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Pinery Provincial Park along the eastern shore of Lake Huron has been closed to the public “until further notice” due to a threatened occupation.

The park issued a statement Thursday saying the decision was made after “a few individuals” informed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry of their intention to occupy the park.

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Hubert George, who lives at Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, says he and Maynard T. George delivered a “notice of repossession and trespass” to the park earlier this week, and set up a trailer at its front gate.

Photo by File photo

They describe themselves as descendants of Chippewa Grand Chief Wabgance, who they say signed a treaty just prior to the War of 1812. They argue land that includes the provincial park was never properly surrendered.

“We’re trying to keep everything as peaceful as possible,” George said. “We have our rights. We want to be heard, that’s all.”

George added: “The story has never been finished.”