Former chief of Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Tom Bressette has died
Tom Bressette, former chief of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, is seen in this file photo. (CTV News London)
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
'Hurts like hell': What goes into the price of gas in Canada
With the price of gas rising above $2 per litre and setting new records in Canada this year, CTVNews.ca looks at what goes into the price per litre of gasoline and where the situation could go from here.
'This is an unusual situation': Feds monitoring monkeypox cases in Canada
Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam says the federal government is monitoring monkeypox cases and their chains of transmission after two cases were confirmed in this country.
'Fight for a stronger Alberta': Kenney comments for first time since announcing resignation
Premier Jason Kenney spoke publicly Friday for the first time since dropping the bombshell announcement that he plans to step down as UCP leader and premier of Alberta.
WHO calls emergency meeting as monkeypox cases cross 100 in Europe
The World Health Organization was due to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after more than 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.
BREAKING | Quebec City Halloween attacker found guilty of first-degree murder
A man who used a sword to kill and maim victims in Quebec City's historic district on Halloween night 2020 has been found guilty of murder.
NEW | Decision to ban Huawei and ZTE from 5G wasn't easy, PM Trudeau says
On the heels of news that Canada is banning Huawei Technologies and ZTE from participating in the country’s 5G wireless networks, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the decision wasn't easy to make. The prime minister also defended the timing of the decision, saying that while it will be years before all use of products from these Chinese companies will be outlawed, it's happening before the country is even more interconnected by the next-generation telecommunications infrastructure.
NEW | Ontario woman says daughter was discriminated against over face mask
An Ontario woman believes her daughter was discriminated against after she was allegedly kicked out of a local activity centre over her choice to wear a face mask.
Trump pays US$110K fine, must submit paperwork to end contempt
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has paid the US$110,000 in fines he racked up after being held in contempt of court for being slow to respond to a civil subpoena issued by New York's attorney general.
What to do when your home appraisal falls short as the housing market cools
The cooling housing market has left some buyers with mortgages that can't cover the full cost of their home following an appraisal. Toronto-based mortgage broker Mary Sialtsis discusses what options these buyers have.
Kitchener
-
Stratford swan dies of avian flu
The City of Stratford is urging residents and visitors not to feed local waterfowl including geese, ducks and swans after one its swans died of avian influenza.
-
Kitchener shopping plaza targeted in early morning break-in
Two south Kitchener businesses are picking up the pieces, after they were targeted in an early morning break-in at a shopping plaza.
-
Mysterious foam erupts from Cambridge roadway
The City of Cambridge is investigating after a mysterious foam erupted from the intersection of Fountain Street and King Street twice in the past 24 hours.
Windsor
-
Family still trying to pay for burial costs two months after cyclist killed on Windsor street
The family of Ken McEldowney has organized a fundraiser for this Sunday to help pay for a headstone and burial fees.
-
Essex County OPP Marine Unit actively patrolling waterways this long weekend
The Essex County OPP Marine Unit will be out on the water promoting marine safety and enforcing boating laws this Victoria Day long weekend.
-
Preparations begin for next phase of $27-million Cabana Road corridor upgrades
Preliminary work is beginning on the next phase of the $27-million Cabana Road construction project.
Barrie
-
Toonie-sized hail and a 'tornado or two' possible for Muskoka, Grey Bruce
The Victoria Day long weekend might begin with hail and strong wind gusts sweeping through parts of Muskoka and Grey Bruce, according to Environment Canada.
-
Driver fined $615 for being on his phone, police say
Police slapped a motorist with a hefty fine Friday morning in Whitchurch-Stouffville as they patrol the roads for careless drivers this long weekend.
-
Woman finds bunny shot with arrow in backyard
Provincial police are investigating after a New Tecumseth resident discovered a rabbit shot with an arrow in her backyard.
Northern Ontario
-
Much of northeast under severe thunderstorm watch, hail possible
Severe thunderstorms could develop Friday afternoon in communities across northeastern Ontario, Environment Canada said.
-
Dozens of Northern cats need forever homes
Dozens of cats arrived in Barrie from Northern Ontario, hoping to be adopted by their forever families.
-
OPP investigates arson after multiple dump trucks destroyed
Provincial police are investigating an arson that destroyed multiple dump trucks at a Caledon business.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa gas prices drop, but not for long
Your long weekend road trip will be a little cheaper today, as gas prices drop below $2 a litre at Ottawa stations.
-
Ontario Liberals promise to pay 50 per cent of Ottawa's Stage 3 LRT project
"Fifty per cent of provincial funding for Stage 3 of Ottawa's regional transit plan is in the platform," Liberal leader Steven Del Duca told CTV Morning Live Friday morning.
