Saugeen Shores Council Acknowledges National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Statement from the members of Saugeen Shores Council:

As we come together as a community on National Indigenous Peoples Day, let us both celebrate the cultures, and recognize the need for truth and reconciliation. The recent discovery of the unmarked graves of children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School is a stark reminder of the trauma inflicted on Indigenous people across our country. There is much work to be done on the journey to truth and reconciliation.

We encourage everyone in our community to spend time learning about and acknowledging the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and locally. Take time to celebrate the cultures and traditions. Take time to discover and support Indigenous authors, artists, and local businesses.

The Town of Saugeen Shores would like to acknowledge the 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, known collectively as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, as the traditional keepers of this land.

Mayor Luke Charbonneau, Deputy Mayor Don Matheson, Vice Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt, Councillor Matt Carr, Councillor Cheryl Grace, Councillor Dave Myette, Councillor John Rich, Councillor Kristan Shrider, Councillor Jami Smith