SON Chief hails historic Sauble Beach victory, calls for greater Indigenous leadership – sarnianewstoday.ca
December 13, 2024
Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Chief Conrad Ritchie has hailed the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling on Sauble Beach as a historic and deeply meaningful victory for his community.
The court upheld SON’s ownership of the northern portion of Sauble Beach, affirming treaty rights that had been contested for generations. The ruling grants the First Nation full jurisdiction over approximately 2.2 kilometers of beach north of Main Street.
“This is a huge and historic victory for Saugeen,” Chief Ritchie said. “For generations, we’ve fought to have this part of the beach recognized as part of our reserve. It’s an exciting time, bringing a lot of positive news for our community and our people.”
While the decision firmly establishes Saugeen’s ownership, Ritchie emphasized the importance of preserving the beach as a beloved destination for both residents and visitors. “We understand the beach’s significance to others, including tourists. As stewards of the land, we’ll uphold our traditions while keeping the beach open to the public, enhancing it as both a community and tourist destination,” he said.
