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Hamilton Spectator
14 hours ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Sign at Ontario's popular Sauble Beach changed to reflect First Nation land ownership
A landmark sign at a popular Ontario beach was changed just before Canada Day to reflect a First Nation's ownership of the land. The red sign on the shore of Lake Huron in South Bruce Peninsula that previously read 'Welcome to Sauble Beach' now reads 'Welcome to Saugeen Beach.' Saugeen First Nation band councillor Sonya Roote says the name change was a 'long time coming,' and follows a 2023 court ruling that a two-kilometre stretch of Sauble Beach belongs to the community. The court found that the stretch of land had been improperly surveyed 170 years ago and returned its ownership to Saugeen First Nation. Roote says the new sign at the popular tourist destination is temporary and community consultations will take place for a more permanent sign in the future. South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Jay Kirkland says the town wasn't notified of the sign change and is disappointed about the decision. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Global News
14 hours ago
- General
- Global News
Sign at Ontario's popular Sauble Beach changed to reflect First Nation land ownership
A landmark sign at a popular Ontario beach was changed just before Canada Day to reflect a First Nation's ownership of the land. The red sign on the shore of Lake Huron in South Bruce Peninsula that previously read 'Welcome to Sauble Beach' now reads 'Welcome to Saugeen Beach.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Saugeen First Nation band councillor Sonya Roote says the name change was a 'long time coming,' and follows a 2023 court ruling that a two-kilometre stretch of Sauble Beach belongs to the community. The court found that the stretch of land had been improperly surveyed 170 years ago and returned its ownership to Saugeen First Nation. Roote says the new sign at the popular tourist destination is temporary and community consultations will take place for a more permanent sign in the future. Story continues below advertisement South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Jay Kirkland says the town wasn't notified of the sign change and is disappointed about the decision.
Winnipeg Free Press
15 hours ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sign at Ontario's popular Sauble Beach changed to reflect First Nation land ownership
A landmark sign at a popular Ontario beach was changed just before Canada Day to reflect a First Nation's ownership of the land. The red sign on the shore of Lake Huron in South Bruce Peninsula that previously read 'Welcome to Sauble Beach' now reads 'Welcome to Saugeen Beach.' Saugeen First Nation band councillor Sonya Roote says the name change was a 'long time coming,' and follows a 2023 court ruling that a two-kilometre stretch of Sauble Beach belongs to the community. The court found that the stretch of land had been improperly surveyed 170 years ago and returned its ownership to Saugeen First Nation. Roote says the new sign at the popular tourist destination is temporary and community consultations will take place for a more permanent sign in the future. South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Jay Kirkland says the town wasn't notified of the sign change and is disappointed about the decision. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025.
CBC
2 days ago
- General
- CBC
Iconic Sauble Beach welcome sign changed to reflect First Nation ownership
A landmark sign that's welcomed beach-goers to a popular strip of sand on the Lake Huron shoreline for decades looked a little different this Canada Day. Reflecting a court decision last year that solidified ownership of a roughly two-kilometre section of land to the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation, the iconic Sauble Beach sign was quietly changed overnight. It now reads "Welcome to Saugeen Beach" in the same red lettering that's marked the cut off from pavement to sand at the end of Main Street. "What some see as just a sign change is, for us, a symbol of truth, resilience and the reclamation of what has always been ours," wrote Saugeen First Nation Councillor Cheree Urscheler on social media Tuesday. "Welcome to Saugeen Beach—-where the land remembers, and so do we." The First Nation spent years in court fighting for ownership of the beach, with the Municipality of South Bruce Peninsula, the Ontario government, and several local families taking issue with the claim. Last December, the Ontario Court of Appeal sided with the First Nation, saying the federal government had breached the treaty it signed in 1854. In it, the First Nation and neighbouring Chippewas of Nawash surrendered Saugeen Peninsula, excluding five reserve territories. In 1856, the Crown surveyed the land improperly, the court ruled. As a result, roughly 2.2 kilometres of land promised under the treaty was removed from the reserve. The federal government recognized the mistake in the 