Saugeen Shores and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) are working together to finalize an agreement settling Saugeen Shore’s involvement in SON’s long-standing legal action in relation to parts of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula.

Once final, the agreement will settle a claim launched by SON approximately 25 years ago.

The claim went to trial in 2019, and closing arguments were heard in October 2020. To date, no decision has been released.

Saugeen Shores and SON continue to work through the details of the settlement agreement, and view this as a positive step towards fostering further cooperation and reconciliation between Saugeen Shores and SON.

“We look forward to continuing to move forward with our neighbours in the spirit of cooperation,” said Chief Lester Anoquot (Saugeen First Nation) about discussions regarding an out of court resolution with Saugeen Shores.

Head Councillor Anthony Chegahno (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) echoed that: “These talks are a positive step towards reconciliation and part of building strong relationships with local governments in our traditional territory.”

The Mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores, Luke Charbonneau commented “The Town is very pleased with the positive progress towards settling this long standing land claim. We look forward to our continued work with our friends and neighbours at SON on this settlement. I hope this is the beginning of a path forward for our communities to build a stronger shared future.”

More details respecting the settlement will become available once it has been finalized.

Grey County and SON reached an agreement last September.

source: media release, SON