The Town of Saugeen Shores says it has advanced to its next step in its Saugeen Ojibway Nation Settlement Agreement.
A release from the Town says, on February 28th, Council declared surplus roughly 1.7 hectares at 229 Turner Street in Southampton. They say this is the first step in the process to formally transfer the land to Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) as part of the Land Claim Settlement Agreement reached last September.
The parcel of land includes a pumping station. The station will remain in the ownership of the Town.
Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Chief Veronica Smith met with Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau recently to recognize the step forward.
Anoquot says in a statement, “Being able to reach a resolution outside of the court process allowed us to come to an agreement that recognizes the Saugeen Ojibway’s connection to our traditional lands, and also the importance of the relationship that we have and will continue to build with Saugeen Shores.”
Smith says, “On behalf of the Chippewas of Nawash, we accept the land offered by the Town of Saugeen Shores. This is truly a demonstration of the good faith and on-going work we must continue together towards Truth & Reconciliation, and the settlement of the Saugeen Ojibway Land Claim.”
Charbonneau says, “Reaching the land settlement agreement with SON was a highlight of 2021,” adding, “Each step forward is a significant one on our journey to reconciliation with our neighbours. We look forward to working with SON on further initiatives in coming months.”
The Town says, in addition to providing this property to SON, in the Agreement, the Town also approved financial compensation and a commitment for ongoing municipal support for housing development.
The Town also acknowledged the need for reconciliation and protection of the Indigenous significance of other lands in the Summerside development that were recently transferred to the Town.
The Town says, “In 2022, Saugeen Shores will work with SON to name these lands in the Summerside development and provide a permanent installation to recognize the lands significance to the SON community.”