Kitchener, Ontario - A group of concerned Christians and other citizens will form a "human billboard" on Oct. 12 from 1-2 p.m. alongside Highway 401 in Cambridge to mark the 506th anniversary of Columbus being found in the Caribbean, to honour Dudley George, and to call for a public inquiry into his death at Stoney Point (Ipperwash Provincial Park). Participants will hold large signs at well-spaced intervals along the highway, creating the following message for passing motorists:
Ipperwash:
Stoney Point is native burial land
Dudley George died there 'cause he took a stand
The province resists an inquiry still
Who put our taxes to work to kill?
The signs will be held along the south side of the 401 eastbound lanes, just west of the Town Line Road exit #286 in Cambridge. Parking is available at the Park 'N' Ride on the south side of the highway.
Dudley George was a man of the Aazhoodenaang Enjibaajig (Stoney Point people). He and thirty others of his people, peacefully and without arms, occupied the former Ipperwash Provincial Park in early September 1995, in order to reclaim desecrated burial grounds there. The OPP responded with an unaccustomed level of force, moving in several hundred heavily armed officers. On the evening of September 6, Acting Sergeant Kenneth Deane shot and killed Dudley George.
Serious questions have been raised about the involvement of senior members of the provincial government, including Premier Mike Harris, in this tragic incident. Members of the George family, First Nations, faith groups, opposition parties, labour, major Canadian newspapers, anti-racist groups and Amnesty International have all called for a full public inquiry into the events surrounding George's death.
Christian Peacemaker Teams Ontario and Kitchener-Waterloo Anti-Racist Action will both participate in this public witness. Christian Peacemaker Teams is an initiative among Mennonite and Church of the Brethren congregations and Friends Meetings that supports violence reduction efforts around the world.
Dudley George is dead. The need for the public to know the truth about his death is painfully alive.
Christian Peacemaker Teams - Ontario Region
1562 Danforth Ave, Box 72063, Toronto ON M4J 5C1
Tel: (416) 421-7079
Email: cpto@web.net