Shooting of Dudley George by Ontario Provincial Police

The background to this police killing of an Indigenous person must begin with land theft at least in the 1930's. However, I will also mention that it is said that the people there are decendents of Tecumseh and his warriors. The reserves of Kettle and Stoney Point are in Southern Ontario, of Potawatomi & Chippewa peoples. In 1936 the government seized a part of what was Stoney Point Reserve (including known burial grounds) and made it into Ipperwash Provincial Park against the wishes of the community. In 1942 additional land was stolen from the reserve under the War Measures Act for the creation of Military Camp Ipperwash. This was also against the wishes of the community who voted to reject an offer to relocate and the land was promised to be returned at the end of the war, which did not happen. Reoccupations of the Army camp began in 1993. A more complete list of events relating to the struggle can be found on Gord Hill's website. September 4th, 1995 the Provincial Park is reoccupied by approximately 25 Natives. The camp was unarmed and there were children present. The police attacked on Sept 6th with an APC, riot gear, night vision, and assault rifles. Between 1000 and 2000 rounds were fired by police. 16-year old Nicholas Cottrelle was shot in the back and a black dog was killed by police. 38 year old Dudley George was shot by Sergeant Kenneth Deane, with a hollow point bullet in the neck. No aid cars or ambulances were available at the scene despite the fact that it was a planned violent attack and Dudley's brother had to drive him to the hospital himself. The sergeant received two years to be served in the community and community service. Many recommendations came out of an inquiry into the racist police handling of the occuption. As of the 30 year anniversary of Dudley George's death, they had not been implemented. On Thursday May 28, 2009, Ipperwash Park was formally signed over control to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. (nmh)