but also to hinder this form of solidarity by limit- es were never entirely about Indigenous two weeks, we examined the world from myself. Fortunately, my Indigenous educa- ing students’ understanding of Indigenous Peoples, their marginalization was always Indigenous worldviews: Sky Woman, The tion rooted in Indigenous worldviews and Peoples through their education. The latter, a reoccurring theme in my courses. For ex- Seven Fires of Creation, The Great Flood, histories provides the appropriate tools to whether intentional or not, is violent and a ample, if we examined the climate crises, and my favourite, The Brave Muskrat. reflect and engage critically and respectful- threat to the solidarity we need. University discussing the disproportionate impact it The entire course followed a timeline ly. curriculums must be designed carefully and will have on different Indigenous commun- spanning from Creation to present-day Can- I believe providing all students with this purposefully to reflect the holistic context ities was necessary. ada and Indigenous communities. context will promote authentic reflections of Indigenous Peoples and our coexistent There was simply no discussion of The first few weeks was an interactive of our communities and our positionalities relationships.

Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly Call for Justice of MMIWG

In June of 2019, the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs-in-Assembly stood united to call on all levels of government to immediately respond to The National Inquiry’s Final Report, Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Anishinabek Nation’s MMIW Coordinator and Kwe-Wuk Advisory Council are currently developing an Anishinabek Nation specific MMIW Strategic Action Plan, which will be circulated to all Anishinabek First Nations for community feedback.

This report cannot be another document that just sits on the shelf. “Glen Hare, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief “ For more information about Anishinabek Nation’s missing and murdered Indigenous women supports, contact: Follow us on: Rebecca Timms, MMIW Coordinator | Email: [email protected] Website: www.anishinabek.ca Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 8

Perry ‘Pierre’ George. - Photo by Monica Virtue Alive for a reason

Talking with Ipperwash survivors about mental health

Warning: This article contains mature ON THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF so many times. Or drink myself to death, when it gets pulled forward in that instant, subject matter and explicit language. THE IPPERWASH CRISIS: or get in car accidents, or do drugs. I had to somebody who is going through discomfort Reader discretion is advised. overcome all of that. I’m still an addict for is re-traumatized. Sometimes that story gets MONICA VIRTUE (MV): Hearing drinking. Alright? I’m an alcoholic…When distorted because they haven’t been taught to By Monica Virtue that it’s the 25th anniversary, what is your she’s around [motions to his daughter], I’m pay attention to the body and the energy and Documentary filmmaker Monica reaction to that? a sober dad…I had to dig down deep within the spirit. So, they’re cut off from the spirit. Virtue recently met with three members of my soul and say that I want to change my There’s lots of fear that’s attached to Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First STACEY “BURGER” GEORGE life. I want a better life than this. I don’t trauma. That fear and anger gets stuck in that Nation to talk about trauma and mental (BURGER): It’s gone by just [snaps his want these traumatic experiences to control — we call it heavy energy...When traditional health surrounding the lived experience of fingers] like that. It’s gone. It seems like it my mind, and the way I think, and bring me healers work with people, they’re working the Ipperwash Crisis. happened yesterday. And if I really think down…There was times that I would just go with spirit and they’re working with a higher, about it — which I don’t want to think about crazy from thinking…I had to pray. A lot of lighter energy. Perry “Pierre” George, a grandfather it — that’s all I get. I just block it out of my praying for spiritual help. I had to make up of two, shares how he was impacted by the mind, because if I think about it sometimes my mind that I needed help, and then go seek ON CRISIS COUNSELLING: experience of driving his brother Anthony I’ll break down. I could break down right it out. “Dudley” George to the hospital on the night now just talking about it. MV: Pierre, one of the 100 of September 6, 1995, after Dudley had been DOUG GEORGE (DOUG): Quite often recommendations released by Justice Linden shot by an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) MV: Pierre said the same thing. He said, you’ll hear people say, “I dealt with that. following the Ipperwash Inquiry stated that, sniper outside of Ipperwash Provincial Park. “You’ve got to push it to the back…You That’s in the past.” But then we might see “Crisis counselling services should be made Stacey “Burger” George, a father of two, have to focus on all the good things.” where somebody pushes that — we call it available and accessible to individuals who shares how he was affected by the experience a “button.” Somebody pushes that button are involved in violent or traumatic events of standing next to Dudley as seven officers BURGER: Yeah. and they react to it, because within our own involving police action.” Did the Ontario opened fire on them and a crowd of fellow Indigenous culture…well…If you go to Provincial Police ever offer you counselling? land protectors at the entrance of the park. MV: You probably have all had very Western school, you’re taught that the mind Doug George, the Director of Kettle & similar experiences. Do you have any advice is the most valuable thing you have. But PERRY “PIERRE” GEORGE: F**k no. Stony Point Health Services, shares his for anyone who hasn’t gone on that journey within Indigenous philosophy, the mind is They want nothing to do with me. perspective on how the trauma experienced yet? In terms of healing? only one aspect of the whole being. Really, by the survivors of the “Ipperwash Crisis” it’s the body that always precedes first before MV: Burger, do you remember the first forms part of the community’s story. While BURGER: For me, I literally had to the mind. time you were offering crisis counselling? Pierre, Burger and Doug were interviewed come to the understanding that if I don’t People are energy. We’re all energy…The separately, their words often echo each other get rid of this hatred I’m carrying, and I mind only uses what it has experienced in BURGER: It was after Dudley got shot. and offer a window into how the community don’t change my thinking or my lifestyle, life. It starts utilizing that to make up a story can continue to heal. that I am probably going to die. I would instantly about what’s going on. Sometimes MV: Pretty soon afterwards? probably commit suicide, which I’ve tried the trauma and the pain we went through, Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News

BURGER: It was pretty close; maybe deeper the pain and the fear is for people. a month later…I tried to go to counselling. Because the body holds the memory, the And then…I couldn’t do it. body holds the trauma, the body holds the pain — the mind makes up stories about that. MV: How long did it take before you They don’t feel comfortable residing in their were able to? body. So, their spirit can’t stay put inside of their body, or it lives outside of their body, BURGER: I don’t know, because I’ve or lives close by the body. It jumps in the been to counselling and rehab a lot through body when it needs to, but it doesn’t like it in my life because of my addiction problems. there because it starts to feel. What happens The traumatic events that I had to go through is once they start to feel, they become very in my life just kept piling up, piling up, piling afraid. So, what they’ll do is they’ll jump up. Right? It’s still piling up. So, it took me a back out again…That’s where you get into lot to get where I am today. I thank the Good people masking trauma through alcohol Lord that I had this baby girl [points at his abuse or drug abuse. daughter] because she changed my life…I became a very hardcore drug addict and I ON CONFRONTING FEAR was dabbling in every drug known to man… AS A COMMUNITY: And then I changed my life because of her. MV: What do you think will make things DOUG: Our body records everything. better for people who witnessed Dudley’s Our body holds memory at a cellular level… death? Within our own Indigenous belief systems and our spirituality, we know that trauma PIERRE: Well, that’s something they got can be passed on in time, to each generation. to do. They have to do that on their own. If If you make a choice in life not to deal you go to a Healing Lodge, you have to go with your trauma and then you have kids, there for yourself. You don’t go there for your kids become receptors for both the your family because it’s not going to work. resiliency and the trauma together of their parents. They become 50/50 of both mom MV: Do you think some people haven’t and dad. And in addition to that, they go accessed mental health care because they through their own life experiences and they have to go to Kettle Point for it? may experience their own traumas. If there is previous trauma — historical trauma and PIERRE: I think they just don’t want to pain that was passed on to them — that’s face it again — because they’ll have to relive going to get triggered. it. But, you know, that’s part of the deal. If The only problem is that a lot of our you get involved in something like that, you grandparents don’t talk about the pain and gotta be ready for the aftermath. Because if the trauma as a way of protecting us. But somebody gets hurt, what happens then is we’re already carrying it. So, it shows up in — who knows? All the people will react…I the craziest places. heard the guy [who lives nearby], he was A lot of people will go through life who talking...He said some stuff that was hard to have tried to pretend that they dealt with it. take. But the thing is, he wouldn’t go for no I say, “pretend they dealt with it” because counselling. So, they’re just going to have to they’re very afraid to deal with the trauma learn to live it. Me, I’m not gonna. Me, I was and the pain. Especially for a man. A man put in a very different place that night. You, is socialized now that they have to be very know? Well, like I says though, they gotta strong and tough. They’re not supposed to take that step themselves. cry, and this is very deeply ingrained in men. That permeates all cultures today. DOUG: With our own people, when we’re processing information like that, it MV: Is that a colonial thing? usually comes out in story. It’s much safer for people to tell the story. And it’s even more DOUG: That’s a colonial thing. So, profound if they’re able to tell their story to men are trying to be so strong. If you really another individual or group of people…But understand the process of energy and healing, in the process of telling their story, it’s going you can see that’s what’s happening — them to awaken that energy. trying to pretend they’re so strong. They’re What they don’t realize is when Stacey ‘Burger’ George. - Photo by Ken Wightman. Photo with permission of The London actually showing that they’re very afraid. awakening the energy, they need to let the Free Press part of Postmedia Network (copyright). energy move up and out. It’s kind of like a ON EXPERIENCING FEAR: snake coming alive. It starts to move like this They were doing a program. And we had that I’ve been in my life because I literally [motions with his hands] and then it starts to do a Photo Voice and take pictures of got to witness it all. MV: Did 1995 set you off on a worse moving through the body. Our Elders say different things in my life. And then I had to I was the one that found Dudley. He was course? it usually picks spots where we have weak do a presentation. And when I came to do the all curled up in a ball. The last words he told points in our body…People will feel the presentation, I couldn’t do it. So, I got one of me was, “They got me.” And I had to yell, BURGER: Yes. I started drinking more, I butterflies, or the heart racing, or they may the ladies, one of the counsellors, to get up “They shot Dudley!” I just sat in the sand in started doing drugs more. I was a functional find they are unable to talk. But it is merely and present it. shock. I watched them literally pick him up alcoholic or druggie. I worked, but I was energy moving out of the body, and that’s and take him away, and that’s the last time basically working for my addictions. As long allowing the body to heal in the way that it MV: I think I’ve seen it over there at the I seen him. And I watched the police beat as rent was paid — it was a free-for-all. wants to heal. Health Centre. up my brother, Slippery. They clubbed and Some people shake and cry. Some people dragged him right down the road. I didn’t PIERRE: I have a lot of nights where I think shaking and crying is a bad thing, BURGER: Yeah, that’s part of it…about know that was him until later. My other just feel like something is trying to rip the but it’s just the way the body is processing my life journey through my childhood. brother Jeremiah was there, and I lost him. guts out of my body. That’s how f*****g energy. And that’s fear, right? Some people, Different circumstances growing up…I had I didn’t see him until the next day. But in all bad that stuff got. You could be sitting what they’ll do is their knees and their feet a very traumatic life. I did. Since I was a my traumatic experiences, that was probably there, and just going, “F**k, I wish I had go up and down. They want to run. You’ll kid. I was going through a lot of things from the worst one to deal with and let go. I went some f*****g nerve pills or something.” I see them start moving their legs because it’s seeing a lot of deaths, being sexually abused, through a lot of counselling after that. had nothing. I had to sit there until it finally starting to get uncomfortable. and then growing up as a teenager and having It was probably in the last 10 years when started to subside. That was an awful feeling. Just like what you were telling me about these feelings. As a teenager, I went through I finally started going to Red Path. Red Very bad. bringing up the Ipperwash incident to people this suicidal phase where I tried to kill myself Path was the first counselling that I actually and then, although that happened so many so many different times — but I’m alive for a finished. I put my whole heart and my soul MV: Was it anxiety? years ago now, just talking about it after all reason because I couldn’t kill myself. I tried, and my effort to do it. I took Red Path in these years is pushing the energy in people’s and tried, and tried. Look, see. [Holds out his Sarnia because I didn’t want nobody on this PIERRE: No, it goes way over anxiety… bodies. They might not even have been in arm.] I got scars from, from — you know? I Reserve [at Kettle Point] to hear what I had Because I drove Dudley to the hospital. So, Ipperwash, but just the story alone is getting tried and tried and tried to overdose, shoot to say. So, I went to strangers so I could talk I have all of that trauma building up inside their own traumas moving. myself, and slice my wrists. I went through a about it. Even that time I couldn’t finish it. of me. very deep, dark, suicidal phase in my teenage And then I tried it again maybe five years BURGER: A few years ago, I went to years. And then I think the Ipperwash Crisis ago. I actually got my Red Path diploma. DOUG: The more intense the energy, the counselling down here [at Kettle Point]. was probably the most traumatic experience I felt better for talking about traumatic Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 10

