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The Ontario government has begun the process of returning Ipperwash Provincial Park to aboriginals more than 12 years after a native protester was shot by police.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Bryant said Thursday that the government and the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, working with local non-aboriginal communities, will co-manage the 44-hectare park on the shore of Lake Huron.

These discussions will determine the use and management of the park until it is transferred to the First Nation.

“This is a very good day for our community and our people,” said Kettle and Stony Point Chief Tom Bressette.

Neither Mr. Bryant nor the chief would speculate on when the land would be finally transferred.

The minister stressed that the co-management process is important because it should help reduce the friction between aboriginals and non-aboriginals.

“Right now the relationship between these neighbours, which had been harmonious more than a dozen years ago, is not what it should be,” he said. “I say we're all in the same canoe. We have got to find a way where there is friction to live together. And in the spirit of that, the lands of Ipperwash Provincial Park will be co-managed — the community and First Nations and government will be put at the same table and they will determine the future of those lands.”

Dudley George, a member of the First nation, was shot to death at Ipperwash on Sept. 6, 1995, in a raid by the Ontario Provincial Police to break up a native occupation. The park has been closed since then.

A two-year inquiry into his death, led by Mr. Justice Sidney Linden, made dozens of recommendations for improving relations with natives. Mr. Bryant said today that the move to return the park signals the government's intention to make progress on aboriginal affairs.

Judge Linden welcomed the minister's announcement, saying he is happy that it marks the beginning of a process because a solution cannot be dictated by any one party.

“I'm obviously gratified,” he said. “The notion of co-management is consistent with the spirit of the report.”

Sam George, a brother of the slain protester, said he is pleased that the government is honouring his request that the park be returned as a tribute to his brother.

“It's been a very long and hard journey to get to this point but I feel like we are now getting somewhere,” Mr. George said.