The Political Assasination of Native Activist Dudley George

[Guest]

The Political Assasination of Native Activist Dudley George


Join us at a fundraiser for the upcoming independent documentary:

Injustice At Ipperwash: The Killing of Dudley George


WHEN?
7 pm, Thursday, August 21, 2003


WHO?
Featuring Peter Edwards, Author of One Dead Indian

As well as the music of Sara Marlowe
http://www.worldtowin.org

& Woja Woja, as well as other special guests


WHERE?
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, Auditorium 16 Spadina Road (One block North of Bloor St & Spadina Subway Station on the west side of Spadina)


WHY?
On September 6th, 1995, Dudley George became the only Native person in the 20th century to be killed in a land claims dispute. "Injustice at Ipperwash" is an independent documentary about the call for an inquiry into the events that led to his death, which Amnesty International says appears to have been an "extrajudicial execution".

Millions of people across Ontario are asking why an unarmed man was shot to death, while standing up for land, which belonged to his community in the first place. The evasive tactics of the Harris (and now Eves) governments, continues to indicate that they have something to hide.

If this were not the case a full public independent inquiry would have been called by now, nearly eight years since Dudley was killed. It is time for the truth. On Sept 8, 2003, a wrongful death lawsuit against Mike Harris and other senior government officials will begin. We need your help to continue filming the upcoming events as the truth unfolds.

Suggested donation for the event is $20, donations of $500 or more will
receive a charitable receipt. No donation is too small (or too large).

Injustice At Ipperwash is a production of Spirit Force Productions in
partnership with the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto.

http://www.ncct.on.ca

For more information contact 416-520-6483 or dylanpenner@guetterman.com

IT'S TIME FOR THE TRUTH

For further reading visit: http://www.web.ca/~inquiry/facts.htm

MORE
http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-dudley.htm

----------------------

BACKGROUND

June 2003

Ontario refuses inquest!
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... .php?t=934


November 21, 2002 - A court date has been set in the wrongful death lawsuit against former Ontario premier Mike Harris regarding the shooting death of Native activist Anthony Dudley George. He was shot to death September 6, 1995 at Ipperwash Provincial Park, the traditional lands of the Stoney Point people. His family's case seeking justice finally goes to court September 8, 2003. Defendants in the case include Harris and former Ontario Provincial Police commissioner Thomas O'Grady.

September 24, 2002 - Kenneth Deane - The man who shot and killed an unarmed Dudley George at Ipperwash Park in 1995 has resigned from the Ontario Provincial Police. In January, Deane was brought before the Police Services Board and found guilty of discreditable conduct. He was told that he must quit his job or he would be fired. Deane appealed this decision and was to keep his job until the appeal was finished. Yesterday Deane was scheduled to make his case before the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services in Toronto. However, instead he finally resigned from the O.P.P.

September 5, 2002 - Aboriginal community activists are again geared up for their annual recognition of Dudley George and ongoing efforts to bring justice to his family through a public inquiry. Tomorrow September 6th marks the seventh anniversary of the tragic death of Dudley George at the hands of an Ontario Provincial Police officer who despite his criminal conviction, remains a member of the O.P.P. It was September 6th, 1995 at Ipperwash Park in southwestern Ontario that heavily armed police confronted Stoney Point protestors who were asserting their rights over sacred, traditional lands. It was a peaceful protest until the police flexed their muscles. During the assault, Sergeant Kenneth Deanes shot and killed an unarmed Dudley George. It has been called Canada's first modern-day political assasination of an Indian. Allegations continue to haunt former Ontario Premier Mike Harris, accused of personally ordering the heavy police raid on the Native protestors, despite police suggestions of caution. Calls for a public inquiry have been repeatedly rejected by the provincial and federal governments. Amnesty International recognized Dudley George's death in one of its recent reports related to violence against Aboriginals. The United Nations human rights organization has flagged the death of Dudley George as one of the unresolved issues that Canada needs to address in relationship to its treatment of Aboriginal Peoples. A vigil is planned for Friday September 6th, 2002 9pm to 11pm at Queens Park in Toronto outside the legislature buildings. Also, the coalition has launched a letter writing campaign to continue its push for a public inquiry.