have to try to educate people about healing. all across Canada.” And they wouldn’t even But if you have more than one person — you give me a picture. But great, because I didn’t have like, say, five people — then there’s this know that picture was taken. I didn’t know it exponential type of healing that starts to go was in the news until someone showed me a out in a community and people feel that. news clipping.

ON COMING INTO YOUR POWER: MV: Did it upset you for it to be in the news? MV: How have you coped with all of this? You’ve seen so many crazy things. BURGER: Yes. I hated it. One day, I seen my mom at the kitchen in Stoney Point, PIERRE: I just gotta live with it. I was and she had just got done eating supper and talking to a lady out in Forest. She was was watching TV. And there’s her son on asking me, “How many lives do you got?” TV, kicking a cop car. And another time, I don’t know. You gotta talk to the Big Guy someone brought me an actual picture of me [points to the sky] because He’s the one that on the front page with my hand in the air, runs everything. Whether you live or die — protesting. And I was crying in that picture. He’s the one. See, and I’m still here living. I ripped it up, because I was crying in that But why? There’s something here I still picture and I didn’t like it. In the newspaper, gotta do. I’m not quite sure what it is — but you can’t see that I’m crying. But in the there’s something I gotta do here yet before actual picture, you could see that I’m crying. my time’s up. And I literally ripped it up.

MV: Why do you think that you keep on MV: It’s been a really intense experience. having these brushes with death? Doug George (Shaawanibiness). - Photo by Elizabeth George BURGER: Yeah. It’s like a bad dream. BURGER: I don’t know. I’ve been asked There were so many times that I would be in that, like, “Burger, you’ve been through so the news. And people were like, “I seen you experiences and the sexual abuse. I just came help push that thing to the back. They said, much traumatic experiences. You should on the news again.” And I was like, “Awww, to a point where I say, “I don’t care no more “It will be there always.” literally write a book.” And I did. I started really?” Because every time I was in the — you want to hear this story? I’ll tell ya.” one, but I lost it. And then I wrote another newspapers…it was without my knowledge. And I came to a point where I can now freely MV: Doug said when people tell stories book and it was my healing journey of how I Even when I went to testify in the public cry — because as a child I was taught not to about trauma, they’re talking from the overcome drugs and my counselling and Red inquiry, they had the newspaper out and… cry. “You’re a man, and men don’t cry.” But perspective of feeling helpless. But they can Path. I literally had a healing book. Right? I didn’t know. A lot of things were now I’m a crier. start to re-tell the story in a way where they without my knowledge. I’m at the point now where I could feel like they’re taking their power back. I DOUG: Once you tell the story, then actually talk about things — about being think that’s what you’re saying, in a way? what happens is you come into your power. MV: Would it have made you feel better sexually abused, about Stony Point, about Once you process the energy, or go through if they had just asked first? Or would you different things. I was just in some pretty PIERRE: Well, I got it back. See, I went whatever you want to call it — catharsis — have not wanted them to run that footage or hairy, scary stuff with being at the wrong about five years of that post-trauma training at the end of it you’re able to see clearly. The photo at all? place at the wrong time and guns are pulled in Sarnia. And this lady was good — real brain starts making up a different story. When out. Right? That’s scary. good at her job. She sat there and talked you first started, the brain was making up a BURGER: I think I would have felt to me, and tells me this and tells me that. book about all the awful stuff that happened. better if they had at least asked, “Can I take DOUG: When we ask younger She checked my eyes and everything like After you go through the process of healing your picture?” community workers, “So how do our people that. She did the whole thing. And I’m just you go, “Oh, now I see why that happened to heal?” they’ll say, “Oh, we’ve got to make thinking — at least somebody is listening to me. Alright. I am resilient. I became resilient MV: Consent seems to be something them an appointment with a professional me! through the process. I can see how resilient that’s really important. I’m really wary of mental health counsellor.” But when we ask I really am.” That in turn empowers people. that now — of having people’s permission, our Indigenous Elders, they’ll say, “Through MV: Is that something you would Now, healing doesn’t happen just once. so they don’t feel that way. spirit, through song, through ceremony.” recommend? For people here [at Stoney It’s a lifetime process. That’s only because We want people to be able to unburden Point] — people who were involved in it that we have many, many wounds…But if you BURGER: Yeah. Like, you feel violated themselves. We want people to be able to night — is going to that kind of counselling? have very light energy about you — and or something. cry. We want people to be able to tell their when I’m talking about light, I’m talking story in ceremony. The reason why they say PIERRE: In a way, yeah. But like I says, about the ability to connect to your own MV: Do you think that made the situation “ceremony” is because they’re also initiating I know a few of them. I think they don’t self and connect to spirit — then you have worse? You had just been in this really a call for our ancestors to come join that want to take that step. I don’t care if it hurts a sense of purpose. You’re able to connect traumatic experience. person at that time. Even though there might you. F*****g get it out of you. Get it where to people. You enjoy waking up and being a be only two or three people at that particular it’s supposed to go instead of sitting there part of creation. And you start seeing things BURGER: I was treated differently by ceremony when they call ancestral lines in, and suffering every day. It changes your again and you go, “Wow, look at that sunrise. people on the reserve. Like, for being on TV they’re calling the same people who passed personality too, see. Look at that sunset.” That’s a lighter energy, and things like that. They would say mean down some of the trauma. versus going around angry at everybody things. What they say about us is that if you really DOUG: It takes a lot of energy to be able and angry at the world all the time. That’s want to do something to help your ancestors, to tell your story within the seat of trauma. such a burden to carry all your life. Why do MV: So, you’re okay with that photo heal yourself. In healing yourself, you create Now, a community of people is a bunch people choose to carry all of that when they now? You’re comfortable with it appearing? a passageway for a clearer connection to your of people all together sharing a common can choose to carry much lighter energy with ancestors. And that makes them happy. In so experience. And sometimes we come from them? BURGER: Yeah. doing, then you could feel that happiness communities of people who share trauma. yourself. The rule around it is you’re not allowed ON FINDING PEACE: MV: Because you’ve gone through all to talk about it. You’re not allowed to do the counselling? ON RECOVERING AS anything about it. Right? Because people BURGER: I literally ruined my voice A COMMUNITY don’t want to hear the story. But in fact, from yelling. From protesting. That’s why BURGER: Yeah. I can talk about Stoney if you have a major trauma that’s really my voice is raspy. I have a hard time talking Point now. And that picture don’t bug me no MV: Pierre, do you know Doug George? impacted the community, what you need sometimes. more. It took a long time to get to that point, He lives at Kettle Point, and is the head to do is help the community talk about that but I’m finally at peace…Kinda. of Health Services there. He said that story as a collective, as a group — so that MV: That’s how people know you. The Indigenous people generate knowledge they can unburden and they can know that general public would know you from that MV: Let’s see if the Anishinabek News through stories, and by retelling the same there’s other people that are feeling the same photo. You were the face of the Ipperwash will pay the fifteen bucks and run that photo. story over and over with their trauma in the way as them. That lifts the energy up and Crisis, in a way, because of that one photo of story, it becomes a part of the fabric of a makes it easier, I think. you. The media always used it over and over. [Laughter] community. So, he said a way to help people It feels awful at first, because it’s just recover from PTSD is… energy that’s moving and people are not BURGER: I went to The Sarnia Monica Virtue is a settler from Woodstock, comfortable in that process. But once that Observer to get that photo from them and Ontario. She is a treaty researcher and PIERRE: You never recover from it. starts moving, then that trauma starts lifting they wouldn’t give it to me. They said, “I documentary filmmaker who holds a Never. All they do is teach you that if you off of people on a larger scale versus an want fifteen dollars.” Fifteen dollars for the Master of Design in Digital Futures start getting the thoughts in your head, you individual. So, it’s hard for one individual picture. And I was like, “You guys just won from OCAD University in Toronto. She is try to start to push them back here [puts his who heals themselves and comes back to an award with that picture and you’re selling currently producing a true-crime docu- hand on the back of his head]. And think their community and tries to heal other it to different media outlets and you’re not series about the Ipperwash Inquiry, as well about all the best times in your life. The best people in their community. It’s just a very even going to give me a picture? You took as a 360-documentary about Indigenous things. Just keep thinking that. And that will monotonous, slow process because then you that picture without my knowledge. That’s waterways with the Public Visualization Lab. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 11 We need to continue learning after we leave school Former Ontario premier Mike Harris was the Ipperwash Inquiry’s 100th witness. During his four days of testimony in February 2006, Harris denied responsibility for sending a By Maurice Switzer Indigenous children died in government-run police tactical unit into Ipperwash Park Sept. 6, 1995, which eventually led to an OPP sniper If you only know what you learned in boarding schools where their parents were shooting and killing Dudley George. -- Photo by Maurice Switzer school then you are not likely very bright! forced to send them. While I am very appreciative of my Fortunately, some provincial students action to ensure greater public awareness Canadians know their own country. This formal learning experiences, if my education have been taught that Mike Harris was about treaty rights is a common theme. year, only one in six of the 1,000 respondents had ended when I stopped attending classes, the first provincial leader to be summoned But until we see an entire generation correctly answered as many as half of the 24 I would not know that Neil Armstrong before a public inquiry in Ontario to account of Canadians who learn about these things questions. had walked on the surface of the moon. I for his actions leading up to the Sept. 6, 1995 in school, this country will continue to be Most Canadians don’t know whose face would not know that Dr. Christiaan Barnard shooting death of unarmed Chippewa land populated by citizens who think it’s okay is featured on the country’s $10 bill (Sir John successfully transplanted a human heart. I protector Dudley George at the hands of an to call sports teams redskins or chiefs. Or A. Macdonald) or that Jonas Salk helped would not know that Kim Campbell was – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) sniper. who don’t regard as a national emergency invent the polio vaccine. for a few months – Canada’s first and only The late Sgt. Kenneth Deane pulled that one in ten First Nations does not have Canadians were least knowledgeable female prime minister. the trigger on the assault rifle that killed access to safe drinking water. Or that cops about personalities from minority or And I would still believe that the Toronto Dudley George, but Ipperwash Inquiry like Kenneth Deane tend to be more trigger- racialized groups: only 6% had ever heard Maple Leafs were on the verge of winning commissioner Sidney Linden was critical happy when dealing with Indigenous peoples of renowned Abenaki filmmaker Alanis another Stanley Cup! of the pressure exerted by Harris— “Get – more than ten times more trigger-happy. Obomsawin, whose documentary about the The rapid pace of changing world events the f*****g Indians out of the park!”— Improved curriculum is a work in 1990 Oka crisis gained her international ensures that a dozen years of mandatory that influenced decisions made by Cabinet progress, and there are indications that recognition and praise. Fewer than one in schooling is little more than a cumulative Members and senior police officers in how journalists— whose reports constitute what four had ever heard of Moncton’s Willie kindergarten for the learning we need to do they dealt with First Nations occupiers of passes for education of many citizens— are O’Ree, the first Black player in the National just to keep pace with current events, to get the provincial park after it had closed for the better informed about Indigenous peoples Hockey League. and keep jobs, to be responsible citizens. season. and issues than their predecessors. “We don’t expect Canadians to know all I am writing this article on a machine that This was an unprecedented event in It takes time and commitment to be a of these stories,” said Historica Canada CEO didn’t exist when I was attending university. Canadian history, but it was more than a lifelong learner. Most of us don’t get paid to Anthony Wilson-Smith, “But we hope they We are moving so fast into the future that decade before any students in the province expand our horizons by reading good books, take time to learn them.” many of us don’t think there is time to keep where the tragedy occurred learned about or taking extension courses, or tuning into A similar annual Globe and Mail poll track of the past. Yet the past should be one it in school. For those who rely on media TV Ontario. We have to feel that being a of 1,500 Canadians yielded similar results, of our most important teachers. It can warn reports to stay informed, an expert witness good citizen requires us to keep current on with participants demonstrating the least toddlers to keep their fingers off hot stoves, told the inquiry that Ipperwash news events and issues that matter in our society. knowledge about people or events that and should especially inform the actions coverage included the most racist examples Spending every off-work hour on a golf happened the longest time ago. of political leaders and the generals who of journalism he had ever seen! course or in a saloon does not contribute to Only one in three knew who scored command their armies. In the 25 years since Dudley George’s an informed electorate. the most famous goal in Canadian hockey Many philosophers are credited with murder, I continue to meet university Public education comes in many forms. history when Team Canada won the eight- saying something like “Those who forget the students, teachers, journalists, and members It can be a training event organized by your game Summit Series against the Soviet past are condemned to relive it.” of the general public who have absolutely no employer, a service club guest speaker, an Union in September 1992. Indigenous Peoples understand that time knowledge of that singularly tragic event. evening panel discussion at the library, a The tragic events at the former Ipperwash is a circular, not linear concept. History tells They also have little or no knowledge of the free public lecture at the local university, Provincial Park took place just three years us what works and what doesn’t. What goes land dispute at Kanesatake 30 years ago this a continuing education class offered by later. around comes around. Let’s not waste time summer when 3,500 armed Canadian troops the community college, a professional It would be a good thing if, 25 years re-inventing the wheel. – larger than any overseas peacekeeping development day for teachers, a sabbatical, from now, Dudley George’s name is at Students must earn a total of 30 credits contingent in this country’s history— a webinar. Or… just lounging in a hammock least as memorable to Canadians as Paul to receive their Ontario Secondary School surrounded 64 Mohawk men, women, and reading a book about a topic you know little Henderson’s, albeit for a less celebratory Diploma, 18 of which are compulsory, and children in what is referred to as “The Oka or nothing about. reason. Nor should Mike Harris ever be only one of which is history. Crisis”. The coronavirus disease 2019 forgotten as the man who held the highest Concerted efforts to diminish the Like the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony (COVID-19) pandemic has actually provided political office in the province of Ontario, importance and relevance of teaching Point after them, the Mohawks of Kanesatake many of us with more opportunities for self- and who tarnished it through his lack of history to Ontario students began with were protecting ancestral burial grounds and improvement. At a time when words like knowledge about treaty rights, and respect the tenure of former premier Mike Harris. standing their ground in the face of centuries diversity, equity, and inclusion are being for Indigenous peoples. More enlightened subsequent provincial of government inaction on their land claims. included in more vocabularies, there is no governments have found ways to provide There are many similarities to be found better time to learn about people who are Maurice Switzer is a citizen of the more opportunities for students to learn in the 440 recommendations of the Oka- different from you, people with whom you Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation. He about the immense role Indigenous peoples inspired Royal Commission on Aboriginal have to share your street, your spaces, your lives in North Bay where he is the principal have played in the development of this Peoples, the 100 recommendations of the country. of Nimkii Communications, a public country. However, Indigenous studies is Ipperwash Inquiry, and the 94 Calls to Action Every year just before Canada Day, education practice with a focus on the treaty still not a universal mandatory learning of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. the Ipsos polling firm conducts a national relationship that made possible the peaceful requirement in a country where over 6,000 The importance of governments taking quiz for Historica Canada to test how well settlement of Canada. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 12 Anishinaabe Traditional Governance - The Clan System of Government

