A map of Saugeen Ojibway Nation traditional territory provided in 2019. (submitted image)
The Town of Saugeen Shores and Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) have reached an out of court resolution to Saugeen Shore’s involvement in SON’s long-standing legal action in relation to parts of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula.
A release from Saugeen Shores says SON launched the claim approximately 25 years ago, and that the claim went to trial in 2019. It says SON and Saugeen Shores reached an agreement on September 21, 2021, to settle the claim with respect to Saugeen Shores. SON’s claim against the federal, provincial and other municipal governments continues with appeals recently filed at the Ontario Court of Appeal
The Town says the full terms of the settlement between Saugeen Shores and SON are confidential.
It does note, some highlights can be shared. The Town of Saugeen Shores has provided about 1.7 hectares of municipal property, (the location of which has not been publicly disclosed) financial compensation and a commitment for ongoing municipal support for housing development.
The Town of Saugeen Shores says it is also acknowledging the need for reconciliation and protection of the Indigenous significance of other lands in the Summerside development that were recently transferred to the Town.
Saugeen Shores will work with SON to rename these lands in the Summerside development.
Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot says in a statement, “We are pleased to close this chapter of our land claim,” adding, “Through cooperation, and a spirit of listening and joint respect, we have been able to arrive at an agreement with Saugeen Shores that supports a strong relationship between our communities.”
Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Chief Veronica Smith says, “Reconciliation is an ongoing process, but each step forward is important and significant. This resolution has strengthened the partnership with our neighbours at the Town of Saugeen Shores and is a positive step forward in our journey together on our traditional lands.”
Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau says, “The Town is learning more and more about how we can do better by our First Nations friends and partners. This agreement, and our process to get here, represent what’s possible and have reminded us that still more needs to be done,” said Mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores, Luke Charbonneau. “We are grateful to have worked in collaboration with SON to find a resolution we all support.”
The town says it looks forward to 2022, and working with SON on renaming initiatives and to jointly acknowledge a commitment to reconciliation by investing in the property.