Ipperwash -- 1995 - 2002: 7 Years Without a Public Inquiry - VIGIL Friday, September 6, 2002 9 - 11 pm Queen's Park, Toronto University Ave, north of College - in front of the Ontario Legislature. Speakers, drums, singers, banners, flags, candles, lanterns, and friends. Sponsor - Coalition for a Public Inquiry into Ipperwash PO Box 111 Station C, Toronto, Ontario M6J 3M7
http://www.web.net/~inquiry

Help make this the year we bring justice to bear -- Forward this letter to Premier Eves on Friday the 6th, asking him to call an Inquiry

September 6, 2002

Premier Ernie Eves
Room 281, Main Legislature Building
Ontario Provincial Parliament
Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1A1
Fax 416-325-3745
E-mail webprem@gov.on.ca

Dear Premier Eves,

As you know, this Friday, September 6th, marks seven years since the death of Aboriginal rights activist Dudley George as a result of an Ontario Provincial Police assault on a small group of unarmed protestors in Ipperwash Provincial Park. I am one of the many individuals and groups who have been lobbying unsuccessfully since that time for a public inquiry into what happened that night and the circumstances that led up to the occupation of the Park and the police assault on the protestors. Your own Ombudsman called for a public inquiry in June of 1999, referring to the - -many outstanding questions raised by Mr. George's death- - and beyond the scope of her own investigation. I have been heartened, Mr. Eves, by your decision to refuse paying for former Premier Harris' defamation lawsuit, citing the paper's coverage of the Ipperwash case, against the Globe and Mail. Further, I urge you to refuse to pay Mr. Harris and his co-defendants' costs in the - -Wrongful Death- - case brought by members of the George family. This civil suit has cost Ontario taxpayers well over a million dollars to date, before going to trial. The plaintiffs in the case have repeatedly stated publicly that they would drop the civil suit if a full, public, and impartial judicial inquiry is called to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Dudley George. All other court cases that might have impeded the calling of an inquiry have now been settled. Legal opinions prepared for the Coalition for a Public Inquiry into Ipperwash 1998 as well as by the Legislature's Research and Information Services 2000 indicate that there is no legal impediment into calling an inquiry, even with the civil suit outstanding. I'm sure you are aware that the Walkerton Inquiry went forward before all related court cases had been settled. I am calling on you to mark the 7th anniversary of Dudley George's death by invoking the Public Inquiries Act to uncover the truth about Ipperwash, and to recommend much-needed policy directions to prevent such an event from happening again. I look forward to your immediate response. Sincerely, your name your address, as a reply will be sent by postal mail

The lawyer representing the George family in their wrongful death lawsuit has filed papers alleging the Ontario Provincial Police destroyed documents and tapes related to the assault on Ipperwash Park in 1995. The lawyer filed an anonymous letter from a police officer concerned about their role in the death of Dudley George and the subsequent cover-up, including a senior officer ordering the destruction of records of a telephone conversation on the night Dudley George was killed. The family's lawsuit is aimed at former Premier Mike Harris and the police.

May 14, 2002 - Ontario's new Premier in his first official day of business in the legislature rejected a call for a public inquiry into the death of Dudley George. Ernie Eves said he preferred to wait for the outcome of a civil lawsuit against the former premier Mike Harris. Since an unarmed Dudley George was gunned down in 1995, there have been many demands for a full public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death - Termed by many Aboriginal people as the political assasination of an Indian man defending the sacred grounds of his people. - Accusations have included suggestions that former Premier Mike Harris ordered provincial police to get the Indians out of Ipperwash Park and that the police action was in response to orders from on high. Now, new evidence has surfaced that has sparked a renewed call by Ontario Liberal Native Affairs Critic Gerry Phillips for a full inquiry. He is supported by legal experts who say there is no reason in law to prevent the provincial government from calling such an investigation. Mike Harris argued against a public probe because of the civil court case launched against the government and police by Dudley George's family. However, that argument was countered by family members who say they offered to hold off on their court case if the government agreed to a public inquiry. Before leaving office, Mike Harris launched a $15 million lawsuit of his own against the Globe and Mail for a story that dealt with his role in the Ipperwash police action.