The Clan System is the traditional form of governance. Every clan has their own roles and purpose that relates to the greater good of the entire community. Mukwaa (Bear) Gwekwaadziwin DEER CLAN - SOCIAL The Deer/Hoof Clan is known for its kindness, gentle and soft-spoken nature. (To Live a TheDeer/Hoof clan is responsible for the social aspects of the community Mang Good Life) Waabizheshii includingceremonies and celebrations. (Loon) (Marten) Dbaadendiziwin Aakedhewin EAGLE CLAN - EDUCATION (Humility) (Bravery) The Eagle Clan, also known as the Bird Clan, is known to be the closest to the Chi-Na Creator as it is part of the sky world. Eagle Clan members are the keepers of be a knowledge and responsible for spreading seeds of knowledge. a kn a i in g h e s w CRANE CLAN - EXTERNAL i The Crane stands in the water observing the world above the water line. The i n Ngo Dwe n Crane observes the outside world and is known as the Outside Chief. The A Outside Chief isresponsible for negotiation with people from other communities Mshiikenh Waangizid (Nation-to-Nation). (Turtle) Anishinaabe Nbwaakaawin (Guiding TURTLE CLAN - LAW MAKERS (Wisdom) The Turtle Clan is responsible for mediation, justice, making laws and Principles) helping with decisions if there are disagreements between clans. Turtle Clan people are also healers and have knowledge of medicine.

LOON CLAN - INTERNAL The loon dives and sees the happenings inside the water. The Loon Clan is Ajijaak Waawaashkesh known as the Inside Chief as it is responsible for settling disputes and issues (Crane) (Deer) within its community.

Mnaadendamowin Zaagidwin (Respect) (Love) BEAR CLAN - HEALTH Migizii The Bear Clan is responsible for protecting its people to ensure the safety of the gentler clans inside the community. Bear Clan members are also the (Eagle) medicine people as they know the healing ways of plants available to them. Debwewin (Truth) MARTEN CLAN - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Marten Clan members are the warriors and builders within their community as well as good hunters and providers. Marten Clan members are known as master strategists in planning the defense of their people. The Marten Clan also adopts people who don’t know which clan they belong to.

Structure Decision Making Process Arrangement of Parts in a System The 7-Pointed Star

The babies are in the centre. This is We use The Path of the 7-Pointed Star spokesperson(s) speaking but They would be fishers, hunters, Stories. There are 63 in Canada. That's The Creator gave us sovereignty to what the Clan System of Government in operating our Anishinaabe everyone's voice is included. The gatherers. how many Nations there are in govern ourselves. is all about. Every baby is born into a government. It is the decision-making spokespersons are sitting there as Canada, and they all are right. clan. We inherit our dad's clan. Each process. leaders. Our Gifts and Responsibilities Anishinaabe Head Getzit Clan was given a Sacred Gift, a Sacred encompass all of us and all four We need to prepare in sweat lodges Gordon Waindubence Law, and responsibility. The head spokespersons of each clan The Turtle Clan, for example, would colours of man, plus their beliefs. before assemblies. This is to have our (Wolf Clan) address the gathering of the clans, select spokespersons to speak on Today when people pass on, we take leaders clean their minds, to know We cannot exclude any gifts. They all such as the Grand Council, in the behalf of the environment because them to different religious their role, and what they will be doing, work together as one. For each of the order of the 7-Pointed Star System. Turtle lives in both worlds, in the denominations. But you have to and to not be competitive. clan responsibilities, there are many water world and on the land. There acknowledge our Anishinaabe Gifts SELECTION OF SPOKESPERSONS would be individuals selected to speak too. We need to use our Gifts. We must parts and several spokespersons for listen, learn, and practice living by our each of those parts. For each of the Each Clan selects its spokesperson(s) on behalf of land, water, wildlife, fishing, hunting and gathering. In our assemblies of the Tribal Council Seven Sacred Gifts. These Gifts are our Sacred Laws there are different laws whose responsibility it is to inform of Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe, laws for living as individuals on our contained in those. There are many and consult those for whom he/she is Those people would be knowledgeable we need to take time for our Creation separate, unique journeys and for different kinds of Love, Truth, and spokesperson. In this way, the council of that which they are selected to Story. And there are many Creation living collectively as a Nation of Respect and so forth. is held with only the head speak about. People. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 13 Anishinaabe Traditional Governance - The Clan System of Government

The Clan System is the traditional form of governance. Every clan has their own roles and purpose that relates to the greater good of the entire community. Mukwaa (Bear) Gwekwaadziwin DEER CLAN - SOCIAL The Deer/Hoof Clan is known for its kindness, gentle and soft-spoken nature. (To Live a TheDeer/Hoof clan is responsible for the social aspects of the community Mang Good Life) Waabizheshii includingceremonies and celebrations. (Loon) (Marten) Dbaadendiziwin Aakedhewin EAGLE CLAN - EDUCATION (Humility) (Bravery) The Eagle Clan, also known as the Bird Clan, is known to be the closest to the Chi-Na Creator as it is part of the sky world. Eagle Clan members are the keepers of be a knowledge and responsible for spreading seeds of knowledge. a kn a i in g h e s w CRANE CLAN - EXTERNAL i The Crane stands in the water observing the world above the water line. The i n Ngo Dwe n Crane observes the outside world and is known as the Outside Chief. The A Outside Chief isresponsible for negotiation with people from other communities Mshiikenh Waangizid (Nation-to-Nation). (Turtle) Anishinaabe Nbwaakaawin (Guiding TURTLE CLAN - LAW MAKERS (Wisdom) The Turtle Clan is responsible for mediation, justice, making laws and Principles) helping with decisions if there are disagreements between clans. Turtle Clan people are also healers and have knowledge of medicine.

