Former chief of Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Tom Bressette has died
He led his First Nation through challenging times and today Chief Tom Bressette is being remembered for dedicating much of his life to the advancement of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
The first nation leadership announced that Bressette died Friday morning.
Bressette first became a council member in 1986 and was elected chief in 1990.
He served numerous terms as chief, the most recent ending in 2018.
His leadership was viewed as critical as the community dealt with the death of Dudley George, who was shot by an OPP officer during a land dispute in September of 1995.
Bressette also helped secure the return of lands that make up Pinery Provincial Park, a transaction which also included a $95-million payment to the First Nation.
In a statement, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe expressed his sadness at Bressette's death.
“He has been a strong activist and voice for First Nation rights which has spanned decades. Throughout a remarkable life of leadership, he advocated and lobbied governments in a common vision of equality and unity to advocate for a better future for First Nations people. While he was best known for his strong voice, his actions also resonate throughout the Anishinabek Nation territory and beyond; we will certainly benefit from his hard work and dedication for years to come.”
The Anishinabek National advocates for 39 member First Nations across Ontario.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Bressette began his work for the First Nation as an addictions counsellor, and also chaired the Anishinabek Police Service for several years.
He also spearheaded initiatives that worked toward better financial management, adequate housing, water and wastewater treatment, infrastructure and health care in his community.
Although he received numerous awards, he may be best known for helping settle the Ipperwash Inquiry, and advocating for the report's implementation.
A cause of death has not been released.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.