New Evidence Shows Premier and OPP in Conflict About Key Decision at Ipperwash
A memo obtained by the Liberals suggests there is more proof that only a public probe will bring about truth, justice and peace regarding the death of Dudley George. Liberal Native Affairs critic Gerry Phillips released a key note taken at a September 6, 1995 meeting of the interministerial committee showing the Premier's Office, apparently under direction from the Premier, urging --removal now-- of the First Nation while the OPP wanted --removal later--. The OPP were also reluctant to move quickly because they felt the occupiers might have a --colour of right-- defense for the occupation because of a burial ground. Phillips said --This is further strong evidence of the need for a public inquiry. This note shows the inappropriate interference by the Premier in a policing matter.-- Phillips points out the memo clearly shows that police were concerned that the occupiers might have a legitimate reason for being in the park - 43 charges against the occupiers were later dropped because of the very same -colour of right- defense. In a letter to Premier Eves, Phillips formally requested a public inquiry. He wrote --There are two fundamental issues which must be examined and a public inquiry is the proper forum.Issue #1 - The Separation of Police and Politics. There is strong evidence of inappropriate political involvement in police operations. This is a crucial issue that must be addressed.Issue #2 - Why Did the Government Abandon The Traditional Way Of Dealing With These Issues Before It Had A New Policy In Place? The Government had no policy in place at the time of the shooting. It made a conscious decision to ignore the pleas to protect the burial grounds and decided to take a -hard line-. Why did they and how can we avoid this in the future?-- The Liberal Native Affairs Critic rejects the idea of waiting. He wrote --It Is Wrong and A Terrible Mistake To Say, Wait Until the Civil Case Is Over. This is wrong, and in my opinion, it is an excuse to prevent the truth from emerging at a public inquiry.--

March 19, 2002 - A majority of Ontario residents believe excessive police force was used, that the government is hiding something, and a majority of those surveyed support a public inquiry into the shooting death of Dudley George at Ipperwash park in 1995. According to a poll commissioned by his family, 72 per cent favoured an inquiry. The results of a survey conducted by Oraclepoll Research also included responses from supporters of the Conservative government. Almost two thirds of them said there should be an inquiry. Dudley George who was unarmed was shot and killed by Provincial Policeman Kenneth Deane who still remains on the force while appealing disciplinary actions against him. The George family and their lawyers contend the Premier, Mike Harris met with police and in fact ordered the raid on the Native protestors in the park. The premier, who will be replaced in a leadership vote this coming weekend, has refused to call an inquiry because of a lawsuit by the family. However, they have said they would drop the legal action if he called an inquiry. Recently Harris launched a $15 million lawsuit against the Globe and Mail for an article tying the Premier to the death of Dudley George.