LOON CLAN - INTERNAL The loon dives and sees the happenings inside the water. The Loon Clan is Ajijaak Waawaashkesh known as the Inside Chief as it is responsible for settling disputes and issues (Crane) (Deer) within its community.

Mnaadendamowin Zaagidwin (Respect) (Love) BEAR CLAN - HEALTH Migizii The Bear Clan is responsible for protecting its people to ensure the safety of the gentler clans inside the community. Bear Clan members are also the (Eagle) medicine people as they know the healing ways of plants available to them. Debwewin (Truth) MARTEN CLAN - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Marten Clan members are the warriors and builders within their community as well as good hunters and providers. Marten Clan members are known as master strategists in planning the defense of their people. The Marten Clan also adopts people who don’t know which clan they belong to.

Structure Decision Making Process Arrangement of Parts in a System The 7-Pointed Star

The babies are in the centre. This is We use The Path of the 7-Pointed Star spokesperson(s) speaking but They would be fishers, hunters, Stories. There are 63 in Canada. That's The Creator gave us sovereignty to what the Clan System of Government in operating our Anishinaabe everyone's voice is included. The gatherers. how many Nations there are in govern ourselves. is all about. Every baby is born into a government. It is the decision-making spokespersons are sitting there as Canada, and they all are right. clan. We inherit our dad's clan. Each process. leaders. Our Gifts and Responsibilities Anishinaabe Head Getzit Clan was given a Sacred Gift, a Sacred encompass all of us and all four We need to prepare in sweat lodges Gordon Waindubence Law, and responsibility. The head spokespersons of each clan The Turtle Clan, for example, would colours of man, plus their beliefs. before assemblies. This is to have our (Wolf Clan) address the gathering of the clans, select spokespersons to speak on Today when people pass on, we take leaders clean their minds, to know We cannot exclude any gifts. They all such as the Grand Council, in the behalf of the environment because them to different religious their role, and what they will be doing, work together as one. For each of the order of the 7-Pointed Star System. Turtle lives in both worlds, in the denominations. But you have to and to not be competitive. clan responsibilities, there are many water world and on the land. There acknowledge our Anishinaabe Gifts SELECTION OF SPOKESPERSONS would be individuals selected to speak too. We need to use our Gifts. We must parts and several spokespersons for listen, learn, and practice living by our each of those parts. For each of the Each Clan selects its spokesperson(s) on behalf of land, water, wildlife, fishing, hunting and gathering. In our assemblies of the Tribal Council Seven Sacred Gifts. These Gifts are our Sacred Laws there are different laws whose responsibility it is to inform of Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe, laws for living as individuals on our contained in those. There are many and consult those for whom he/she is Those people would be knowledgeable we need to take time for our Creation separate, unique journeys and for different kinds of Love, Truth, and spokesperson. In this way, the council of that which they are selected to Story. And there are many Creation living collectively as a Nation of Respect and so forth. is held with only the head speak about. People. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 14 Telling our side of history

By Marci Becking recommendations?” Of course not, silly sometimes take the focus off the end goal. the same time they are teaching it. I think My office phone rang on a sunny June me. And so began an entire “Era of Action” The focus on our little communications it was one of those “awakening” moments morning at the Anishinabek Nation head campaign for the Ontario government to department at the time was public education. you get as a kid the first time you see your office in 2015. A month prior, we had just implement the key recommendations. Maurice would do speaking engagements teacher in public and realize they don’t live started to send out the first of the “We are all Before this, on his own, Sam George and cross-cultural training sessions. He even at the school. Treaty People” teachers kits out to various led the charge of treaty education and went started up the Niijii Circle Page – a full-page There were no Professional Development First Nations and school boards. around to schools speaking to kids about that has been in every Saturday edition of the days dedicated to treaty education. Nothing A woman, a teacher, was crying on the the importance of learning about treaties. local newspaper, North Bay Nugget, since was yet taught as most teachers were obtaining other end. Former Grand Council Chief John Beaucage 2001 – that educated the public about First their teaching degree. Sam had passed into “Thank you so very much for finally also did the occasional visit to schools. Nations people. the Spirit World in 2009. Maurice, now with giving us something to teach!” she said “Look out your classroom window,” Sam and Maurice were doing his own consulting business, was travelling through her tears of joy. “We can finally bring he would say to students. “This school, public education well before the Report all over facilitating cross-cultural training the treaty relationship into the classroom in streets, sidewalks – this all exists because recommendations told them to. and going into schools giving students the an honest and good way. This is a great a treaty was signed.” It would change their In 2011, Maurice wrote, We are all Treaty opportunity to handle a wampum belt for the beginning!” worldview. People, and it became a national bestseller first time. After her call, I knew we had something Our Intergovernmental Affairs without ever hitting a mainstream bookstore. Now we hold teacher training sessions on that would change young minds in Ontario. Department started working with other Other books by various First Nation the teachers’ kits, treaty education sessions If what kids got out of all of this was that Provincial Territorial Organizations (PTOs) authors and illustrators such as Treaties for industry and government. There is a place a treaty was an agreement still valid today and the Ontario Government on various Matter: Understanding Ipperwash, Nation in the Ontario Indigenous Affairs Office and lasts forever and that there are treaties committee themes that came out of the to Nation: A Resource Guide to Treaties in called the Maynard Sam George Library that that cover all of Ontario, then we had Report: Policing, Heritage & Burials, Ontario, Little Butterfly Girl, Alex Shares his holds over 2,000 resources, including ours. accomplished something. Communications, Consultation and Wampum Belt, Dakota Talks about Treaties Treaties Recognition Week has been held the On May 30, 2007, the Report of the Accommodation, Resource Benefit Sharing, and the Anishinabek Nation Colouring Book, first week of every November since 2016. Ipperwash Inquiry was released. Just a month Recognition and Implementation of First are all a continuation to maintain public The Anishinabek Nation continues to earlier, I was hired as a communications Nation Jurisdiction, Treaty Commission education of First Nation history, people and create treaty resources – but not because officer for the Anishinabek Nation. I and Capacity Building – Dudley George treaties in Ontario. of a recommendation or a partnership with remember my mentor and director Maurice Reconciliation Fund. You’ll recognize some Two teachers’ kits came out of these Ontario. We continue to develop treaty Switzer going down to Forest, Ontario, of these themes in other articles throughout books, which brings me back to my crying education resources for our children and for the release of the Report and its 100 the Anishinabek News Ipperwash Summer teacher. their teachers as our duty to tell our side of recommendations. It was determined by our Series. My son just the week before had said to history. organization the key recommendations that Over time, those committees dissolved, me exasperated, “Mom, we finally learned Marci Becking is the Senior Communications we would be pushing for implementation. and it was not all Ontario’s fault. When that we live in the Robinson Huron Treaty Officer for the Anishinabek Nation. She has I remember being naïve thinking to you get representation from the PTOs to today.” I took that opportunity to tell him been involved in the development of treaty myself, “Don’t they have to implement the work on committees, regional priorities can that the teachers are learning about this at education resources since 2011. The Ipperwash Inquiry and Natural Resource Stewardship

By Cameron Welch and Sarah Hazell confrontation by First Nations with settler situation that continues to be dismissive of support consultation and lands and resources As we commemorate the 25th anniversary governments and communities and propose First Nations’ concerns and responsibilities. department staff in many First Nations. of the Ipperwash crisis, it is important to methods and remedies of recognition and For their part, the Government of Ontario Fortunately, after some initial post-election revisit the recommendations made in the peaceful resolution that acknowledge the states that many or most of the Inquiry’s confusion, the current government has Ipperwash Inquiry Report in regards to the sacred role and relationship that First Nations recommendations have been carried out or resumed support of the New Relationship nature of Ontario resource management have with their traditional territories. The are in the process of being addressed. Fund. However, more work must be done and the investigation’s proposed path second aspect relates to the flow of resources We focus on a couple of the to further support long-term funding forward. Undeniably, stewardship, sharing, to First Nations and mechanisms that allow achievements that Ontario points out to the arrangements that allow First Nations to and control of natural resources and their resources to be equitably shared in the public. The first of these is the creation of attract and retain staff and build capacity development were at the core of the incidents development of the province. In this article, the New Relationship Fund. Undoubtedly, in the area of consultation in the long that gave rise to the Inquiry. we will briefly outline how these central this positive development came out of term. After many years of frustration and Two outcomes of the Inquiry continue issues have evolved since the Inquiry began very tragic and avoidable circumstances. project failure, stakeholders in development to be relevant today in relation to natural in 2003 and underscore the work required to The stated goal of the fund is to support are recognizing that consultation resources management. The first of these avoid the mistakes and outcomes of the past Indigenous communities in their abilities to accommodation with First Nations on is the obligation of the province of Ontario regarding natural resource management and consult on land and resource projects. Many resource management and development is to recognize, respect, and accommodate potential conflict between the province of Anishinabek communities have one or more not only a duty of the Crown but also, when both Indigenous and treaty rights in the Ontario and First Nations. persons whose work is directly supported done right, a solid foundation from which to management and regulation of lands and From the perspective of Anishinabek by the fund. However, the fund is limited, build reconciliation and a successful project resources. A significant objective of the First Nations and other First Nations in sometimes resulting in direct competition for all. The New Relationship Fund is a step investigation was to identify potential Ontario, the management of land and between First Nations and even departments in the right direction but is not sufficient in triggers for the escalation of protests resources by the province has resulted in a within the same Nation. The fund has itself to bridge the wide gap between the including blockades and other forms of history of exclusion and denial of rights, a become a key source of revenue used to resources that First Nations bring to the Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 15 table for consultation, as opposed to settler and resource-sharing initiatives. Little has governments. been accomplished on this complex matter In terms of consultation and conflict to date. The previous government managed avoidance, central issues to the Inquiry, it to conclude resource revenue sharing is important to understand the immense agreements with a handful of First Nations pressures that many Anishinabek First that will soon expire. Ontario continues to Nations, their leadership, and staff are under fight the Robinson Huron annuities case in relation to government and industry in the courts, seemingly in opposition to consultation. Hardworking people who do common sense, the spirit of reconciliation, critical and substantial work with very little and the Inquiry’s own recommendations. resources staff many First Nation lands and To borrow the wise advice and words of resources offices. Due to a lack of resources, Anishinabek Nation Head Getzit (Elder) many leaders and staff are forced to wear Nmishomis Gordon Waindubence, resource many hats in their professional lives by revenue sharing will not work. It is only taking on additional responsibilities to once true sharing of resources is realized bridge the funding gap. Many First Nations that First Nations and settler governments have responded to this pressure by working can work together from common or shared with their own communities to develop ground. It is irresponsible to deny this as consultation laws, policies, and protocols a precursor for moving the relationships to provide a pathway for meaningful between Ontario and First Nations forward consultation and accommodation. These in an accountable and respectful way. consultation practices recognize the unique At a time when a global pandemic gives resources and goals of First Nations and rise to what so many are referring to as the must be given credence and meaning new normal and systemic racism is being above and beyond any consultation policy (re)exposed and resoundingly rejected, it is developed by Ontario that is to apply to time for us all to reflect on how we can better all First Nations. The listing of mineral support one another and build a stronger, exploration as an essential service in more just society in the process. Ontario during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, while many First Dr. Cameron Welch is the Director of Nations shut down offices and focused on Lands and Natural Resources at Nipissing the health and well-being of their citizens, First Nation and a strong advocate for exposed differing understandings of what is Anishinabek rights. essential and further undermines meaningful Sarah Hazell is a member of Nipissing First consultation and First Nation participation Nation and an archaeologist with over twenty in the development of the resources found in years of experience in the Middle East, the Ontario. Canadian Arctic, and Northeastern Ontario. The Inquiry also recommended that the She is an adjunct professor at Laurentian province should work with First Nations to University and the Workshop Manager for co-develop policies regarding management the Ontario Archaeological Society (OAS). Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being

