Following Sunday's 25th anniversary of the fatal shooting of Dudley George, the lands he and other protesters were trying to reclaim have been returned.
The addition of 46 hectares (113 acres) to the Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation was formally announced Tuesday.
A federal Ministerial Order, signed on August 25, sets apart the lands that are located on the site of the former Ipperwash Provincial Park.
Kettle & Stony Point First Nation Chief Jason Henry at a provincial funding announcement in Watford. 14 August 2020. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Colin Gowdy)
Kettle & Stony Point Chief Jason Henry said the transfer is a significant step forward for the First Nation.
"The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation would like to acknowledge the formal return of a portion of the lands we call Aazhoodena [Stony Point]," said Henry. "As a Nation, we have always known about the significance of Aazhoodena and the lands there were reclaimed in 1995. The return of the former provincial parklands is an important legal indicator for our Ancestors and our future generations that we're home again and the land is legally ours."
Chief Henry said more needs to be done.
"The return of this portion of the lands is but a small portion of what was lost and although the process is not perfect, it gives hope that in the future we may see the full return of Aazhoodena. It is also important that we honour the memory of Dudley George today, who made the supreme sacrifice in respect of the Ancestors and all of those who have dedicated their lives to the return of our lands."
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett said the return of the lands is an important step in the history of Canada.
"Dudley George died in 1995 trying to reclaim these lands and today, the government of Canada is honoured to set apart these lands for the use and benefit of the First Nation. Our work together is another step in advancing reconciliation and improving the treaty relationship with First Nations," she said.
The province of Ontario had earlier transferred the former Ipperwash Provincial Park lands to Canada for return to the First Nation, fulfilling a commitment made following the release of the findings of the Ipperwash Inquiry into the death of George.
Minister of Indigenous Affairs Ontario Greg Rickford said Ontario is proud to see the completion of the land transfer.
"Our government is committed to taking real action to advance reconciliation and strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners for the benefit of First Nations across the province," he said.
The province's Ipperwash Inquiry report, released in May 2007, outlined 100 recommendations to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.