National Chief Perry Bellegarde Congratulates Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation on the Ipperwash Final Settlement Agreement

OTTAWA, April 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today addressed leaders, dignitaries and citizens in Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to mark a landmark agreement returning Stony Point lands to the Chippewa.

"I congratulate the leadership and citizens of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and all involved now and over the years in reaching this landmark agreement," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde. "Today, we remember the sacrifice of Dudley George. We honour his courage and the entire George family and community, and the conviction of all those who stood and fought to ensure the lands of Kettle and Stony Point stay with the people who have been here for generations and remain for their descendants."

In September of 1995, in an attempt to bring further attention to their outstanding land claim, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation citizens occupied their traditional territory at Ipperwash Provincial Park. This occupation resulted in the shooting death of Dudley George by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

On September 18, 2015, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation citizens ratified a Final Settlement Agreement which had been negotiated with the federal government over the former military testing site. The Agreement includes the return of the Stony Point lands taken in 1942, as well as $90 million in compensation.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789, ext. 382; 613-292-0857 or [email protected] ; Jenna Young Castro, AFN Communications Officer, 613-241-6789, ext. 401; 613-314-8157 or [email protected]