1970s and had supported Saugeen First Nation in its claim. Today, the land covers an area west of Lakeshore Boulevard from Main Street and 7th Street North. Municipality surprised by sign change While many people were surprised to see the new sign Tuesday morning, elected officials said they were taken aback. In a statement, the municipality said it was not notified, and while it respects that the land now belongs to Saugeen First Nation, it was disappointed not to have been made aware. "The Sauble Beach sign is a well-known landmark with deep meaning for many people," Mayor Jay Kirkland said. "While we respect Saugeen First Nation's right to make changes on their land, we believe open communication is important—especially when it involves something so symbolic to the broader community. We remain committed to respectful dialogue and working together in the spirit of mutual understanding," Kirkland added. CBC News has reached out to the First Nation to better understand how it will proceed with the name change, including how it's used on maps and tourism materials. This story will be updated when that information is received. When it first regained title to the land, Chief Conrad Richie said the beach was an important tourist destination and the First Nation would work with residents to maintain that. The court had ordered the municipality to pay $1.67 million in legal fees to the First Nation, and ordered the province to pay $1.28 million, and the federal government $322,000. The town was also ordered to pay 50 per cent of the federal government's $486,784 legal costs.
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Saugeen First Nation, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and County of Bruce hold second annual joint meeting on June 5
WALKERTON - The second annual joint meeting of Saugeen First Nation, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and County of Bruce continued the steps forward in forming, in the words of CAO Christine MacDonald, 'a unique government-to-government relationship' based on respect and mutual interests. Warden Luke Charbonneau (Saugeen Shores) said, 'This meeting represents more than a continuing partnership; it's a meaningful opportunity to walk together in building relationships, fostering open dialogue and collaborating on shared priorities.' The special meeting on June 5 included an update on the various projects in progress with the Saugeen Anishnaabek Reconciliation Pathway and Action Plan, with a gratifying number of items marked 'completed.' Those present for the joint meeting also discussed the county's draft land acknowledgement protocol, 'guided by the principles of truth, respect, recognition, responsibility and collaborative relations.' Charbonneau noted the county has waited to adopt a land acknowledgement until 'we could do so with integrity, in alignment with our commitments under the Indigenous Reconciliation Framework and the Saugeen Anishnaabek Reconciliation Pathway and Action Plan.' The final item was the Saugeen Anishnaabek Engagement Circle – a proposed joint governance structure for engagement with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON). Charbonneau thanked everyone for their 'leadership and dedication to these efforts' and said he looked forward to the 'discussion, and continued collaboration, in strengthening our communities and our shared future.' He invited Chief Greg Nadjiwon of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation to share a few words. Nadjiwon said, 'We're kind of trailing when it comes to promoting economic development, and we're working hard to change that. … We need advocacy, and so I've been meeting with the others to … try to promote developments like the stored energy project (in Meaford) … our task of trying to get a service centre up and running … on the south hill of Wiarton, which involves two municipalities, South Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bluffs. Our intentions are to create own-source funding so we can … walk down a road of self-determination. Self determination is only a pipe dream, unless you have the resources to promote different initiatives, on all levels – recreation, health, literacy – the list is long. That's where we are right now.' He went on to say, 'I, as a chief, have worked hard to promote economic activity,' a task he likened to 'trying to push a greasy rock uphill; other times you're trying to run ahead of it so it doesn't crash into you. 'That's where we are as a First Nation,' he said. 