It is time for the governments of Canada and Ontario to step into the ring and call for a full public inquiry into the shooting of an unarmed Chippewa man who was defending his historical territory and burial lands. Dudley George, from Stoney Creek, was shot by police on September 6, 1995. Six and a half years later many are still asking who was responsible.
During the trial of Sergeant Kenneth Deanne, the officer who pulled the trigger, there was evidence that the OPP knew Dudley George was unarmed. Further, Premier Mike Harris’ order to “Get the (expletive) Indians out of the park” at a meeting prior to the Chippewas’ removal, according to the testimonies of his cabinet members and others in attendance at the alleged “meeting,” has been well publicized. Who knows what facts may still be revealed?
We know the truth has been neglected, since it has also come out that the police officers who were there have had their notes sanitized and edited. We know justice has been denied, since Deanne, who was charged with “criminal negligence causing death,” received a ridiculously light sentence of 180 hours of community service. (On January 18th, 2002, the Ontario Provincial Police asked Deanne to quit in seven days or be fired—but even this decision looks like it will be appealed).
Sam George (Dudley’s brother), and other family members desperate to uncover the truth, have filed a civil suit against Mike Harris and the provincial government for this murder, a suit they will drop if a formal public inquiry is convened. Sam George is not alone. Since September 6, 1995, family, friends, the United Nations, Amnesty International, Ontario Ombudsman, Chiefs of Ontario, Assembly of First Nations and still more groups, individuals, municipalities and political commentators from all over Canada have been calling for an inquiry. Now elementary school teachers are getting involved.
Our support for the George family is a clear way of demonstrating that we don’t just teach history, we also help make it.
On Friday, March 1, hundreds will gather at Convocation Hall (31 King’s College Circle at 7 p.m.) to show their support. Please join us and listen to the sounds and voices of: Gordon Peters, Lillian Allen, Tantoo Cardinal, Frank Dreaver, Peter Edwards, Sam George, Jani Lauzon and Arthur Renwick, Simon Ortez, Eric Peterson, Ann Pohl, Murray Porter, Sylvia Tyson and many, many more. Help the George family and thousands of supporters—all of those who for over the past six and a half years have given their time and energy to ensure that justice is finally heard. And to have a little fun in the process.