Since 2008, the Anishinabek Nation has been engaged in initiatives to support the development of the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law. Each Anishinabek First Nation has the authority to enact the law for its citizens. As of February 2020, 22 Anishinabek First Nations have taken the initial steps to implement the Law.

The launch of Koganaawsawin, the central body supporting the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law, was held at the June 2019 Grand Council Assembly. The Chiefs-in-Assembly also approved the Anishinabek Nation Children and Youth Bill of Rights, to help ensure the success of our future generations and to create the best future for our Nations.

To provide high-level oversight over the implementation, compliance and enforcement of the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law and the Anishinabek Nation Children and Youth Bill of Rights, the Anishinabek Nation has appointed Ogimaa Duke Peltier as the new Anishinabek Nation Children’s Commissioner.

We have a sacred duty to ensure the well-being of our people. “Adrienne Pelletier, Director of Social Development for the Anishinabek Nation “

For more information about Anishinabek Nation’s Social Development Department, contact: Follow us on: Victoria Racette, Communications Coordinator | Email: [email protected] Website: www.anishinabek.ca Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 16

Lack of resources doomed post-Ipperwash Ontario policing reform

By Catherine Murton Stoehr 2005, they asked, ‘Have things changed?’ policing “was lost through the 90s because it “The leadership of the police service, 25 years after an unarmed First Nation I said, ‘Let me ask you: Why did we bring became a game of get more resources and it supposedly serving our nation, is not willing man named Dudley George was shot and in First Nations policing? So we’d have was always on the cusp of being cancelled.” to support our self-determination.” killed by the Ontario Provincial Police officers with understanding of community. “It was a scramble to build a service and Even the road to meaningful change, (OPP) at Ipperwash Park, the person who Have we lowered the rates of suicide, and preserve it at the same time.” which so many find prohibitively ambitious has done more than any other to help the break and enter, and incarceration in our Nashkawa recalled the very first APS to contemplate sounds measured, practical OPP reform its Indigenous protocols offers communities?’” Chief Glen Banning being arrested for and inviting when Nashkawa describes it. a stark and brutal reflection on the current Miskaankwad Dwayne Nashkawa, now getting kickbacks on police cruiser supply “Everyone is good at problem state of policing in Ontario. Chief Executive Officer of Nipissing First contracts. identification. But we need to really dig into “We’re still in the same position we were Nation, spent years supporting the First “It went from something with great the problems and use our analysis to inform 25 years ago. Nothing has been done.” Nation Policing agreement that led to the aspirations to a complete mess by year 2000 our strategies. We never get to the meat of George Couchie, a Nipissing First Nation 1991 formation of the APS, on behalf of the and has limped along since then.” things. We go from problem to solution but member and a career police officer who Union of Ontario Indians. He picked up on He noted a promising recent development people are so frustrated they don’t want served with the Anishinabek Police Service the theme of a lack of support for Indigenous at the highest level with the appointment of to take the time and we can’t get to the (APS), the North Bay Police Service, officers undermining their ability to effect current Chief Mark Lesage, an officer who substantive issues that will make the force and the OPP, would not identify a single meaningful system change. “came up through the ranks and is always more resilient.” improvement in the OPP’s relationship with Nashkawa remembers his Union of willing to listen.” At first blush, George Couchie’s sombre First Nations from then to now. Ontario Indians mentors Peter Akewezie and If his words sound blunt, Nashkawa’s evaluation of improvements in policing in “It always comes back to: this is what Charles Cornelius laying out the principles analysis is anything but, a “systems thinker” Indigenous communities appears at odds we should be doing. We pay money for for Indigenous Policing in Ontario. Nashkawa knows that the only way to with his many years of successes within the people to sit at a table to come up with “Their vision was peacekeeping. Not correct the situation is to spend real time OPP. recommendations that are never followed what we have now, which is an equivalent reviewing and planning and rebuilding, but His public talks are full of stories of through.” mirroring of what the OPP does. I have great no Indigenous organizations, least of all the officers who credit him with helping them Starting in 1997, Couchie provided respect for the frontline people working APS, are granted that. improve their skills. But the problem wasn’t Indigenous cultural awareness training in the communities under challenging “There are so many things, that unless having cultural awareness training. for the OPP, offering training sessions circumstances for many years.” you’ve worked in the communities, that The problem was not having a full- in spring and fall. The sessions were not But as far as support particular to aren’t obvious. The APS have struggled time OPP Indigenous policy analyst and a mandatory but helpful for those generally Indigenous officers goes, the “Anishinabek for 30 years to be adequately resourced. full-time OPP Indigenous legal expert and interested or seeking promotion. In the wake Police Services comes right out of the OPP Everything is a battle and everyone is about Indigenous trainers at the Police College and of Ipperwash, Bill Blair asked Couchie to and mainstream policing.” There was “no surviving. When you are in survival mode support staff and line item budgets for all of increase the number of courses to eight in new skill building for that leadership group, you aren’t building capacity or evaluating, them. the spring and eight in the fall. It was too they were all only Ontario Police College” you’re lurching from one situation to Few would dispute the importance of much extra work for Couchie to do alone. trained. another,” expressed Nashkawa. “The North cultural awareness training, to system change. Rather than increasing investment in the Ignorance and underfunding frustrate Bay Police department has an entire machine However, being a relatively inexpensive, programme to get the work done, the plan interventions. underneath it: civilian people, accounting, in terms of both money and surrender of was scaled back, a pattern that would repeat There is a sense in which the OPP administrators, planning expertise. First colonial control, aspect of the hard work of itself in Ontario policing many times from created a designated hiring stream for Nations don’t have any of that support. If the decolonization cultural awareness training then to now. Indigenous officers, first Indigenous APS has some money to build a detachment, presents a unique problem. Like an eddy in “We did a lot of marching in the morning constables administered by the OPP, then who will be the project manager? There is a river, it can sidetrack travellers, pretending and night. The only time we’re going to the APS, hoping for a ‘twofer’: skilled no administrative architecture to take it on. to be the goal of the journey rather than an march after this is for a fallen officer. We officers with meaningful ties to Indigenous They are given a million-dollar grant: here’s essential step along the way. should be teaching our officers how to deal communities plus a lifetime’s worth of the money, you guys figure it out. It becomes Why would Canadian police forces, with people and how to speak to them… cultural and historical knowledge thrown in another problem for the chief of police.” social service bodies, universities, or even Training was about enforcement: black and for free. However, George Couchie warned, The weight of that burden and its government ministries undertake the kind of white. When you got on the street, everything “Don’t assume that just because [the young consequences came home to Nashkawa wide-ranging forensic audits that Nashkawa wasn’t black and white,” recalled Couchie new officers] are Indigenous they know their at a recent meeting to discuss the ongoing and others are calling for to identify and when asked about OPP training. history.” process of implementing Indigenous laws root out anti-Indigenous colonial systems Couchie remembers a culture of His own father was forced to attend in the communities, a process toward which operating in their groups’ culture, training assimilation that kneecapped the nascent a residential school and Couchie himself Nashkawa and others in Nipissing First processes, communications protocols, Indigenous policing program that eventually did not know that until later in life. Absent Nation have devoted many hours across hiring practices, and review and discipline became the Anishinabek Police Service. dedicated funds to recover, build, and teach many years. Dave Whitlow, the Deputy Chief mechanisms, if they are pretty sure they can “You didn’t think you were being Indigenous policing protocols meant the of the Anishinabek Police Service, casually pass off sitting in an Indigenous ceremony assimilated but you were. I tell young Indigenous officers were ill-equipped to dismissed Nipissing’s new laws, telling the and regular land acknowledgements as officers, ‘Be your own man.’ When I stem the tide of systemic anti-Indigenous group that only provincial and federal laws basically the same thing? joined First Nations policing, they wanted attitudes and practices in the service. would be enforced and any officer attempting Indigenous people in there, but once in, we According to Nashkawa, the Union to enforce Nipissing Gichi-Naaknigewin Catherine Murton Stoehr is a non-Indigenous became the uniform. When I left the OPP in of Ontario Indian’s vision of Indigenous would be putting themselves in jeopardy. writer and historian living on Nbissing land. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 17

