Background

The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation initially had two reserves: one at Kettle Point and one at Stoney Point.  In 1928, the First Nation surrendered for sale approximately 377 acres of the Stoney Point Reserve.  The land was subsequently sold to private interests.  The remainder of the Stoney Point Reserve,  approximately 2,211 acres, was appropriated under the War Measures Act in 1942 for the establishment of an advanced military training facility, which became known as Camp Ipperwash.  The Camp is located next to Ipperwash Provincial Park, which has been owned by the Province of Ontario since 1936 (see the attached map).

In 1942, the First Nation received approximately $50,000 in compensation from Canada for the appropriation of Camp Ipperwash, which involved the relocation of about 15 families.  

The First Nation has sought the return of the Camp Ipperwash lands since the end of World War II.  A 1981 Order in Council committed the government to return the lands when no longer needed for military purposes, though it did not include a commitment to decontaminate the lands or to guarantee risk-free access.

Also in 1981, Canada reached an agreement with the First Nation, which provided compensation in the amount of $2.5 million for the underestimated value of the land and interest accrued since the date of the 1942 appropriation. 

In the February 1994 budget, Canada announced the closing of Camp Ipperwash and that it would enter into negotiations with the First Nation regarding the property.  Military personnel withdrew from the base on July 29, 1995.

Looking Ahead: Toward a Negotiated Solution

Ms. Anne Marie Doyle was recently appointed as Chief Federal Negotiator on this complex claim.  Ms. Doyle will lead the federal negotiating team in renewed talks with the First Nation to reach a full and final settlement of all the outstanding issues regarding the former Camp Ipperwash lands.  The renewed focus of these negotiations will be to develop jointly a comprehensive settlement agreement that would include a financial component and a strategy with respect to the future use of the lands. 

The Camp Ipperwash lands were used for military training purposes for 50 years and, as a result, may contain unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO) and environmental contamination. The property also contains a fragile dune ecosystem, Carolinian forest and a number of species listed under the federal Species At Risk Act.  This Act provides for the legal protection of wildlife species on federal lands and the conservation of their biological diversity.

The presence of potential UXO and species at risk on the Camp Ipperwash lands poses many challenges for the federal and First Nation negotiators in their joint work to determine the future use of the land. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that public safety and environmental concerns are properly addressed in determining any future strategy regarding the Camp lands.

A UXO survey, as well as environmental and cultural resource investigations, have been initiated at the former Camp Ipperwash.  Investigation fieldwork began in October 2007.  It is anticipated that the work, which is being conducted with the involvement of the First Nation, will continue through 2009.  Measures have been taken to respect areas of cultural significance and species identified as Species at Risk.

This project will provide a clearer understanding of the extent of UXO and environmental contamination at the former Camp Ipperwash.  The data gathered through the project will inform the joint work at the negotiating table and assist in developing potential clean-up and land-return options.

It is important to note that no settlement can be finalized without the approval of the First Nation's membership in a ratification vote.  Following ratification by the membership, the next step would be formal approval by Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did negotiations first begin?
While preliminary discussions between Canada and the First Nation began in July 1994, formal negotiations to try to resolve the outstanding issues regarding the Camp first began in 1996. 

When will a final settlement be reached?
This is a complex situation that takes time, effort and cooperation on the part of all parties to resolve.  As demonstrated by these renewed negotiations, Canada is prepared to take concrete steps toward a full and final negotiated settlement that can be safely implemented.  As negotiations proceed, Canada will keep the lines of communication open with local officials, residents and other interested parties.

What about Ipperwash Provincial Park?
The Government of Canada is working with the First Nation to address issues that fall within federal jurisdiction: the Camp Ipperwash lands.  While Ipperwash Provincial Park is adjacent to Camp Ipperwash (see the map below), it is not part of the negotiations between Canada and the First Nation.  Ipperwash Provincial Park is under provincial jurisdiction.  The Province of Ontario announced on December 20, 2007 that it would negotiate the return of the Park to the First Nation.  Canada would support any discussions between the Province of Ontario and the First Nation regarding the Park.

Who is responsible for law enforcement in the area?
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), under the jurisdiction of the province, is responsible for law enforcement at Ipperwash Provincial Park, Camp Ipperwash and the surrounding area.

What is the overall goal of the negotiations?
The overall goal of the negotiations is to resolve the outstanding issues surrounding Camp Ipperwash once and for all.  A final settlement will assist the First Nation in rebuilding a strong and economically viable community and in continuing the process of healing and reconciliation.  Canada will ensure that public safety and environmental concerns are appropriately addressed in determining a future strategy for the former Camp Ipperwash lands.

Canada firmly believes that negotiated solutions are the best way to resolve these longstanding issues.  Negotiated agreements bring certainty and economic benefits for all concerned and build new partnerships that all parties can benefit from in the future.

For information on the First Nation's  perspectives on these and other issues, interested parties can visit its Web site.

August 2008