In a historic moment, the Town of Saugeen Shores and Saugeen First Nation have signed their first ever Friendship Accord – Wiijkiwenydiwaad Miinwa Zgaabiignigan, meaning ‘Friends with one another and we are connected’.
The day-long event began with the Saugeen First Nation’s women’s drummers and a traditional smudge and prayer led by elder Lori Kewaquom.
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The accord embodies a shared commitment between the Town of Saugeen Shores and Saugeen First Nation to talk together in partnership, fostering collaboration that honours the past, strengthens the communities, and nurtures a prosperous future for the region as a whole.
“It is with great pride and optimism that we join hands with Saugeen Shores in signing this Friendship Accord,” said Saugeen First Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie. “This agreement represents our commitment to moving forward together, honouring our heritage, and creating a future that benefits all our people. By working together, we can achieve
remarkable things and continue to foster a spirit of unity and respect. This is also about laying the blueprint for our children. It is up to us as leaders to set a precedent for young people. As human beings we are wired for connection and it’s segregation and isolation that causes a sickness in people. We are all connected to each other. This (agreement) is one step forward in closing the gap between our communities.”
remarkable things and continue to foster a spirit of unity and respect. This is also about laying the blueprint for our children. It is up to us as leaders to set a precedent for young people. As human beings we are wired for connection and it’s segregation and isolation that causes a sickness in people. We are all connected to each other. This (agreement) is one step forward in closing the gap between our communities.”
“Saugeen Shores is proud and excited to come together with Saugeen First Nation in the spirit of friendship, collaboration, and mutual respect,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “The signing of this Friendship Accord marks the beginning of a stronger partnership based on the seven grandfather teachings of love, truth, bravery, honesty, humility, respect and wisdom, that will bring shared opportunities and lasting benefits for both our communities. We worked together really well and I can’t wait to see the work going forward. This is a really powerful document based on the principles of the grandfather teachings and good friendships are based on them. Best friends stand shoulder to shoulder and have each other’s back in the face of adversity. Good friends also tell each other the truth even when the truth is hard to hear. It’s about respecting each other’s cultures and traditions.”
The accord sets out a Vision, Guiding Principles, Process, and Key Areas of Mutual Interest including:
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Increasing Connection
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Tourism
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Building Complete Communities
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Business Development
The signing ceremony was part of a day-long graduation celebration from the First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). Saugeen First Nation and the Town of Saugeen Shores joined CEDI, a program by Cando and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in 2022. The program facilitates meetings and workshops and offers tools for relationship and capacity building. It helps communities develop joint economic development plans, strengthen partnerships, and improve regional quality of life.
The signing of the Friendship Accord marks the official conclusion of the CEDI program, but it signifies the beginning of a shared journey between Saugeen First Nation and the Town of Saugeen Shores.