Treaty Commission a frustrating venture

By Dwayne Nashkawa have corrected the mistake made when the rights are expensive and time-consuming liti- could be brought to a properly resourced The Ipperwash Inquiry had a dual man- Indian Commission of Ontario (ICO) was gation in the courts or direct action.” To think Treaty Commission with a mandate that had date: to investigate the events surrounding closed in 2000 and put Ontario on a proper Ontario realized Justice Hartt’s concept with real teeth? We could actually see the matter the death of Anthony “Dudley” George and footing for treaty implementation going for- the creation of the ICO and cynical politics, settled and the benefits of the settlement put to recommend ways of preventing violent ward. Third, because it seemed, for a time played between former Liberal Member of to work in First Nations and northern On- outcomes from arising in future land and after the Inquiry finished its work, there was Parliament Robert Nault and former Premier tario more broadly. Instead, Ontario con- rights-based disputes between Indigenous a willingness, at least on the part of the Gov- Mike Harris, destroyed it in 2000 for purely tinues to choose litigation rather than nego- people and settler governments. Overall, I ernment of Ontario and First Nations, to ac- partisan purposes is truly sad. Sad because tiation – despite the words of Justices Hartt think there is a broad consensus that the In- tually move forward with this work. the vision was based on what Justice Hartt and Linden. quiry achieved its objectives. Ontarians cer- In 1977, Justice Patrick Hartt issued his heard and saw, particularly in the Treaty #3 It seems we are trapped in an endless cycle tainly received a full accounting of the events interim report for the Royal Commission on area, with the poisoning of the English and of devastating circumstances (Ipperwash, of September 1995 and the historic failures the Northern Environment. He concluded, Wabigoon River systems and the reflections Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women of governments to honour Crown obliga- “[a] major focus of the Indian demands in- from Indigenous leaders like Chiefs John and Girls, Oka Crisis) leading to much hand tions leading to the occupation of Ipperwash volves the use of Crown land, specific land Kelly and Andrew Rickard. It’s infuriating wringing. This followed by grassroots In- Provincial Park. Appointed Commissioner claims and accessibility to resources, all of given all of the lost opportunities that could digenous people and leaders participating in for the Ipperwash Inquiry Justice Sidney which are related to the interpretation have been realized in the time between when processes like the Royal Commission on the Linden also provided a robust list of recom- of the original treaties (my emphasis). To the ICO was closed and now. Justice Linden Northern Environment, the Royal Commis- mendations that all parties— First Nations, date, the Government seems to have left generously noted that progress was made in sion on Aboriginal Peoples, the Ipperwash settler governments and Ontarians— could these matters to be resolved by the courts. I the absence of the ICO but his call for a new Inquiry, and most recently, the Truth and implement to ensure there would never be a do not believe that this is the most product- Treaty Commission is clearly rooted in the Reconciliation Commission. repeat of these tragic events. ive course of action to follow.” belief that more is needed “for a genuine re- These processes requiring the grassroots However, while Justice Linden suc- The next year, the Ontario Progressive newal of the treaty relationship in Ontario.” people to speak about their lived experien- ceeded in producing a forward-looking road Conservatives, under Bill Davis, formed the It has been 13 years since Justice Linden ces, having a number of recommendations map, successive governments, both prov- ICO with Justice Hartt appointed as the first submitted his report. For roughly five years developed by well-meaning justices and incially and federally, have failed to pick it Commissioner. Think about that… It was after it was released, Chiefs of Ontario and then insulted again as the recycled ideas are up and follow its recommendations. A par- more than 40 years ago that Bill Davis, a PC the other leading Indigenous organizations promptly ignored once again by the govern- ticularly galling failure is the lack of any Premier, appointed a prominent judge to lead sat at a number of Ipperwash implementa- ment. Historian Dr. Catherine Murton Stoehr progress toward the development of a new a claims resolution process in Ontario. tion tables with the Government of Ontario. calls this process a “poisoned chalice” – it Treaty Commission. On top of the inaction Discussions at the ICO lead to the first These tables included focused discussions draws grassroots people and political leader- and indifference of governments, one can tripartite policing agreements in Ontario and on the Treaty Commission, policing, herit- ship in – then when the process comes to make a case that First Nations leaders and eventually the creation of the Anishinabek, age and burials among other recommenda- nothing – leaves the people frustrated and organizations have been unable to develop Six Nations, Nishnawbe Aski and Treaty #3 tions. But it all came to nothing with the ex- angry with their leadership and more cynical a cohesive mental model of what we want police services, numerous land claim settle- ception of some work happening on heritage about these processes than ever before. a Treaty Commission to be. This is a con- ments and started discussions that lead to and burials. Meanwhile, settler governments turn tributing factor as to why we have not made important developments like trapping agree- If anyone wants to geek out on this, there around and use these processes for political progress on this important initiative. This is ments. are some interim reports on what was dis- cover over many years. How many more not to find fault with First Nation leaders, but Despite the success the ICO achieved, it cussed but little in the way of practical im- deaths will it take to finally get some move- we all know the tired government strategy of was sacrificed in 2000 when political pos- plementation that can be found. In fact, the ment on the myriad of recommendations that being non-committal then blaming First Na- turing by the federal Liberals and provin- whole thing seemed to fizzle out around have stacked up for years? I fear that people tions when the solution doesn’t appear. I do cial Conservatives hung the ICO out to dry 2013 when the Government of Ontario, led are getting so fed up with empty promises think that it is becoming increasingly diffi- and collapsed the only meaningful forum by then-Premier Kathleen Wynne, lost inter- and rhetoric that they won’t trust any process cult for First Nations in Ontario to find com- that existed for facilitated bipartite and tri- est. It’s not clear why but it seems the lack if it isn’t driven by real action. Let’s stop mon solutions and the government loves that partite discussions. Some will say it lacked of cohesion on the part of First Nations in trying to perfect processes before they even because it provides cover for doing nothing. the mandate and resources to be effective determining what they wanted from the vari- start – it’s past time to get a Treaty Commis- This is frustrating on many fronts. First, but those shortcomings could have been ad- ous tables contributed to the demise of the sion up and running. because Ontario had a pretty functional dressed with some political will and effort. process. To date, there has not been a prop- Commission that facilitated land claims Justice Linden referenced the ICO in his er accounting of why the process ended or Miskaankwad Dwayne Nashkawa is a mem- resolutions and tripartite negotiations in analysis and echoed what Justice Hartt said what Ontario’s rationale for abandoning the ber of the Chippewas of Saugeen. He has a variety of areas for more than 20 years. 30 years earlier stating, “The only alterna- process was. been the CEO of Nipissing First Nation for Second, because the Treaty Commission was tives for First Nations faced with longstand- Imagine if the Robinson-Huron claim, the past 16 years and worked for the Anishi- a key recommendation, a pillar that could ing disputes about treaty and Aboriginal currently winding its way through the courts, nabek Nation during the Ipperwash Crisis. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 18

Author Kelly Crawford, illustrator Don Chretien, Alex Hebert and Dakota Bellissimo sign copies of ‘Alex Shares his Wampum Belt’ and ‘Dakota Talks about Treaties’ at Shawanosowe School in Whitefish River First Nation during the book launch in November 2017. - Photo by Marci Becking Treaty education in curriculum

By Kelly Crawford in September 2019, Premier Doug Ford’s story can facilitate authentic learning about this. We will always be here, and that’s a Everyone is both a teacher and a student. government pledged $3.25 million to make the realities in the relationship to land and to good thing. We have so much to offer this I have done treaty sessions with four-year- this happen. Part of making this happen each other. world,” says Isaac Murdoch, one of the old children and with 60-year-old adults. would include professional development “In order to understand racism, we need founders of the Onaman Collective. There is no age limit when it comes to learn- dollars. Professional development dollars to first understand colonialism. Racism is a Ipperwash in the classroom needs to be ing about your connection to the land. to support the rollout; however, due to job byproduct of colonialism. Colonialism has properly supported. It is difficult for educa- The challenging part of treaty education action followed by the coronavirus disease caused a violent displacement of Indigenous tors to learn and deliver simultaneously as is that the continuum of learning is vast. I 2019 (COVID-19), rather than roll-over the people off our lands and with that, a slow, many have not been exposed to the informa- have walked into many rooms over the years money into the next school like many other methodical legislated genocide. Learning tion before. It is a hard thing to take when to deliver sessions and you never really grants, the Ministry of Education decided about Ipperwash allows for an entry point you realize your understanding of your own know what you are walking into. You need not to. Particularly in an era where school into a much bigger and much-needed con- country was a falsehood. to be able to assess where the participants are boards have recently come under scrutiny versation about the relationship between In- Dr. Niigaan Sinclair says, “The story of at in the room. I call this ‘finding the heart- for various accounts of racism, there is an digenous and non-Indigenous people. In or- Ipperwash is the story of Canada’s invasion beat’. Once you understand that, you know enormous need to provide adequate profes- der to move forward, we need to understand and dispossession of Indigenous territories.” what gaps you should fill first. With the hist- sional development and training to ensure these past events because colonialism is still We have made progress but we are far ory of education in the country, there are un- that educators are properly equipped and very much at play today,” says Jodie Wil- from the finish line. fortunately many educational gaps that need supported when delivering curriculum relat- liams, Co-chair of the First Nations, Métis We collectively need to understand the filling in treaty education, curriculum and in ed to Indigenous education. Otherwise, we and Inuit Education Association. capacity in education and support not only the classroom. will continue to see harmful classroom prac- Treaty education in the classroom allows content but process and delivery. We will On May 31, 2007, the Report of Ipper- tices that perpetuate stereotypes and colonial for important conversations to take place know we are there when there is an actual wash Inquiry was released, and recom- ideology. regardless of the grade. Making the LEGO authentic understanding and respect for the mendation #30 states, “The Ministry of Relationships are key. wampum belt of the 1764 Treaty of Niagara land and each other. Education should establish formal working On the Ministry of Education web- Belt opens a dialogue about friendship and relationships with Aboriginal organizations site, it reads: “The Ministry of Education sharing with five-year-old children. Kelly Crawford is a citizen of M’Chi- to promote more Aboriginal perspectives is committed to working with Indigenous Examining the Ipperwash Inquiry allows geeng First Nation. She holds a Master of and content in the elementary and secondary and education partners to continue improv- for critical conversations for High School Arts-Integrated Studies Degree with a con- school curricula.” ing Indigenous student achievement and students. These conversations need to hap- centration in culture and education from It has been just over 13 years since this well-being in Ontario and increasing all stu- pen at every educational level to understand Athabasca University, and currently a PhD recommendation was made. How far have dents’ knowledge and understanding of First the full story, connection to the land that we candidate in the Human Studies program at we come? Nation, Métis, and Inuit histories, cultures, live on and people we share it with. Laurentian University. She is the author of It took 20 years for updated First Na- contributions and perspectives.” I think a lot “It is very important to realize that us as the ‘We Are All Treaty People’ teacher’s kit, tions, Métis and Inuit studies curriculum to of great work is being done by many people Indigenous people belong to the land. Our Kindergarten to Grade 8; ‘Gdoo-Sastamoo be released, 13 years since the release of to make this a reality. Relationships and ancestors are buried there. All our songs, Kii Mi, Understanding our Nation-to-Nation recommendations. It went through a ser- partnerships are key and it is great to see this language, and ceremonies are rooted in this Relationship: A Practical Teachers Resource ies of slowdowns due to changing govern- happening in Ontario. land. We will always be connected to our Guide’; Dakota Talks About Treaties; and ments. The elementary curriculum revisions We need to be very realistic of the situa- homelands and will never leave who we Alex Shares His Wampum Belt. Crawford is were cancelled. When the revised secondary tion. The story of Dudley George is a story are. Ipperwash is a sad violent reminder that currently the Assistant Director of Indigen- curriculum was released for High Schools every person in Ontario needs to learn. This sometimes society has a hard time accepting ous Initiatives with the University of Toronto. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 20

Former Chief Justice Sidney Linden with portrait. – Courtesy of the Law Society of Ontario. © 2014. All rights reserved. Reflections on the Public Inquiry: Justice Sidney Linden

