An explosive 17-minute tape was played on Wednesday at the inquiry into the death of Ojibwe protester Dudley George at the hands of police in Ontario.
The tape is of a call between two senior officers shortly before a heavily armed force of police stormed Ipperwash Provincial Park and killed the unarmed George. In it, the officers said they were being pressured by "redneck" political leaders to deal with the protest situation at the park.
"We're dealing with a real redneck government," Ontario Provincial Police Insp. Ron Fox said on the tape. "They are f*** barrel suckers, they are just in love with guns . . . they couldn't give a **** less about Indians." A second officer said: "They just want to go kick ass."
The tape only came to light last year and can be heard on Who Killed Dudley George?, a website set up by George's family. The family has accused the Ontario's political leaders at the time of the September 1995 incident of involvement.
Former premier Mike Harris -- who is said to have sought action on the protest -- is to testify at the inquiry this summer. The phone call occurred after Fox attended a high-level meeting with Harris and other government officials.
Get the Story:'Redneck' government was anti-Indian, Ipperwash inquiry hears (CBC 5/18)
Officer described government as 'redneck,' anti Indian, inquiry told (CP 5/18)
Harris pushed for 'action' at Ipperwash, probe told (The Globe and Mail 5/19)
Ipperwash probe hears of government's role (CTV 5/19)
Harris linked to Ipperwash raid (The London Free Press 5/19)
Officials didn't heed crisis signs at Ipperwash, inquiry told (The Globe and Mail 5/18) Relevant Links:
Who Killed Dudley George - http://www.whokilleddudleygeorge.ca
Dudley George and Ipperwash, CBC News - http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/ipperwash
Dudley George information - http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-dudley.htm Related Stories:
Judge holds back tapes in Native man's death (10/13)
Inquiry opens into police shooting of Native man (07/14)
Racist statements by police prompt criticism (01/22)
Tape catches police making racist comments (1/21)
Ont. calls inquiry into death of Native man (11/14)
Native family settles death suit with police (10/03)
Civil trial over Native man's death delayed (09/19)