The following is from Oraclepoll Research and the public opinion survey conducted for Maynard Sam George.The intent of the survey was to gauge the opinions of eligible voting age Ontario residents on a series of issues related to native protestor Dudley George and the incident with the OPP that occurred at Ipperwash Provincial Park in September 1995.A total of 1,025 respondents, 18 years of age and older, were interviewed in the survey between the days of February 18th and February 25th 2002. Awareness of the Issue - How aware would you say that you are of native protestor Dudley George and the incident with the OPP that occurred at Ipperwash Provincial Park in September 1995? 44 per cent totally unaware 55 per cent totally aware 1 per cent didn't know. The electorate is split with respect to awareness of Dudley George and the incident with the OPP at Ipperwash in 1995, with only slightly more than half 55 per cent of the public was aware of the incident. Awareness increases with age 18 to 34 - 34 per cent, 35 to 54 - 60 per cent, 55 & older - 68 per cent, as well as with increasing income -under $35,000 - 43 per cent, Under $75,000 - 59 per cent, $75,000 & higher - 58 per cent, while more males 59 per cent than females 51 per cent knew of the issue. Residents of central 73 per cent and southwestern Ontario 71 per cent had the highest knowledge of the incident, while northern Ontario residents were least aware 43 per cent. Use of Force -On September 4, 1995, Dudley George and approximately thirty unarmed native protestors occupied Ipperwash Provincial Park to protest the desecration of burial grounds. Shortly after, the newly elected provincial PC government of Mike Harris directed the OPP to remove the protestors, resulting in the shooting death of George. The government and the OPP maintained that the protestors first shot at police who then returned fire. However, a court ruled that the protestors were unarmed, and found an OPP Sergeant guilty of shooting Dudley George when he knew George was unarmed. In your opinion, did the authorities use excessive force at Ipperwash or did they follow proper procedures?
49 per cent said Excessive Force 26 per cent said proper procedures 25 per cent said they didn't know. All respondents were read a brief preamble describing the incident at Ipperwash and were then asked if they felt if the OPP used excessive force or followed reasonable procedures. Almost twice as many voters felt that excessive force was used 49 per cent, compared to those who were of the opinion the OPP followed proper procedures, but a high one-quarter 25 per cent responded that they did not know. Those who most felt excessive force was used were 18-34 year olds 60 per cent, Toronto residents 65 per cent as well as Liberal 67 per cent and NDP 64 per cent voters. Tories were split as to whether proper procedures were followed 38 per cent or if excessive force was used 38 per cent. Judicial Inquiry - The family of Dudley George has launched a civil suit for wrongful death against the OPP and the Ontario government, which they have agreed to withdraw if a Public Judicial Inquiry is held. Please respond to each of the following statements using the scale of strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, somewhat agree or strongly agree. The provincial government of Mike Harris or his successor should call a public judicial inquiry into the death of Dudley George. 19 per cent totally disagree 72 per cent totally agree 10 per cent don't know. More than seven in ten voting age Ontario residents agreed that the provincial government of Mike Harris or his successor should call a public judicial inquiry into the death of Dudley George. Slightly more females 74 per cent than males 69 per cent favored an inquiry, as did younger respondents 18-34 73 per cent and 35-54 75 per cent, compared to older ones 55 and over 56 per cent. In addition, Liberal 79 per cent and NDP supporters 86 per cent were more inclined to agree that there should be an inquiry, compared to PC's, although a still high 65 per cent of Tories also favored an inquiry. The provincial government of Mike Harris was responsible for the death of Dudley George 49 per cent totally disagree 31 per cent totally agree 20 per cent don't know. -I feel that the government has refused to order an inquiry because the premier and senior cabinet ministers do not want their role in George's death exposed - 32 per cent totally disagreed 49 per cent totally agreed 18 per cent didn't know. The public is divided on the role the government played at Ipperwash and in the Death of Dudley George. For example, while 49 per cent disagreed that the government was responsible for George's death, 31 per cent agreed that it was and one-fifth 20 per cent claimed that they did not know. But on the other hand a significant number of voters feel that the government does have something to hide, as almost half of Ontario voters 49 per cent, are of the belief that the government has refused to call an inquiry because the premier and senior cabinet ministers do not want their role exposed. A total of 36 per cent of Tory supporters agreed, 46 per cent disagreed and 18 per cent did not know.

Peeking behind the headlines of the Ipperwash court case:an evening with Sam George and Murray Klippenstein - Toronto, Ontario CANADA - Tuesday, March 26, 2002, 6:30 p.m. The Environmental Studies Program, Innis College,invites you to join us for the annual Douglas Pimlott Memorial Lecture. Please join us to meet the two people at the centre of the court case. Mr. George will explain what his brother's death has meant for him, his family and aboriginal peoples in Canada. Mr. Klippenstein will explain what has motivated him to devote thousands of hours of unpaid time to the case and give his views on the significance of the case for all forms of progressive politics. At our invitation, both will reflect upon the connections between aboriginal rights and the protection of nature, the cause to which Doug Pimlott devoted his life. Tuesday, March 26, 2002, 6:30 p.m. Innis College Town Hall 2 Sussex Ave, corner of St. George just south of Bloor St Lecture and discussion followed by coffee and socializing with our two speakers. Admission is free. For more information contact: Doug Macdonald, Director, Environmental Studies Program, Innis College 416-978-1558.

