Announcement naming Mike Harris to the Order of Ontario ‘an insult’

ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (January 2, 2021) – Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Hare says that the announcement of former premier Mike Harris being appointed to the 2020 Order of Ontario yesterday was an insult to First Nations people across Ontario.

While Harris is known for his involvement with Walkerton and more recently serving as chair as Chartwell Retirement Residences where seniors are dying of COVID-19, the focus for the Anishinabek Nation is his lasting legacy with the Ipperwash Crisis.

“The Ipperwash Inquiry made it very clear that while he didn’t personally pull the trigger, Mike Harris’ actions as the Premier of Ontario contributed to the circumstances that led to the shooting death of unarmed land defender Anthony ‘Dudley’ George on the night of September 6, 1995,” says Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Hare. “This is an insult to First Nations people. Harris’ contribution to our collective knowledge is anything but positive.”

2020 marked the 25th anniversary of the Ipperwash Crisis. The Anishinabek Nation marked the anniversary with a summer series of educational articles which can be found via Anishinabek News.

Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, announced the new appointments on January 1.  The Order of Ontario honours individuals whose exceptional achievements have left a lasting legacy in the province.