Bones are ‘vindication’ for Dudley George

IPPERWASH, Ont. — On a day organized to honour slain aboriginal protester Dudley George, evidence was presented that native leaders say vindicates him and the other occupiers of Ipperwash Provincial Park 15 years ago.

Kettle and Stoney Point Chief Elizabeth Cloud wiped away tears as she announced an archeological survey had found 1,200-year-old human remains in the park.

“We want to tell everyone, the whole world, that we found remains in this park. It shows that Dudley did not die in vain,” Cloud told a unveiling ceremony for a monument to George, who was killed by an Ontario Provincial Police officer in 1995.

“The oral history of our elders is always true,” she added. “Now we have scientific proof there are remains in this park.”

The bones were discovered during a two-year archeological dig funded by the Ontario government. Led by band member and archeologist Brandy George, the project found 11 sites with artifacts in the park. Work continues to uncover more, she said.

“It’s clear Ipperwash Park was an important meeting place,” she said, noting the remains predate European contact by 850 years.

Brandy George said her work looked deeper than previous studies, which had concluded the parklands were archeologically insignificant. Volunteers, including George family members, are now trying to secure the return of remains they believe have already been removed from the park.

Provincial officials, Ontario First Nation’s leaders and community members braved a cold wind off Lake Huron at the former Ipperwash Park boundary, where a monument Dudley George was unveiled, metres from the spot he was shot. The monument was created by George’s brother Pierre George-Mandoka.

Cloud said the ceremony was planned for the 15th anniversary of George’s death in September, but the community wounds are still too raw.

“A lot of important grieving goes on that day,” she said.

Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley attended the event, calling the tragedy a very powerful lesson.

“I want to acknowledge the loss of Dudley George,” he said. “I want to acknowledge the contribution of (brother) Sam George and the George family.”

Grand Chief Patrick Madahbee of the Union of Ontario Indians called George’s death a catalyst that forced the government to confront land claim issues.

“Dudley was standing up for us and his death brought many issues to the forefront,” he said.

But Madahbee was critical of the pace of change for First Nation people in Ontario. The province has been slow to act on the 98 recommendations that emerged from the Ipperwash Inquiry in the shooting death, he said.

“We don’t expect someone to wave a magic wand or that things will happen immediately. But we must show tangible movement on the issues.”