March 3, 2002 - Stoddart Publishing announced it is reprinting One Dead Indian: The Premier, the Police, and the Ipperwash Crisis,by investigative reporter Peter Edwards. Demand for the book has surged in recent weeks in response to renewed media interest in the Ipperwash affair. Recently, Ontario Premier Mike Harris launched a $15-million lawsuit against Bell Globemedia/Globe and Mail, generating front-page news and editorial comment across the province. Initially released in September 2001, One Dead Indian contains never-before-published documents and information about the involvement of provincial officials in the OPP shooting death of Native protestor Dudley George. On September 4, 1995, several Stoney Point Natives entered Ipperwash Provincial Park, near Sarnia, Ontario, and began a peaceful protest aimed at
reclaiming a traditional burial ground. Within 72 hours, one of those protestors, Anthony -Dudley- George, was dead, shot by Kenneth Deane, an OPP officer wielding a submachine gun. Bookstores continue to feature the book on their shelves, but the publisher's remaining stock of the book sold out at Friday's benefit concert at Convocation Hall in support of a public inquiry into the death of Dudley George, and stores are reordering to meet customer demand.

March 2, 2002 - Victim of police shooting - Dudley George's life was celebrated at a successful three hour fundraising concert in Toronto. More than a thousand people gathered at the event held at the University of Toronto's Convocation Hall. More than twenty thousand dollars was raised for the Ipperweash Justice Fund in support of Dudley George's family's efforts to get a public inquiry six years after Provincial Police officer Kenneth Deane shot and killed the unarmed defender of his nation's traditional, spiritual lands at Ipperwash Park. His killer was convicted of criminal negligence causing death but is still a member of the police force, despite an adjudicator's finding that he should resign. Deane is appealing that decision.

February 20, 2002 - Ontario Premier Mike Harris launched a $15 million libel lawsuit against the Globe and Mail for a story that implied he gave orders to the Ontario Provincial Police to march on Ipperwash park to end the 1995 Native protest, that his orders led to the shooting of an unarmed man - Dudley George, that he is responsible for the man's death, that he has refused to admit responsibility and has sought to delay the course of justice and that he is stepping down as premier because of the controversy. Harris, who retires in March when the Ontario COnservatives elect a new leader, claims general, aggravated and punitive damages from the Globe and Mail's owners, publisher and editors and its Queen's Park bureau chief, Richard Mackie who wrote a Dec. 14, 2001 story that included a controversy about Harris' role in the crisis at Ipperwash Provincial Park. Harris is a defendant in a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by relatives of Dudley George. Harris has repeatedly denied that he directed the police action personally.

January 30th, 2002 - Aboriginal Council of Toronto presses Ontario Conservative leadership candidates to join the call for a public inquiry into the shooting death of Dudley George at Ipperwash in 1995. In a letter to candidates the ACT wrote -- The George family, the Aboriginal community of Ontario and all citizens of this province deserve a public inquiry into this matter. As a leadership candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario we ask you the following question. If you are elected as leader of the party in March and become Premier of the province, would you immediately call for a public inquiry into the circumstances leading up to and resulting in the death of Dudley George? We are asking all leadership candidates the same question and look forward to an immediate response. This would indicate that you are prepared to treat the Aboriginal people of this province as real people in real communities.-- Roger Obonsawin, Chair of the provisional ACT said -- There is a racism of dismissal towards Aboriginal people in Ontario and Canada. This is reflected in the fact that no inquiry has been called to date and is reinforced by the comments made by one of the candidates implying that Aboriginal people were not real people living in real towns. If we are to deal with the real issues which will allow so many Aboriginal peoples to escape a life of poverty we have to get beyond the attitudes which dismiss us as individuals and as a people.-- ACT is a provisionary council elected by members of the Aboriginal community of the Greater Toronto Area. It's mandate is to develop a process, including an electoral system, to establish a permanent Council as political representatives of Aboriginal people in the area. It is expected that the process will be in place by May or June of 2002 with community elections to be conducted in the fall of this year.

