Ipperwash

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Ipperwash Inquiry
 
The Ipperwash Inquiry was established on April 20, 2004, by the Government of Ontario to report on events surrounding the death of Dudley George, who was shot and later died during a protest by First Nations representatives at Ipperwash Provincial Park in 1995. The Honourable Sidney B. Linden was appointed commissioner with the mandate to examine and report on the events surrounding the death of Dudley George and make recommendations aimed at avoiding violence in similar circumstances.
 
The Report took place in two phases which ran concurrently: the evidentiary hearings that dealt with the events surrounding the death of Dudley George and the Policy and Research part that dealt with the issues directed to the avoidance of violence in similar circumstances. Commissioner Linden delivered his report on May 31, 2007, at an arena near Ipperwash Provincial Park.

When the final report was delivered by Commissioner Linden, there was hope for a new beginning between First Nations and government. The recommendations given by Linden were to be used as a guideline for healing and reconciliation between the two parties. It has been three years since the report was presented and the UOI is working to ensure it is put into action for the benefit of Anishinabe.
 
 
Implementing the Recommendations
 
The Chiefs of Ontario Assembly passed resolution 08/05 which endorsed the establishment of the First Nations Ipperwash Inquiry Task Force which is mandated to:
  • Conduct Research and analysis of the recommendations within each organization;
  • Develop a Strategy and process framework for dealing with the government; and
  • Facilitate regional discussions of leadership and members on the recommendations.

The Chiefs of Ontario Assembly, by way of a memorandum of understanding, committed to collaborative effort with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs regarding the implementation of the Ipperwash recommendations. 

The Ipperwash Inquiry Priorities and Action Committee (IIPAC) includes representatives of First Nation Provincial/ Territorial organizations and appropriate Ontario government ministries. Co-chairs are the Ontario Regional Chief and the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. IIPAC developed four priority areas:

  • Treaty Implementation: Establishment of a Treaty Commission
  • Land Rights and Interests: Consultation and Accommodation and Resource Benefit Sharing
  • First Nation Jurisdiction: First Nation Policing and Harmonization of Law and First Nation Jurisdication
  • Capacity Building

These recommendations were undertaken by the Joint Ipperwash Technical Table (JITT) which consists of the First Nation Ipperwash Task Force and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs Special Projects. The JITT met to develop an organizational structure of the IIPAC as well as a work plan for the four priority areas. Each priority area has a working group of representatives who specialize in that area and jointly carry out a work plan. The approach is consistent throughout and activities can be broken down into themes:

  • Information Gathering and Sharing
  • Community Engagement
  • Finding Common Ground
  • Implementation
 
Role of the Union of Ontario Indians
 
Following the death of Dudley George, the UOI political office supported the lobbying strategy to establish an inquiry into George's death. Once the Inquiry was established, the goal of UOI participation was to develop grassroots recommendations that would lead to the building of healthy relationships between Anishinabek First Nations, government and police services. Three papers were commissioned by the UOI and community consultations were held. As a result, the UOI submitted to the Ipperwash Inquiry three research papers as well as a report based on community consultations. These can be read here:
 
After the Report was released, the UOI advocated for the federal and provincial governments to partner with Ontario First Nations to implement the recommendations. Through this effort, a joint implementation process with Ontario was formalized in September 2008. Currently, the UOI is working in partnership with Chiefs in Ontario and the Ontario government to put the recommendations to action. The UOI has representatives at the following IIPAC sub-tables:
  • Treaty Commission of Ontario
  • Consultation and Accommodation
  • Resource Revenue/Benefit Sharing
  • First Nation Policing
  • Jurisdiction
  • Heritage and Burial Sites
  • Communications
In addition to the research, meeting participation and community engagement associated with IIPAC, the UOI regularly produces and shares information with Anishinabek First Nation communities and the wider public. Relatively recent submissions to the Anishinabek News can be found below, other resources under Links and Documents. 
 
 
Anishinabek News Submissions:
 
2009
 
2010
 


Links


Ipperwash Inquiry Homepage

http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/inquiries/ipperwash/index.html

Ipperwash Picture Tribute (UOI)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZVMw8gc4W0

Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs: Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry

http://www.aboriginalaffairs.gov.on.ca/english/policy/ipperwash/ipperwash.asp


Documents


UOI Ipperwash Booklet 2009
File: Ipperwash booklet final final.pdf

UOI Community Consultations Report 2006
File: Ipperwashreport.pdf

IIPAC Newsletter Summer 2010
File: IIPAC-Dibaajimowin-Newsletter.pdf


Contacts


For additional information about Ipperwash or any information regarding the content of this page, please contact:

Dokis, Allan
Director
Tel:705-497-9127 x2251
Fax:705-497-9135

Latulippe, Nicole
Project Coordinator
Tel:705-497-9127 x2253
Fax:705-497-9135


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