Since January, 2022, Bruce County has been progressing through a comprehensive Indigenous Reconciliation Planning Initiative, featuring phased ongoing delivery of training and development of a Reconciliation Action Plan,
To understand how to realize the 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), ongoing consultation and engagement with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Saugeen First Nation, and Indigenous peoples and organizations, has and is continuing to occur. TRC defined reconciliation as the process of “establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country.”
On July 4, 2024, at a Special joint meeting of County Council with Council members from both First Nations, County Council endorsed the Bruce County’s Indigenous Reconciliation Framework, and Bruce County’s Saugeen Anishnaabek Reconciliation Pathway and Action Plan. This distinction-based approach acknowledges the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, as knowledge keepers in their traditional territory, and recognizes our unique government to government relationship with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
As next steps, Bruce County is committed to pursuing and embracing its relationships and exploring reconciliation pathways with Indigenous-serving organizations reflecting the distinct rights, histories, and priorities of Indigenous peoples. Ongoing relationship building and collaborative partnerships and new intersections can be anticipated to occur in Bruce County’s distinctions-based approach to reconciliation and action.
“This is the first milestone in the process of reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples of Bruce County, and importantly the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. There is much hard work ahead to realize the commitment made in this Action Plan. I want to thank the Councils of both the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation for, without their knowledge and willingness to engage in conversations, this work would not be possible,” said Warden Peabody.
