We’ve come a long way’ local First Nation chief says – Wiarton Echo

Jun 28, 2024

A sunrise ceremony marked National Indigenous Peoples Day in Owen Sound on June 21, and on June 28 there was a flag-raising there to acknowledge the territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.

“Many people are becoming aware of this day, and many are hosting events celebrating First Nations identity,” said Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Chief Greg Nadjiwon, in a text message after the ceremony. “We’ve come a long way.”

The wardens, Brian Milne of Grey County and Chris Peabody of Bruce County, and Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy were among those who spoke. With the sun visible at first on the first day of summer, Boddy remarked that it was a new day, a new season and a new year for all to work towards reconciliation, he recounted later.