Ontario’s Courtroom of Enchantment has dismissed appeals difficult Saugeen First Nation’s possession of the northern part of Sauble Seaside.
The choice upholds a 2023 Superior Courtroom ruling that acknowledged the First Nation’s treaty rights to roughly 2.2 kilometres of the seaside north of Primary Road, resolving a long-standing boundary dispute stemming from 1856. The court docket additionally upheld monetary awards in opposition to South Bruce Peninsula, requiring the city to pay $1.67 million to Saugeen First Nation and $467,000 to Canada for authorized prices. Moreover, Ontario and the federal authorities should pay a mixed $1.6 million to Saugeen First Nation for earlier authorized bills. Nonetheless, the court docket agreed to revisit Canada’s legal responsibility for pre-Confederation Crown actions in a future part of the case.
Chief Conrad Ritchie of Saugeen First Nation referred to as the ruling a victory for his neighborhood, affirming their connection to the land.
“The rights of the Saugeen individuals have been vindicated,” mentioned Chief Ritchie. “After generations of battle, this can be a victory that belongs to our total neighborhood. Our relationship with our lands and waters is central to our lifestyle and Sauble Seaside-known to us as Chi Gmiinh-is an integral a part of our neighborhood. Out of all our huge territory, this was the place that our ancestors selected to order for his or her future generations after they took treaty with the Crown.”
Ritchie emphasised the significance of collaboration with native stakeholders to take care of Sauble Seaside as a valued vacation spot beneath Saugeen’s jurisdiction.
South Bruce Peninsula expressed disappointment however pledged to assessment the choice and act locally’s finest pursuits. The city retains possession of a smaller part of the seaside south of the disputed space.
