The Ipperwash Story: Chapter Two - The House Was Gone

1942: Federal Government Takeover

• In 1942, the federal government took over the entire reserve to create Camp Ipperwash, an army training camp.

• The decision was made to avoid water pipe installation costs and because the government considered the land undeveloped.

• The Indian agent saw it as an opportunity to consolidate the band at Kettle Point to reduce expenses.

Reserve Administration and Band Status

• Four reserves were created, but colonial authorities treated them as one band for convenience.

• Walpole Island and Sarnia gained separate band status, while Kettle Point and Stoney Point remained tied together.

Government-Imposed Band Government

• The government imposed a popular-vote system, resulting in a single elected band council for both Kettle Point and Stoney Point.

Notification of Takeover

• Residents learned of the takeover through a notice and strangers drilling on their land.

Status and the Indian Act

• The Indian agent removed "white" people (Nishnaabe-kwe women married to non-Native men) due to the Indian Act.

Attempts to Resist

• The community sent letters referencing the Royal Proclamation and the Huron Tract Treaty, asserting their refusal to sell.

• A petition reminded the government of Nishnaabeg contributions in the War of 1812.

Surrender Vote and War Measures Act

• A surrender vote was arranged, but it was voted against.

• The government issued Privy Council Order #2913, appropriating the reserve under the War Measures Act and allocating $$50,000 for resident removal.

Forced Removal and Destruction

• The army arrived to clear the land, excavating a quarry and moving houses onto trucks.

Personal Accounts of Displacement

• Families were told they would return after the war, but some were forcibly removed with damaged possessions.

Relocation Conditions

• Families were moved to a swampy area with houses placed on boulders.

• The relocation is blamed for the death of Janet's twin sisters.

Loss of Gardens and Livelihood

• Gardens were destroyed, leading to a loss of food for the winter.

Impact on Food Security and Resources

• Residents lost gardens, fruit trees, barns, root cellars, and water wells.

Emotional Impact and Loss

• The community was cut off from family in the burial grounds, which the army failed to care for.

Integration Difficulties at Kettle Point

• Newcomers were called "refugees" and bullied.

• Stoney Point men were excluded from elections.

Long-Term Consequences

• Farming efforts were impeded, families were forced onto welfare, and access to the craft industry and local employers was reduced.

Hardships and Struggles

• Families faced starvation, elders turned to alcohol, and many passed away due to displacement and being unwanted.

In 1942, the federal government took over a reserve to create Camp Ipperwash.

Four reserves were consolidated, but Kettle Point and Stoney Point remained tied.

Government imposed a popular-vote system.

Residents were notified of the takeover through a notice.

The Indian agent removed "white" people due to the Indian Act.

The community resisted, but the government appropriated the reserve under the War Measures Act.

The army cleared the land, and families were forcibly removed.

Families were relocated to a swampy area, leading to loss of gardens and livelihood.

The community faced emotional impact and integration difficulties.

Long-term consequences included impeded farming, welfare dependence, and reduced access to resources.

Families faced starvation and displacement.