The inquiry into the death of Native activist Dudley George was released on Thursday.
The report blames the government of former Ontario premier Mike Harris, the Canadian government and the Ontario Park Police for events that led to Dudley's death on September 6, 1995. Dudley and other members of the Stony Point First Nation were occupying Ipperwash Provincial Park to protest an unresolved land claim.
While Harris didn't directly order the OPP raid on the park, he contributed to a hostile situation and made racist statements about Native people, inquiry commissioner Sidney Linden said. During testimony, Harris denied saying that he wanted the "Indians out of the park."
"After carefully assessing the evidence, it is my view that Michael Harris made the statement," Linden wrote. "I agree with Premier Harris's characterization of the statement … as racist."
The report also cites racist behaviors of OPP officers, who were caught on tape making disparaging remarks about the protesters. It said officers relied on unverified and inaccurate information" -- including allegations that the peaceful protesters were armed -- before launching the deadly raid.
In response, the Ontario government apologized to George's family. Sam George wants Mike Harris to apologize as well.
The report makes a total of 98 recommendations. They include the establishment of an independent agency to resolve land claims.
Get the Story:Shooting blamed on police, governments (CanWest News Service 6/1)
Ipperwash inquiry spreads blame for George's death (CBC 5/31)
Ipperwash allegations 'malicious and petty,' Harris says (CBC 5/31)
Aboriginal leaders urge action on Ipperwash inquiry findings (CBC 5/31) Relevant Links:
Ipperwash Inquiry - http://www.ipperwashinquiry.ca
Who Killed Dudley George - http://www.whokilleddudleygeorge.ca
Dudley George and Ipperwash, CBC News - http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/ipperwash
Dudley George information - http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-dudley.htm Related Stories:
Inquiry into Native activist's death to be released (5/31)
Inquiry into Native man's death hears last witness (06/29)
Key witness in death of Native man killed in accident (02/27)
Ex-premier concludes testimony to inquiry (2/21)
Opinions and Views: Mike Harris on the stand (2/21)
Ex-premier denies running a 'redneck' government (2/16)
Ex-premier testifies at inquiry into Native man's death (2/15)
Big witness to testify about killing of Native man (2/14)
Inquiry: 'I want the Indians out of the park' (11/29)
Explosive tape aired at inquiry into Native man's death (05/19)
Judge holds back tapes in Native man's death (10/13)
Inquiry opens into police shooting of Native man (07/14)
Racist statements by police prompt criticism (01/22)
Tape catches police making racist comments (1/21)
Ont. calls inquiry into death of Native man (11/14)
Native family settles death suit with police (10/03)
Civil trial over Native man's death delayed (09/19)
