OTTAWA, Ont.-In early September, the Honorable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, together with the Honorable Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Ontario, and Chief Jason Henry, Chief of Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, announced the addition of lands to Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation.
A federal Ministerial Order sets apart 45.992 hectares (113.629 acres) of land as an addition to reserve to Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation. The province of Ontario earlier transferred the former Ipperwash Provincial Park lands to Canada for this purpose, fulfilling a commitment made by the provincial government following the release of the Ipperwash Inquiry Report. Returning these former reserve lands will enable the First Nation to meet its current and future needs for community and traditional uses.
"The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation would like to acknowledge the formal return of a portion of the lands we call Aazhoodena (Stony Point)," said Jason Henry, Chief of Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation. "As a Nation, we have always known about the significance of Aazhoodena and the lands there were reclaimed in 1995. The return of the former Provincial Park lands is an important legal indicator for our Ancestors and our future generations that we're home again and the land is legally ours. The return of this portion of the lands is but a small portion of what was lost and although the process is not perfect, it gives hope that in the future we may see the full return of Aazhoodena."
Kettle & Stony Point First Nation is located approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Sarnia, Ontario on the east shore of Lake Huron. The newly-added lands are located on the site of the former Ipperwash Provincial Park.
Additions to reserves are key to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous communities across Canada and create the foundation for social development and economic growth that can generate benefits for Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.