-
Royal Military College awards posthumous degrees to four cadets killed in Kingston, Ont.
Four Royal Military College cadets who died in a motor vehicle accident in Kingston, Ont. last month were given their degrees posthumously on Thursday and honoured in a memorial put on by friends at the college.
Toronto
-
NEW
NEW | Ontario woman says daughter was discriminated against over face mask
An Ontario woman believes her daughter was discriminated against after she was allegedly kicked out of a local activity centre over her choice to wear a face mask.
-
Gas prices in Ontario set to rise again. This is when you should fill up
Gas prices in Ontario dropped 10 cents per litre on Friday ahead of the long weekend but the relief at the pumps is expected to be short-lived.
-
Expert provides tips on what to do if you're being carjacked
Some drivers in Toronto may be feeling on edge as Toronto is dealing with a rash of violent carjackings targeting mostly high-end vehicles.
Montreal
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | Quebec City Halloween attacker found guilty of first-degree murder
A man who used a sword to kill and maim victims in Quebec City's historic district on Halloween night 2020 has been found guilty of murder.
-
Canadian government eyeing vaccines after monkeypox outbreak in Quebec
The federal government said it is exploring the possibility of using its limited stockpile of smallpox vaccines to protect Quebecers from the recent outbreak of the disease's cousin, monkeypox.
-
Canada's first 2 monkeypox cases confirmed in Quebec
Quebec's health ministry announced Thursday evening there are two confirmed cases of monkeypox in the province, while 20 other suspected cases are still under investigation.
Atlantic
-
Crews responding to fire at Dartmouth scrap metal business; air quality warning issued
Police and firefighters are responding to a fire at Dartmouth Metals, a scrap metal business in Dartmouth, N.S.
-
Kalin's Call: Warmer temperatures, risk of thunderstorms expected for long weekend
Some warmer temperatures are expected for the Maritimes during the upcoming May long weekend. With that, however, brings a few rounds of showers with a risk of thunderstorms.
-
N.B. minister says Chantel Moore inquest recommendations being sent to police forces for review
New Brunswick’s minister of public safety said Friday morning that the recommendations on policing that have come out of the Chantel Moore coroner’s inquest will be reviewed by municipal police forces across the province over the next six months.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba changing eligibility for fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose
Manitoba's top doctor says health officials are changing the eligibility for a second COVID-19 booster vaccine.
-
Missing man's vehicle was found abandoned in water-filled field: RCMP
RCMP are asking for help to find a missing man whose vehicle was found abandoned in a water-filled field in Southern Manitoba.
-
Man wanted for second-degree murder may be armed in Thunder Bay: Winnipeg police
Winnipeg police say a suspect wanted for second-degree murder in connection with the death of a Winnipeg man may be armed in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Calgary
-
'Fight for a stronger Alberta': Kenney comments for first time since announcing resignation
Premier Jason Kenney spoke publicly Friday for the first time since dropping the bombshell announcement that he plans to step down as UCP leader and premier of Alberta.
-
Keeping kids safe: How to reduce the risk of falls from windows, balconies
With warm weather in the forecast this long weekend, Calgarians are being reminded just how dangerous an open window or balcony can be for young kids.
-
Gas prices remain stable in Calgary ahead of long weekend
The price for a full tank of gas in Calgary is still pretty expensive, but indications show there isn't much change expected for the near future.
Edmonton
-
'Everything pops': Elks show off new jerseys with a vintage touch
The Edmonton Elks unveiled their 2022 home and away uniforms on Friday.
-
'Grandparent scam': Calgary man facing fraud charges in Sherwood Park
A 40-year-old man from Calgary is facing a fraud charge after Mounties allege he collected thousands of dollars as part of a "grandparent scam" in Strathcona County.
-
'Fight for a stronger Alberta': Kenney comments for first time since announcing resignation
Premier Jason Kenney spoke publicly Friday for the first time since dropping the bombshell announcement that he plans to step down as UCP leader and premier of Alberta.
Vancouver
-
Monkeypox in B.C.? 'Couple' cases looked into, but still no confirmation of the disease
Hours after the country's top doctor suggested there could be a "couple" of cases of monkeypox in British Columbia, provincial officials said it’s been determined those people do not have the disease.
-
2 more girls arrested in connection with swarming incident at Surrey school
Police have arrested two more minors in connection with a brutal swarming attack on a teenage girl outside a Surrey, B.C., elementary school earlier this month.
-
Metro Vancouver forecast to see 7 days of sun, starting on May long weekend
After weeks of unseasonably cold and rainy weather, including some days that saw record-breaking low temperatures, it appears Metro Vancouver is finally in for a stretch of sun.