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The Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry: A Roadmap to Improved Relationships and Quality of Life

The Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry sets out a road map for the Ontario government to work in partnership with First Nations and Métis to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal communities in Ontario.

Forging stronger relationships is an important step in the healing process. The tragic death of Anthony O'Brien (Dudley) George at Ipperwash Park has kindled a new relationship between Aboriginal people and our government based on respect and reconciliation.

The creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs was one of the key recommendations of the report.

The Ministry was established June 21, 2007 with a mandate based on the following:

• Building stronger relationships with Aboriginal communities
• Improving social conditions for Aboriginal children and families
• Creating economic opportunity and sustainability for Aboriginal communities
• Resolving land claims and foster community reconciliation

The Ontario government is working with First Nations and Métis province-wide to strengthen our relationships and move forward together in addressing the challenges affecting Aboriginal people and communities in Ontario.

The Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry

The following is an excerpt from the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry Executive Summary:

The McGuinty government commissioned Justice Sidney B. Linden to lead a public inquiry into the events that took place at Ipperwash Park in September 1995. He was asked to inquire and report on the events surrounding the death of Stony Point First Nation member Anthony O'Brien (Dudley) George and to make recommendations that would avoid violence in future similar circumstances.

Hearings began in Forest, Ontario in July 2004 and ended August 2006.

The Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry was released on May 31, 2007, publicizing 100 recommendations based on better relationships between Aboriginal communities, the Ontario government and police, while improving the quality of life for First Nations and Métis in the province.

Printed copies and CD-ROMs of the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry may be purchased from ServiceOntario Publications.

Moving Forward Together

Since its establishment in the Spring of 2008, the Ipperwash Inquiry Priorities and Action Committee (IIPAC) has worked together to identify priorities and address the recommendations from the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry in a way that will best meet the needs of First Nation people and communities in Ontario.

IIPAC has established joint technical sub-tables on the following key priorities:

• Resource Benefits Sharing (PDF)
• First Nation Policing
• Consultation and Accommodation
• Treaty Commission
• First Nation Jurisdiction/Harmonization of Laws
• Capacity Building (New Relationship Fund)
• Heritage and Burial Sites

These joint sub-tables are made up of representatives from Grand Council/political territorial organizations, Independent First Nations, and Ontario ministries. The sub-tables report to IIPAC's joint technical table which then reports directly to IIPAC.

Co-chaired by the Ontario Regional Chief and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, IIPAC is made up of First Nation leadership province-wide and representatives from the provincial government. Representatives from the federal government attend as observers.

• IIPAC's organizational structure (PDF)

Métis Nation of Ontario Framework Agreement

The Ontario government is also working with the Métis Nation of Ontario to implement the Report's recommendations in ways that best meet the needs of Métis people in Ontario.

Through a Framework Agreement signed in November 2008, we are working together to improve the well-being of Métis children, families and communities while working to protect and promote the distinct culture, identity and heritage of Métis people. This includes encouraging economic partnership opportunities that recognize and respect Métis traditions, structures and institutions.

Healing and Reconciliation at Ipperwash Park

The Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry discussed transferring Ipperwash provincial park to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.

The Ontario government and the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point continue to build relationships based on respect and reconciliation, focusing on the benefits the park transfer could bring to the local First Nation community and the surrounding non-Aboriginal communities.

An agreement signed in May 2009 outlines the next steps. This includes environmental and archaeological site assessments and transferring the land from the Ontario government to the federal government so it can be added to reserve.

Ipperwash Provincial Park Transfer Agreement

News Release: Healing and Reconciliation Continue at Ipperwash Park

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