Canada and Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point Take Key Step in their Journey Toward Healing and Reconciliation with Historic Camp Ipperwash settlement

KETTLE POINT, ON, April 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Working together in a spirit of co-operation and renewal, Canada and the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation have concluded a final settlement to resolve outstanding issues regarding the former Camp Ipperwash lands. This settlement is a key step on a path of reconciliation, bringing closure to the First Nation's efforts over the past 74 years to have these lands returned.

The former Camp Ipperwash lands, once part of the First Nation's reserve land base, were taken under the War Measures Act in 1942 and used as a military training base until 1995.

The negotiated settlement provides the First Nation with $95 million – capital that can be invested in new opportunities for community renewal and economic development. It also sets out a clear process for remediating the former Camp Ipperwash lands and returning them safely to the First Nation.

Quotes
"This is the day the community will finally realize the land is being returned. Our people fought on foreign lands in WWII, only to return and find their lands had been taken here. Our people believed Canada would honour its commitment to return the lands, and never lost that hope. Today, WWII is finally over for the Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point with the closure of the taking of our lands in 1942. We look forward to a better relationship with Canada going forward, and today marks a new beginning."

Chief Thomas Bressette
Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation

"This landmark settlement is a key step toward renewing Canada's relationship with the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. Today we are closing a dark chapter of our shared history, but we are also celebrating a new beginning for the First Nation on its journey toward healing and reconciliation within its community and with Canada."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs                                                           

"I am proud to stand together with the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation today to mark this historic moment. We are committed to the important work ahead of us to clean up the land, and will continue to work with the First Nation with a focus on respect."

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan
Minister of National Defence  

Related Products

Infographic ­– The Ipperwash Final Settlement Agreement: A Journey Toward Reconciliation

Associated Links
Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation

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SOURCE Government of Canada

Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Jordan Owens, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of National Defence, 613-996-3100; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Lorraine George, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, 519-786-2125; Media Relations, Department of National Defence, 613-996-2353, Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811