The Town of Saugeen Shores and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation – including the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation – gathered Oct. 20 to celebrate the groundbreaking of Waase-yaa Park.
Located on an archaeological site west of the Summerside neighbourhood in Port Elgin, Ont., the park honours the history of the land while creating a space for reflection, learning and connection.
The ceremony started with a pipe ceremony and a water ceremony, followed by remarks from Chief Sonya Roote of the Saugeen First Nation, Chief Veronica Smith of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, and Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau. The event concluded with the official turning of the sod, marking the start of construction.
“Waase-yaa Park is the result of years of collaboration, learning and relationship building,” Charbonneau said. “This park creates a lasting place where residents and visitors can learn about the history of this land, reflect on its significance and continue building a future grounded in respect, understanding and reconciliation. We are proud to work alongside the Saugeen Ojibway Nation on a project that honours the past while creating opportunities for future generations.”
The park was designed in collaboration with Saugeen Ojibway Nation representatives to provide opportunities for learning about the history of the land, local Indigenous culture and the nation’s enduring connection to the area.
The name Waase-yaa means “it is bright” or “light, as in day,” reflecting the vision of the park as a place that encourages understanding, reflection and a shared path forward. The park will include features that honour the story of the land, support educational programming and create opportunities for ceremony, gathering and quiet reflection.