OTTAWA -- The Métis Nation of Ontario is calling upon governments and leaders of all political parties to embrace the recommendations of the Ipperwash Inquiry Report and ensure their immediate implementation. The report of the inquiry released today, addresses the actions and issues surrounding the death of Dudley George - an Aazhoodena (Kettle and Stony Point) First Nation man shot and killed by an Ontario Provincial Police officer during a peaceful protest over an outstanding land claim in Ipperwash Provincial Park September 1995.

MNO President, Tony Belcourt said, “In my opinion, the recommendations of this report are sensible and provide the opportunity to turn the corner in Aboriginal relations if they are implemented in particular the recommendation to establish a Ministry of Aboriginal Relations.”

Mr. Belcourt added, “We have been advocating for many years for a Minister who would have a clear mandate and authority to deal exclusively with Aboriginal issues at the Cabinet table. We need the tools to work towards reconciliation. We need the tools to ensure justice and fairness to Aboriginal peoples and to make the changes to existing systemic discriminatory policies and processes that impede us. We need the tools to say to our own people the place to work out our issues is at the negotiations table. We need the tools to develop reconciliation and understanding between Aboriginal peoples and other citizens of Ontario and all of Canada.”

In conclusion Mr. Belcourt said, “On behalf of the Métis Nation I wish to thank the George family for ensuring that this inquiry took place and hope that its conclusions will help to heal the pain and suffering they have endured for well over a decade. The life of Dudley George will live on and we hope the implementation of this inquiry report’s recommendations will at last bring about the justice he sought for his community and for all Aboriginal Peoples.

The Métis are a distinct Aboriginal people with a unique culture, language and heritage, and with an ancestral Homeland that centres around Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, parts of the Northwest Territories, as well as the northwestern United States. The Métis played an instrumental role in the shaping of Canada, and work tirelessly to share their culture, music, traditions and knowledge of the environment with their fellow Canadians. Today the Métis live, work, raise their families and pay taxes in communities all across Canada.

CONTACT:
Avery Hargreaves, Communications Assistant
Work: 613-798-1488 Ext. 108