Dudley George and the Ipperwash Activists

On Sept. 4, 1995, a group of unarmed members of the Stoney Point First Nation in Ontario reclaimed Ipperwash Provincial Park.

The land had been appropriated by the federal government for a military base in the Second World War.

Within 24 hours, the Ontario Provincial Police moved in. One activist was shot and wounded, one was beaten until his heart stopped, and Anthony “Dudley” George was shot dead.

Questions surrounding Dudley’s death and police actions rose almost immediately, but it would take 12 years before an inquiry was called.

The Ipperwash Inquiry unveiled racism on the police force, inexcusable delays by the federal government on the land issue, and a lack of transparency and accountability from the provincial government.

The final report made recommendations outlining how government and police should behave to avoid future violence against Aboriginal activists.

A land settlement was finalized on April 14, 2016.