DETAILS

January 28, 2002
Mr Ernie Eves
c/o The Ontario PC Party
Ste 2020
120 Adelaide St. W.
Toronto, ON, M5H 1T1

Dear Mr Eves:

Members of the Aboriginal community of Greater Toronto are very concerned about the lack of progress made in calling for an inquiry into the death of Dudley George at Ipperwash. Many of our members have expressed their concern to the Premier but to no avail.

The Premier has taken the position that an inquiry cannot be initiated while the matter is before the civil courts. We cannot accept that position. We see this as a delay tactic. An inquiry is inevitable.

The George family, the Aboriginal community of Ontario and all citizens of this province deserve a public inquiry into this matter. As a leadership candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario we ask you the following question.

If you are elected as leader of the party in March and become Premier of the province, would you immediately call for a public inquiry into the circumstances leading up to and resulting in the death of Dudley George?

We are asking all leadership candidates the same question and look forward to an immediate response. This would indicate that you are prepared to treat the Aboriginal people of this province as real people in real communities.

Sincerely,

Roger Obonsawin, Chair
Aboriginal Council of Toronto -Provisional
Ste 1517, 2 Carlton St.
Toronto, ON, M5B 1J3
416-591-6995

enc. Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

Toronto, Ontario
January 28, 2002

Aboriginal Council of Toronto ACT challenges Ontario PC leadership candidates to call for a Public Inquiry into the death of Dudley George.

Roger Obonsawin, Chair of the Aboriginal Council of Toronto has issued a letter to the candidates for the leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party asking them to call a public inquiry into the death of Dudley George at Ipperwash if and when one of them becomes Premier.

Mr Obonsawin feels that the inquiries into Walkerton and the clash between members of the CUPE union and the police in front of Queen's Park, are examples of how a government can act responsibly. The fact that this same responsibility is not extended to Aboriginal people is unacceptable.

There is a racism of dismissal towards Aboriginal people in Ontario and Canada stated Mr Obonsawin. This is reflected in the fact that no inquiry has been called to date and is reinforced by the comments made by one of the candidates implying that Aboriginal people were not real people living in real towns. If we are to deal with the real issues which will allow so many Aboriginal peoples to escape a life of poverty we have to get beyond the attitudes which dismiss us as individuals and as a people.

ACT is a provisionary council elected by members of the Aboriginal community of the Greater Toronto Area. It's mandate is to develop a process, including an electoral system, to establish a permanent Council as political representatives of Aboriginal people in the area. It is expected that the process will be in place by May or June of 2002 with community elections to be conducted in the fall of this year.

For further information contact Roger Obonsawin at 416-591-6995 ext. 25

January 18, 2002 - Reporter Dan Smoke said a key decision was made in London, Ontario today regarding the death of Dudley George at Ipperwash in 1995. Loyall Cann, police services board adjudicator released a written decision in which she dismissed Kenneth Deane from the Ontario Provincial Police and asked for his resignation within 7 days. Deane, who shot and killed Dudley George during a protest to protect sacred land, left the London hearing without speaking to anybody. There were several officers there who were obviously upset with the decision. The George family were guarded about their happiness. They were glad to see justice done, but they still feel only an Inquiry will answer the questions they have why their brother is no longer here. They didn't expect Deane to be dismissed. The OPP Association President Brian Adkin said that the OPPA has decided that they will appeal this decison. They have 30 days in which to appeal the decision to the OCCOPS, Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Service.