Reflections on the Public Inquiry: Justice that awful night of September 6, 2005.” Premier Dalton McGuinty had given aftermath of the Inquiry, the official lies Sidney Linden, head of The Ipperwash “Hours after the shooting, shortly Justice Linden a two-fold mandate: The first and distortions, aggravated by the one-sided Inquiry, looks back on the tragic events of after he saw his brother Dudley stretched part of that mandate was to inquire and report nature of much of the reporting, had been 25 years ago, in discussion with now-retired out dead at Strathroy Middlesex Hospital, on events surrounding the death of Dudley finally put to rest. Toronto Star reporter Harold Levy, who, Sam George said he needed answers about George, who was shot in 1995 during a It also made clear to the world that along with his colleague Peter Edwards, what happened that night,” Peter Edwards protest by First Nations representatives at Dudley George was not the lawless, helped bring those events to light. continued. “His voice was soft and he wasn’t Ipperwash Provincial Park and later died. armed desperado that the government and accusing anyone of anything. He just needed His job, as Justice Linden explained in the the police had portrayed him. And that the By Harold Levy answers. More than six years had passed, and introduction to the Report, was “to uncover the men, women and children (grandparents On May 31, 2007, the day Commissioner Sam George is still waiting for the answers.” truth” of Dudley George’s death “to find out among them) accompanying him, the Sidney B. Linden released his report on Justice Linden had clearly provided Sam what happened - to look back.” targets of police dogs and tear gas [many the Ipperwash Inquiry. Dudley George’s with those long-awaited answers. With the perspective of time, it is also of them wrongfully charged by the Ontario older brother, the late Maynard ‘Sam’ “Sam George’s support did not come evident that that is exactly what he did. Provincial Police (OPP) with criminal acts George, gave Linden a compliment which easily, it had to be earned,” Linden told me. As Journalism Professor John Miller that nightmarish evening], were engaged in Justice Linden treasures to this day, praising “Every day, Sam sat right in front of me in concluded in his study of media reports lawful protest over the desecration of their the Inquiry’s findings to the CBC as, a “huge the front row, sending me a clear message on Ipperwash (most of them buying ancestral burial grounds. and wise step forward for natives and non- that he expected this to be a real inquiry and the official police and government line Moreover, the Inquiry gave its findings natives together,” and adding, “I hope it is as not just a sham. Initially, I had the distinct that the protesters, armed with guns had even more strength by placing them in good for you as it is for us today.” impression that Sam was skeptical about the precipitated the conflict), the Inquiry had the context of the weight of decades The compliment was deeply meaningful process, as many were, but as the hearing helped establish, “the true facts of what had of discrimination and dispossession, for Linden, because as Peter Edwards wrote progressed I could tell that his skepticism happened” and that “it is now accepted that the oppressive history of government in his seminal 2001 book, One Dead Indian: was eroding, that he realized that we were the First Nations protesters were not armed policies that had harmed the long-term The Premier, The Police, and The Ipperwash not there to whitewash it - and that we were and that a burial ground did exist in the interests of First Nations People, and the ugly Crisis, “Sam and his family wanted to be able there to get the truth.” provincial park.” currents of racism that stained the police and to believe the police and the government, The importance of Justice Linden’s government responses to the protest. but they would rest easier if they were given UNCOVERING THE TRUTH unrelenting pursuit of the truth cannot The inquiry also affirmed beyond any believable explanations for what happened OF IPPERWASH: be stressed enough: It meant that in the doubt (not that there should have been Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 21 any) that the lands in question belonged to if First Nation’s police services had been the First Nations People and it recommended used, they would have understood that the that these lands be returned to them as soon [Indigenous] occupiers were not like a soccer as possible - even though technically this crowd and instead of a show of force, they was a federal matter and therefore outside of would likely have resorted to mediation and its mandate. other non-violent alternative approaches [as “One of my biggest concerns as recommended by the Inquiry].” Commissioner, was that after taking ten Also in the ambit of policing, one of the years to get to the point where the Inquiry most significant issues Justice Linden had was up and running, people would react to tackle was the allegation that political negatively saying ‘Where was the value? interference with OPP operations and We knew this already.’” Justice Linden said. decision-making was a factor in Dudley “To the contrary, as the inquiry progressed, George’s tragic death - an allegation which I began to get positive feedback that we had he ruled was unfounded. made a connection, that the information In the succinct words of the Report: “The and truths we were unearthing had brought provincial government had the authority something tangible and lasting to the First to establish policing policy, but not to Nations community. That was gratifying.” direct police operations. The Premier and “I was also concerned with the idea of his Government did not cross this line. facing rows of lawyers representing the There is no evidence to suggest that either 17 parties to whom I had granted status to the Premier or his government directed participate,” Linden adds. “That concern the OPP to march down the road towards also proved to be unfounded as most of the Ipperwash Provincial Park, on the evening lawyers appreciated the historical nature and of September 6.” purpose of the Inquiry and went beyond their However, The Report added that duty to represent their individual clients and “This is not to say that the interaction helped to make the inquiry work… Indeed, between the police and government at not one of them used the recourse available Ipperwash was proper or conducive to them to appeal any of my decisions to to a peaceful resolution. There was a the Divisional Court, which would have considerable lack of understanding about prolonged the Inquiry.” the appropriate relationship between police and government.” PREVENTING FURTHER Looking back, Justice Linden attributes AVOIDABLE TRAGEDIES: this lack of understanding of the police/ government relationship to the reality that Unarmed protester Anthony “Dudley” around September 6, 1995, the Mike Harris George was killed by an OPP sniper on Government had only been recently elected September 6, 1995. and the Premier and his staff knew very little With the perspective of time, it is about Indigenous issues. also evident that Justice Linden made “The Premier and his officials thought bitterness and division.” of Lambton County, ended on a high note valuable recommendations for preventing that it was a simple matter of trespassing To that end, he decided to Tuesday. And the credit for that rests almost avoidable tragedies such as Ipperwash - the on government property,” he said. “Harris give the occupiers an opportunity to take entirely with Justice Sidney Linden.” second part of his mandate. just wanted to get the Indians out of the the witness stand and to talk publicly to “From the outset, Justice Linden made it As the University of New Brunswick park. He didn’t understand the history an impartial commission charged with clear that one of his objectives was to bring sociologist Professor Tia Dafnos noted in and he made no or little attempt to learn ascertaining the truth of what had happened a sense of healing to a community that had her Ipperwash article with the Anishinabek about Aboriginal history and culture, or about their ties to the land, their reverence been wounded in more ways than one by the News, “The Ipperwash Inquiry remains one to understand the attachment of the First for their ancestors, and their aspirations for bloody confrontation between police and of the only official inquiries in Canada to Nations people to their land.” their children. natives at the former Ipperwash ‘Provincial address the policing of Indigenous struggles; Looking ahead, in order to ensure police “At the outset, I was rather worried Park’,” the editorial continued. “He said he its findings and recommendations were accountability, Justice Linden recommended that I would be harming this community wanted to do more than just investigate the directed at the OPP but reverberated widely a ‘democratic policing model’. A model by opening up old wounds,” Linden adds. circumstances surrounding the September in policing.” in which police had absolute authority “But this was anything but the case. It was 6, 1995 incident. He wanted to leave the Professor Dafnos added that many over operational decisions such as who as if they had been waiting for years for the community a better place than when he of Justice Linden’s specific operational should be investigated, arrested and/or opportunity to be heard.” found it.” recommendations - such as that police should charged— and in which government was Justice Linden also sought healing address the “uniqueness” of Indigenous charged with the responsibility of setting through ‘history’ by calling expert witnesses LOOKING BACK: WITH THE “occupations and protests” including clear and transparent policies for the police to testify as to the long history of protest by the PERSPECTIVE OF TIME: their “historical, legal and behavioural on issues such as how to respond to land Kettle Point and Stoney Point communities differences” - became critical policies of the claim disputes. before the occupation of the park - as that Twenty-five years after Dudley George OPP. It was a ‘peace-keeping’ approach history was vital to understanding Ipperwash was killed in the misguided OPP operation Justice Linden, an avid sports fan, says aimed at facilitating constitutional rights and the death of Dudley George. that fatal evening, Justice Linden still exudes that as the Inquiry progressed, it became and the building of constructive relations, Other steps Justice Linden took to reach admiration for the man, and for the people apparent that policing an Indigenous protest in which force was to be used only as a last out to the community included: whom he inspired to reclaim their land. (for which an understanding of Indigenous resort. • The decision to hold the Inquiry in “He was a hero to his people, a young, history and culture was crucial), was Justice Linden later found support for Forest, Ontario, in the community centre good-natured idealist who gave his life for very different from having to police an his democratic policing model from an near the Park, gave the people who were most a principle he believed was important,” says unruly soccer crowd. unlikely source, my friend, the late celebrated affected by its deliberations the opportunity Linden. “His community was rightfully “During the Inquiry, each of the officers National Post columnist Christie Blatchford, to feel comfortable and participate. outraged by the police and government who had marched down East Parkway Drive an unabashed police supporter. • His visit to the park, together with efforts to destroy his reputation - to turn him in riot gear with helmets, shields, batons In her 2010 book, Helpless: Caledonia’s his Senior Counsel, Derry Miller - during into a ruffian out to steal land and harm and guns were asked whether they had any Nightmare of Fear and Anarchy, and How which he had the opportunity to meet with the police. As a result of the Inquiry, his previous knowledge of Aboriginal issues,” the Law Failed All of Us, Christie applauded Sam George, and to begin building up trust reputation was restored beyond question.” he added. “It was upsetting that not one of his championing of ‘democratic policing’ and confidence in the Inquiry. The last word to Justice Linden before them did.” over ‘police independence’ and wrote • A formal session that was held with this article adjourns. “Tragically,” Justice Linden says, “They that “[a] more intelligent and sympathetic many young people in the area helped the “It’s good that we are still talking about were just a group of young police officers view of aboriginal and Canadian history Inquiry get a sense of their attitudes towards Ipperwash - there is so much that another who had not been trained for what they were [than the Ipperwash Inquiry Report] would the Ontario Provincial Police. generation can learn from it - and I hope being asked to do. They had no notion as be hard to find.” • And most importantly, respect would that the sacrifices made by Dudley George to what the underlying dispute was and as be shown to the Indigenous customs and and his courageous supporters will never be to the reason why these men, women and HELPING HEAL A traditions throughout the Inquiry through forgotten,” Justice Linden says. “And we children were occupying the park. And WOUNDED COMMUNITY: invocations by Indigenous leaders, smudging, can only hope that we never have another the politicians, with their narrow political drumming ceremonies and using an Eagle Ipperwash in Ontario, or anything like it objectives of appearing tough and quickly In our discussions, Justice Linden made Feather while testifying. anywhere in Canada.” ending the dispute, were not seeking the clear that he took a wider view of his role Justice Linden’s ultimate success in independent, objective advice which could than just fulfilling his mandate. instilling a healing process through the have avoided the chaos and violence leading “That’s true,” he says. “I set out Inquiry was evidenced in a Sarnia Observer Harold Levy is now retired from the Toronto to Dudley George’s death. to conduct this inquiry in a way that editorial that read, in part: “The Ipperwash Star where he reported on criminal justice “If the OPP officers at Ipperwash had would help heal a wounded community inquiry, which had the potential to do great for many years. He also practiced criminal understood that history and culture, and that had experienced decades of violence, harm to race relations in the north end law in Ontario’s courts. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 22

