Mr. Speaker,

It was with great sadness we learned yesterday morning that Sam George began his spirit journey in the early hours of June 3.

He was home, at Kettle and Stony Point, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, it was only six months ago I stood in this Legislature to honour Sam for his tireless efforts and wisdom in helping to build better relationships between our government and First Nations.

It was a role Sam hadn't asked for, but one that dominated the last 14 years of his life.

Somehow, Sam was able to overcome the inevitable emotions of anger and bitterness over his brother's tragic death and channel his passion into a relentless pursuit of the truth followed by reconciliation.

From the evening of September 6th, 1995 when he got the terrible news that his brother Dudley had died at Ipperwash park, Sam asked only 'what happened and why?'

It was the question that launched the Ipperwash Inquiry - an examination of relationships far beyond those between the people and organizations present in the park that tragic night.

This is what Sam wanted the inquiry to be, I think.

Sam found the courage and grace to work with the Ipperwash Inquiry and the government to find truth and fairness for his community.

I have met few people in my life who could exceed the strength of character demonstrated by Sam at all times, in the most difficult of circumstances.

His contributions ensured that together, we would find a way to move forward into a new era of healing, reconciliation and peace with First Nations in Ontario.

He was a modern-day hero, whose legacy will impact future generations.

Sam was tireless in his efforts.

He travelled near and far to talk about his experiences and the path he was on in seeking the truth about what happened to his brother.

He wasn't used to the mechanisms of a formal Inquiry, he told Justice Linden and others, but the Elders in his community told him the answers he sought would come.

Even then, the Elders had faith in us.

And the answers did come.

Sam didn't quit when the Inquiry issued its recommendations.

He had only just begun to work with us at the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, a ministry his passion helped create, when he was diagnosed with cancer.

I am grateful to say that I was privileged to meet Sam on many occasions, most recently at his bedside following the May 2009 signing of an agreement to transfer Ipperwash Provincial Park lands to the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.

The community had asked for this transfer, and Justice Linden supported this in the Inquiry's final report.

I am so glad he lived to see this historic agreement become a reality.

Despite his failing health, Sam was very much with us in spirit that day in the park, and afterward he met many visitors at his home.

It was a day of celebration and renewed hope, and Sam was one of those who made it possible.

His goal was never accolades, he told us. His work was dedicated to the respect and honour of his brother's memory.

Mr. Speaker, Dudley George gave his life for his people.

Sam George dedicated the last 14 years of his life to ensure Dudley's tragic death did not go unaddressed.

Fourteen years ago relations between the Government of Ontario and Aboriginal people were at an historic low.

Today, 14 years later that relationship is at a high point.

The sacrifice made by these two brothers and the George family has provided our generation with an historic opportunity to work together to do something that our forefathers failed to do.

As we work to eliminate the socio-economic gaps that exist between Aboriginal people and communities and other Ontarians, we will do so with the knowledge that Sam's tireless efforts played a critical role in making this possible.

His children, grandchildren and many nephews and nieces will know that their beloved father and uncle changed the course of Ontario history.

Mr. Speaker, Sam has helped to paint a new and brighter future for all of us in Ontario.

Sam's loss will be deeply felt by First Nation people and Ontarians across the province.

At the same time, there is comfort for Sam in his passing.

Sam told the Ipperwash Inquiry that from the time he got the phone call about his brother, he hurt.

"I will hurt until the day I meet with my brother again," he said.

So we wish Sam a joyful reunion, and peace.

Mr. Speaker, I've had the privilege to meet and spend time with Sam's family.

And what a generous, kind and loving family they are.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of:

• Premier Dalton McGuinty

• Sam's very good friends and champions the Hon. Gerry Phillips and

• MPP Maria Van Bommel,

• my colleagues in the Ontario legislature,

• and all Ontarians,

I extend our sincerest condolences to:

• his wonderful wife Veronica,

• daughters Tammy and Yvonne,

• son Donald Jr.,

• Sam's extended family,

• his friends, and

• the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.

We have all lost a great leader, teacher, visionary and friend.