FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAUGEEN FIRST NATION RESPONSE TO IPPERWASH VIOLENCE
Southampton, Ontario September 7, 1995 The Saugeen First
Nation Council today reacted strongly to the killing of Anthony
George by OPP at Ipperwash late last night.
"How many of our people must die before federal and provincial
governments act swiftly and responsibly on long-standing and
immediate aboriginal issues?" asked Chief Richard Kahgee.
"How is it that, in a democracy, people are killed simply for
exercising their civil rights?"
Chief Kahgee called on governments for a completely new process of
active, committed resolution.
"This summer of discontent in native communities across Canada
proves that we urgently need a dramatically different way of doing
things. The patience of our people is finally wasted.
Governments can no longer ignore the problem, or try to shoot
their way out of it."
Chief Kahgee noted that recent confrontations and demonstrations
reflect deep frustration and impatience with the attitudes and
processes of governments in dealing with native land claims,
fishing rights and other jurisdictional issues.
"First Nations people are demonstrating because there is no other
forum for the expression of disagreement," he said. "There is no
respect for native concerns. Instead, the process propagates
confrontation and the police are brought in."
The Saugeen Council has removed children from schools in the area,
in light of the events at Ipperwash and recent hostilities toward
native people in the Owen Sound area. "We won't send our children
off the reserve until we are assured of their safety."
About 200 adults and children marched on the reserve and on
Highway 21 this afternoon to express anger, shock and deep
distress.
The Saugeen First Nation is a member of the Ojibway Nation,
located just east of Southampton on the west side of the Bruce
Peninsula in Ontario. The band is currently involved in land
claims and re- establishment of its traditional fishery.
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for further information please contact Chief Richard Kahgee: 519-797-5675