Honourable Sidney B. Linden, Ipperwash Commissioner at one of the consultation sessions held during the inquiry process Ipperwash reflections

By Catherine Murton Stoehr forward. Nashkawa remembers the room, ation it was command and control and that’s ing past each other and not a lot of effort to News that Dudley George had been shot the intensity of the conversation, and noth- it. If they came in [to a community,] they understand what’s happening.” by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at ing that was said. came to take someone out and that’s it. When As Chief Financial Officer of Nipissing the Ipperwash camp was met with disbelief What could they say? The worst had hap- something really serious is going on in the First Nation, he often receives calls from at the Anishinabek Nation Head Office (then pened and the underlying causes remained community, you shouldn’t be freezing out non-Indigenous leadership evincing a desire named Union of Ontario Indians). In the fall unchanged. Disaster management was all the Chief. You should be opening up com- to be “sensitive” to the people. of 1995, Dwayne Nashkawa, a young intern that was left. munication lines with the leadership of the “When leaders of institutions say, ‘We tasked with the policing file at the time, re- Speaking from Nipissing First Nation all community.” want to be sensitive,’ ‘We want to be more members that day. these years later, Bellefeuille says there were In the months that followed the shooting, inclusive,’ I wish they would start by reflect- “Everyone was stunned and shocked and two long-standing issues that led to Dudley the Union of Ontario Indians did become dir- ing and telling us where they think the prob- pissed off and upset and wanting to do some- George’s death that day: the land claims pro- ectly involved, supporting the George family lems are. I’d like to see [North Bay Police thing.” cess and disproportionate police aggression in their pursuit of justice. The Ipperwash In- Chief] Scott Tod come out with a report on Fred Bellefeuille, then, as now, serving toward Indigenous People. quiry, and resulting in the Ipperwash Inquiry specifically where he thinks systemic racism the organization as legal counsel, recalled According to Bellefeuille the land claims Report led by Sidney Linden, generally seen exists in his force. That’s work he needs to that everyone assumed that there must be a process then, as now, “frustrates people as a victory for the community was in fact do – not what the local First Nations leader- rational explanation for the shooting. How- and leaves land in limbo for decades.” The a compromise. They wanted what all people ship should be asked to point out for him.” ever, as the days went by, rumours of Ontario people of Stoney Point had been forced to want, for the aggressor to be held to account, Nashkawa said if a group came to him Premier Mike Harris’ obscene marching or- ask, petition, negotiate, compromise, write for a judge to determine their level of guilt having already done that work, it would en- ders grew more credible, and the OPP’s ob- back, hire lawyers, and gather evidence for or innocence, and punishment befitting the able meaningful collaborative reflection that jective of “removing the occupiers from the 53 years to retake possession of lands guar- crime. could result in appropriate evaluation mech- park as soon as possible” came in to focus, anteed to them in a legal treaty, as long as the Instead, they got an inquiry. anisms. Bellefeuille noted, “the perception of a sun shines. Both Bellefeuille and Nashkawa, in their “We never get to the meat of things. We rational explanation deteriorated.” An experience familiar to all First Na- roles at the Union of Ontario Indians, made go from problem to solution, but people are The Union of Ontario Indians had been tions, this strategy of forcing Indigenous submissions to the Ipperwash Inquiry. One so frustrated they don’t want to take the time. tracking provincial opposition to the Stoney people to expend massive resources such of the recommendations for policing that We can’t get to the substantive issues that Point members’ camp at Ipperwash Provin- as time and money through endless bureau- came out of the report was that police should will make the force more resilient.” cial Park through the summer. They were cratic delay and reversal—whole lifetimes remain neutral as to the underlying issue in Bellefeuille noted that some First Na- not directly involved, seeing the action as a even— puts enormous pressure on people. any protest or occupation involving Indigen- tions in Ontario determining to close their matter of internal community politics relat- Pressure exacerbated by persistent govern- ous people. Bellefeuille observed that since borders during the coronavirus disease 2019 ed to both Stoney and Kettle Point, but after ment denial of both the strategy and the work that time, “policing has definitely improved. (COVID-19) pandemic exposed limitations the shooting, many Anishinabek First Na- and resources it demands. But it’s still full of problems.” to their sovereignty, even as police forces tions wanted to support the people of Stoney Like Sisyphus, a Greek mythology fig- “There is much more deference to First assisted them to take those extraordinary Point. A relief effort for the people at the ure, punished by Zeus, the chief figure in Nations people if they are doing something measures, and the province said they would camp was arranged. Greek mythology, to push the same rock up like protesting or blockading or information cooperate with the First Nations to keep their Nashkawa collected donations, starting a mountain for eternity, if the rock was the handouts. There’s more respect to say, ‘We communities safe. at Nipissing First Nation, he moved on to health and safety of his children and Zeus, can’t take this simply at face value; that be- “I was very pleased when [the province] Whitefish Lake (now named Atikameksheng like Canadian bureaucrats and politicians, cause there are people blocking the road they said that; they were very supportive of what- Anishnawbek), Sagamok Anishnawbek, pretended to be a benevolent supporter while have to be stopped.’ That definitely has im- ever we thought was right. But there is no Whitefish River, down Highway 69 to Hen- torturing him. proved without a doubt.” legislative framework to ensure it. If they vey Inlet, Wasauksing, and Moose Deer Alongside the struggle to get their land Nashkawa compared the police response had rejected the idea, we would have been Point. After a final stop at Saugeen First back was what Bellefeuille characterized as to the 2006 Caledonia crisis favourably to out of luck. The only reason it worked out Nation, he rolled into Kettle Point after 10 ongoing aggression from the police forces Ipperwash. He noted that despite the social was goodwill by everyone involved.” at night. That was where his plan ended – toward Indigenous people. Some have heard permission and even pressure exerted on the For Bellefeuille, this is the sticking point: he did not know where to take the supplies of the “starlight tours” in which Winnipeg police to act aggressively by Christie Blatch- trust. and the people he asked, themselves in the police officers drove Indigenous people out ford in her Toronto Sun coverage, the police “They think if they give us that legal or midst of contentious negotiation, were not of town and left them to find their own way did not force a hasty or dangerous conclu- legislative power we could abuse it. They helpful. The sudden appearance of Merle back, a practice that could and did result in sion. won’t trust us, so we can’t protect our own Pegahmagabow, then the Union of Ontario’s death. In southern Ontario, they were “sunset As they tell it, those improvements are community. Before we had police officers, Education Officer, saved the day. Pegah- walks.” Bellefeuille said officers in Toronto important, real, and a small fraction of the we had peacekeepers without guns, then magabow told him where to take the dona- would drive Indigenous people to Cherry work that needs to be done if the goal is special constables, then officers with guns. tions then, as he was unloading, invited him Beach at the harbour front and force them just relations between the Anishinabek and They have to give an inch at a time before to be a fly on the wall of a crisis meeting hap- to walk into the water up to their necks, then police, or between the Anishinabek and the they recognize our full ability to be police pening at the Kettle Point band office. leave them to walk home. governments of Ontario and Canada, re- officers or justices of the peace or judges,” Ovide Mercredi, Chief Tom Bressette, Nashkawa remembered the OPP in the spectively. said. “It’s a shame.” Jim Potts from the First Nation branch of the days before the Anishinabek Police Service Nashkawa highlighted the problem of OPP, and others, were gathered into the early (APS). broken communication. Catherine Murton Stoehr is a non-Indigenous morning trying to game out a peaceful way “I generally remember in a serious situ- “It isn’t effective, there’s a lot of talk- writer and historian living on Nbissing land. Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 23

Stoney Pointers protest for return of land in May 1989. Moving home Community plans honour longstanding connection to Aazhodena

By Nicole Latulippe termed “moving home” is now underway. of community growth, healthy and sustain- The aim is to create an economy for It has been 78 years since the Department Separation from the land has hurt the com- able living, business creation, a thriving community members in the restoration of of National Defence for the Government of munity, but the longstanding connection to economy, and reattachment to the land. The the land. Canada expropriated land at Aazhodena territory is not lost and certainly not forgot- community is developing a joint venture to The vision is clear: plans for Aazhodena (Stoney Point) for military training under ten. Oral history and archeological evidence create business opportunities for contracting honour the connection held over millennia the War Measures Act. After waiting for the establish 8,000-10,000 years of habitation in the nation. between the people and the land. promised return of land, a group of commun- at Aazhodena, including sites of transporta- It will support community entrepreneurs ity members reinhabited the territory on be- tion and commerce along the Nogawe Ziibi working on clearance and remediation in the Nicole is a guest on Mississauga Anishi- half of the community in 1993. They have (Ausable River). By reinhabiting the land, territory and grow local expertise in the en- naabe treaty territory and gathering place of been there ever since. “our people will grow stronger as a sover- vironment, unexploded ordinance removal, many nations. She writes and teaches geog- Land protectors have been living in the eign nation,” the Chief explained, “because contract management, and housing develop- raphy and environmental studies at the Uni- old army barracks, in conditions Chippe- as Anishinaabe, we know that our connec- ment over a number of years. versity of Toronto Scarborough. was of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation tion to the land ties back to our Creation Chief Jason Henry describes as substandard story, where our people originated from.” and deplorable. Leaky roofs and asbestos are While the former Ipperwash Provin- prevalent in the dilapidated buildings, over- cial Park lands are in the late stages of the looked says the Chief, by both the First Na- lengthy Additions to Reserves (ATR) pro- tion and Canadian federal governments for cess, the ATR process for the former Camp the last 25 years. Ipperwash has not yet begun. Due to en- Today, the Chippewas of Kettle and vironmental contaminants, unexploded or- Stony Point First Nation (KSP) is focussed dinances, and other environmental concerns, on improving living conditions and com- an estimated 20 years are required to clean munity growth at Aazhodena. up the entire area. The Government of Can- With a current focus on housing, the com- ada holds a legal obligation to complete this munity in partnership with the Department of work, and they are now working with and in- National Defence will begin to build infra- vesting in KSP in ways that meet community structure, including watermains, wastewater needs—particularly in housing and develop- collection, electricity, roads, and homes. ment, areas that are being fast-tracked by the The new neighbourhood design is scalable, First Nation. meaning that it will first be developed to ac- This partnership marks a sea change in commodate community members living in relations with Canada. From an adversarial the barracks since 1993. It will then be ex- position since 1942, KSP and the Depart- panded to accommodate those who choose ment of National Defence have been build- to move back; that is, “to reinhabit what our ing a relationship since the 2016 signing of grandparents lost 80 years ago.” The Ipperwash Final Settlement Agreement. The first phase of what Chief Henry The vision shared by Chief Henry is one Chief Jason Henry, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point. - Photo by Wesley Monague Ipperwash Special Edition 2020 Anishinabek News Page 24