Transfer for the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nations

National Defence is responsible for decommissioning the former Camp Ipperwash, which, once concluded, will be returned to the Chippewas of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
While decommissioning work is ongoing, National Defence continues to support the First Nation’s governance over the former Camp Ipperwash.
As part of this effort, National Defence is transferring $250,000 to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, which is responsible for providing funding to First Nation.
Crown-Indigenous Relations will provide these funds to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to manage property maintenance of the former Camp.
This maintenance includes the annual inspection of heating systems, minor building repairs, and snow removal.
First Nations will also use the funds to ensure that access to the former Camp Ipperwash is monitored and controlled, due to the risk of unexploded ordnance at the Camp.
National Defence continues to take concrete steps to ensure we are living up to the spirit and intent of our agreements with, and support for, First Nation and Indigenous Peoples.

Key Facts

Decommissioning of the former Camp Ipperwash includes:
- The completion of an Unexploded Explosive Ordnance Clearance Program;
- An environmental investigation and remediation; and
- The removal of infrastructure.
National Defence has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation (2018 – 2032)

In 2018, National Defence renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
This agreement describes the details of the arrangement whereby the Chippewas of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation will engage First Nation staff and service providers for the provision of the maintenance, limited operations and Access Control services for the Former Camp Ipperwash.
It also facilitates employment opportunities for First Nation members, and prepares them to assume a governance role over the property.
By providing funds for this project, National Defence is also supporting stabilizing relations with the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, as local tensions remain high.
The funds will also support providing consistent, safe, and secure access to the site for National Defence.
Upon completion of the funding for property maintenance, unused portions of the funds will be retained by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for activities related to the former Camp.

In March 2019, protestors began restricting access to contractors hired by National Defence for clearance and remediation work over concerns about terms of the agreement.
Due to the protests at the former Camp Ipperwash, National Defence’s clearance and remediation project work was put on hold at the time.
Protests ended in August 2019, allowing National Defence’s clearance and remediation work to resume. The work has paused for the winter months and will recommence in the spring of 2020.

Version 6; 2020-02-24 – Source: Director Budget draft