'We're all about relationships.' Nadjiwon said, 'Yesterday a bill was passed - everyone in the room is aware of Bill 5 – it's going to cause concerns for us. We're not about stopping development. We're about doing development with method.' He commented that after watching Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers, it seems they're 'reading the play book of the person they're accusing of creating an economic crisis. I'm talking about the president south of the border whose battle cry is, 'Drill, drill, drill!' … I don't think you can follow that play book and have as much concern as you should for the Territory. I'm talking about the SON Territory, but I'm also talking about your towns, your villages … development should and will happen, but it's up to all of us to be the overseers, the ones that make sure it's done with method, to make sure we're not doing damage to the land … when we do damage to the lake, it's very hard to bring health back to it.' He concluded, 'These are concerns, major concerns. We, as much as you, work with the major corporations … Bruce Power, OPG and others … they bring wealth, they bring jobs, they bring opportunities … but you always have to have oversight, and we rely on you to advocate as mayors and others, to provide that oversight. … When we work together, we'll go forward in a real positive manner.' Chief Conrad Ritchie of Saugeen First Nation was unable to attend the meeting. Those present for the joint meeting had the opportunity to hear and comment on the two reports presented for information. Regarding the 2025 report on the reconciliation pathway and action plan, MacDonald noted staff have enjoyed working together with their SON counterparts. She said one action in the plan is complete, with 28 underway. MacDonald highlighted one project – drafting the Saugeen Anishnaabek Engagement Circle which forms a joint governance structure. That draft was considered and endorsed by all parties later in the meeting. MacDonald also highlighted the fact that over the last few years, 468 – over half – of the total number of county staff have received training and learning circles. The second report presented at the special meeting was about the land acknowledgement and protocol. Bruce County has adopted the land acknowledgment recommended by the SON Environmental Office: 'I want to acknowledge the Traditional Territory of the Anishinabek Nation: The People of the Three Fires known as Ojibway, Odawa, and Pottawatomie Nations. And further give thanks to the Chippewas of Saugeen, and the Chippewas of Nawash, now known as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, as the traditional keepers of this land.' Miptoon, an elder and band councillor for Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, said it was about 'working together and walking together,' something that 'we should have done quite a few years ago.' He said the 'working together and walking together got started with Every Child Matters, when he and others came to Walkerton to walk together – and have continued doing so for the last four years. 'We did walk together, carrying those flags,' he said, adding that Land Acknowledgements are very important to every one of us. 'I would prefer that you memorize it in your heart – don't read it off, because it's not that long.' Commented Warden Luke Charbonneau (Saugeen Shores), 'I'm glad we waited and took the time to make sure it was meaningful and genuine, and said the right things.' He added that he'd take to heart what Miptoon had said, and would memorize the Land Acknowledgement, so he could say it as it should be spoken. The final item, the Saugeen Anishnaabek Engagement Circle – a proposed joint governance structure for engagement – received the endorsement of all present. As described by MacDonald, the circle will 'provide a co-ordinated and resourced approach to engagement of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation to ensure there is no undue burden, and that Saugeen Anishnaabek voices are active in county work aligned with the Pathway and Action Plan, and ensure that we can continue to walk together.' The circle would be comprised of members of Saugeen First Nation, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Bruce County council, SON elders and knowledge keepers, SON youth, and non-Indigenous youth. MacDonald said the same information before Bruce County council will be taken to the two band councils, and presented to members. Miptoon said, 'Next steps are very important to us. First we were taking baby steps, now we're taking big steps. … Guys, this is a giant step for us. It can only happen when we walk together. … It's been a couple of years in the making, but here we are today, on the verge of doing something that's good, not only for Bruce County, but for all counties, to take the example that it's possible and achievable to work with the First Nations in the area. … We need to be together, and fight the governments together … we can do it. I'm excited that we're just about there.' He concluded by endorsing the Saugeen Anishnaabek Engagement Circle approach. Several members of Bruce County council also endorsed it, with County Coun. Kenneth Craig commenting the First Nations concept of the circle is reflected in the circular council table around which all the representatives of the three groups sat and engaged in discussion. Charbonneau wrapped up the meeting by commenting that he looks forward to the next joint meeting, and the ones after that. He expressed gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to move the process forward. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
