In a surprising revelation, a man identifying as “Rocky Robart,” an investigator with Canada’s intelligence agency in Windsor, alleged that the Anishinaabeg at Ipperwash possessed firearms. This assertion came to light during a public inquiry in May 2006 investigating the fatal shooting of unarmed protester Dudley George by the Ontario Provincial Police in 1995. Staff Sgt. Wade Lacroix recalled a peculiar visit from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) that summer, where he was informed of alleged weapons at Camp Ipperwash on Lake Huron’s shore.
Camp Ipperwash, previously the Stoney Point reserve, was taken by the government in 1942, displacing families. The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation had been occupying the area since 1993. The CSIS, as revealed by declassified documents, conducted a secret investigation into “Native extremism” in 1995, focusing on Ipperwash. Contrary to CSIS claims of armed activists, subsequent investigations confirmed the absence of firearms.
The CSIS viewed the situation at Ipperwash as a form of terrorism, perceiving it as a threat. However, Chief Kimberly Bressette of Kettle and Stony Point denounced these allegations, emphasizing the community’s strength and resilience. The conflict culminated in the tragic shooting of Dudley George, who was remembered as a caring individual deeply connected to his family and land.
Layton Elijah, a peacekeeper, recounted encounters with an undercover operative at Ipperwash, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play. Despite CSIS’s refusal to confirm or deny the existence of certain records, their involvement in the events at Ipperwash in 1995 has come to light. The ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability continues among the Stoney Point community, aiming to reclaim their rightful land and rectify past injustices.
