And now:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (S.I.S.I.S.) writes: CANADA'S INDIAN AFFAIRS MINISTER LIES FACE OFF OVER INQUIRIES [S.I.S.I.S. note: The following communication was received from Canadian Minister of Indian Affairs Jane Stewart in which the Minister makes the astounding contention that the Federal Government of Canada cannot convene inquiries into the summer 1995 assaults against sacred sites at Gustafsen Lake and Stoney Point/Ipperwash, involving both federal and provincial authorities and resources.] Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development January 19, 1999 I am writing in response to your correspondence of November 23, 1998 in which you request that a comprehensive public inquiry be held into the events that occurred at Gustafsen Lake in British Columbia and at Ipperwash in Ontario. The federal government has the authority to call for public inquiries into matters within federal jurisdiction. It does not have the authority to conduct inquiries into allegations of misconduct by provincial officials and the province's police force. It would therefore be appropriate for you to direct to the respective provincial government any calls to conduct an inquiry into allegations of misconduct by provincial officials and the province's police force. With respect to Gustafsen Lake, I wish to assure you that I am aware of the issues involved. All matters pertaining to law enforcement within the province of British Columbia are the responsibility of the Attorney General of that province. For that reason, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter. I am taking the liberty of forwarding a copy of your correspondence and of this response to the Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Attorney General of British Columbia. I am confident that he will note your concerns in this matter. Clearly, many questions remain regarding the unfortunate events that occurred at Ipperwash. It is my hope that the province will accept that these concerns exist and that action should be taken to remedy them. A sound approach must be found to help all parties reconcile the important issues associated with this matter. In regard to the general situation at Ipperwash, major progress has been made towards resolving the long-standing grievance relating to the 1942 appropriation of reserve land. I was very pleased to sign an Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) with the Chief and Council of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. I am most hopeful that a Final Settlement Agreement can be reached in the coming months following ratification by the First Nation's electorate. I am also optimistic that this significant development will bring renewed stability to the surrounding communities as well. The negotiation of an AIP to return the land to the First Nation has been a co-operative effort that the federal government has attempted to resolve in a peaceful, mutually beneficial manner. The AIP exemplifies what we are trying to achieve through Gathering Strength - Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan by laying a foundation for the First Nation to become strong and self-sufficient. I am pleased that the First Nation will be able to re-establish a thriving community on their lands and move towards healing and reconciliation. Canada remains committed to the negotiation of outstanding issues, and is attempting to work in close partnership with First Nations to resolve outstanding lands issues. I trust this information is of assistance. Yours sincerely, Jane Stewart PC., M.P. cc: The Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, MLA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- WE WILL NEVER FORGET GUSTAFSEN LAKE - WE WILL NEVER FORGET DUDLEY GEORGE! INQUIRIES NOW! Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chretien mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jane Stewart mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To support a public inquiry, please visit" http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/GustLake/support.html http://kafka.uvic.ca/~vipirg/SISIS/Ipperwash/arch01.html
