The Town of Saugeen Shores and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation have reached an out of court resolution to Saugeen Shore’s involvement in a long-standing legal action in relation to parts of the Bruce Peninsula. That’s according to a media release from the municipality.
SON launched the claim approximately 25 years ago. it went to trial in 2019, and the two sides reached an agreement this week.
Although the terms are confidential, the deal involves providing about 1.7 hectares of municipal property, financial compensation, and support for housing development. The Town of Saugeen Shores 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.
“We are pleased to close this chapter of our land claim.” said Chief Lester Anoquot (Saugeen First Nation). “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.”
Chief Veronica Smith (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) added: “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.”
“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.”
In 2022, the Town looks forward to working with SON on renaming initiatives and to jointly acknowledge our commitment to reconciliation by investing in the property.
SON’s claim against the federal, provincial and other municipal governments is continuing, with appeals recently filed at the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Read original story from Midwestern Ontario News – BlackburnNews.com