Thunder Bay

First Nation chief invites judge who jailed him for dinner

The chief of a remote Ontario First Nation wants a judge and a former attorney general to come stay at his house, in an effort to show there are no hard feelings after the pair was involved in decisions that sent community's leaders to jail.

Donny Morris wants judge, former A-G to visit Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug

The chief of a remote Ontario First Nation wants a judge and a former attorney general to come stay at his house, in an effort to show there are no hard feelings after the pair was involved in decisions that sent community leaders to jail.

Kitchenumaykoosib Inninuwug Chief Donny Morris and five other leaders were jailed in 2008 after protesting against mining activity on their traditional lands.

Now, the chief said, he'd like Justice Patrick Smith and former Attorney General Michael Bryant to come for dinner.

"I'll even make the opportunity for them to come stay at my home with me," Morris said. "I'll cook them up a good meal of traditional foods."

The chief's invitation comes as part of a broader initiative launched by youth in Kitchenuhmaykoosib. They're inviting celebrities and ordinary Canadians to experience a week in the life of the remote community in the lead up to National Aboriginal Day June 21.

Morris issued his invitation to Smith and Bryant on YouTube.

"Just to show there are no hard feelings," Morris said. "Life goes on for both parties, and if there's anything we need to say to each other, I'd like to just clear it up."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Porter

Former Senior Reporter

Jody Porter was a senior reporter based in Thunder Bay, Ont. She was the recipient of a Debwewin Citation from the Anishinabek Nation for excellence in reporting on First Nations issues and a Massey College Clarkson Laureate in recognition of public service.