Saugeen First Nation facts for kids

The Saugeen First Nation (called Saukiing in the Ojibway language) is a group of Ojibway Indigenous people. They live near the Saugeen River and Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. Their official legal name is the "Chippewas of Saugeen."

The Saugeen First Nation was formed in the mid-1970s. It is a main part of the Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway Territory. Another First Nation, Cape Croker, is also part of this territory. The Ojibway people speak a language from the Algonquian languages family. The Saugeen First Nation has four main land areas, called reserves: Chief's Point 28, Saugeen 29, Saugeen Hunting Grounds 60A, and Saugeen and Cape Croker Fishing Islands 1.

The Saugeen First Nation website says that "the Ojibway heritage is rich in colour and expression." This can be seen in their dances, artwork, and handmade crafts.

History of Saugeen First Nation

Who are the Saugeen Ojibway?

The original people of Saugeen are the Ojibway. English speakers sometimes called them "Chippewa" because it was hard to say "Ojibway." "Chippewas of Saugeen" is the official name of their community. Like other Indigenous groups in Canada, they started using the name "First Nation" in the early 1970s.

Ancient Roots in Bruce Peninsula

Archaeologists have found proof that the modern Bruce Peninsula has been home to the Chippewas of Saugeen for a very long time. The Ojibway call this area the "Saugeen Peninsula." For thousands of years, there was plenty of hunting and fishing here.

Archaeologists have found old tools and pottery from the Early Woodland Period (1000 BCE to 1000 CE). They call this ancient culture the Saugeen complex. A special type of spear point, called the Saugeen Point, is a key sign of this culture.

The Saugeen people had winter camps near Owen Sound, Cape Croker, and Collingwood. They had summer camps in places like Walkerton, Wiarton, Goderich, Tobermory, and Red Bay. These camps were all connected to the Saugeen culture and the later Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway Territory.

Their traditional land also included all the area around the Saugeen River. So, towns like Tobermory, Meaford, Goderich, Cape Croker, Owen Sound, and Orangeville are on traditional Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory. The main settlement at the mouth of the Saugeen River was called Zaageeng, which means "mouth of river."

Alliances and Other Nations

The Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway are part of the Council of Three Fires. This was a strong alliance of the Ojibway, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations. This alliance helped in battles like the Battle of Skull Mound and the Battle of Blue Mountain.

Other Indigenous groups also lived in this area. The Wyandotte/Wendat Nation and the related Petun (or Tobacco people) also called this place home. Both of these groups spoke Iroquoian languages.

The Chippewas of Saugeen have four of the seven main clans, or doodem, which are like family groups.

Changes After 1812

After the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain, many people moved into Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory. Some came from Ohio and New York. In the 1830s, many Potawatomi people from Michigan and Wisconsin were forced to leave their homes. They settled in places like Cape Croker and Saugeen.

In 1907, a person named W. M. Wooster was asked by the United States to find and count the Potawatomi who had moved to Canada. He found 318 Potawatomi living in Cape Croker and 306 in Saugeen.

Some people were on their way to Manitoulin Island, which was the traditional home of the Odawa. Others came from Coldwater and the Toronto and Niagara areas. They moved because new settlers were taking over their lands. Because so many different people moved here, the history of the Chippewas of Saugeen can sometimes be confusing.

Land Agreements and Challenges

After the Royal Proclamation of 1763, which said that Indigenous land could only be sold to the Crown (the government), European settlers wanted the lands around Saugeen. The government and missionaries tried to get the Saugeen territory "surrendered."

In 1836, some officials signed an agreement called the Saugeen Tract Agreement. Four Indigenous men signed this agreement, but they were not the chiefs or leaders of Saugeen. They agreed to "surrender Sauking Territory." However, the original people of Saugeen say they never gave up their land or water.

Later, in 1834, some people tried to lease Saugeen’s Fishing Islands. But again, these were not the Chippewas of Saugeen. They were people from other First Nations.

According to some, the chief of the Saugeen Ojibway at the time was Wahbahdick, but his name is not on the Saugeen Tract Agreement. First Nation stories say that John Kedugegwan/Kewaquom was the last traditional chief of the Chippewas of Saugeen Ojibway Territory.

Land Ownership Today

Since 1994, the Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation have been in a lawsuit against the Government of Canada. They are asking for their land back and for payment for lands discussed in old treaties. This case is still ongoing.

Many cottages in the Sauble Beach and Southampton areas are on land that was once owned by the county but is now part of First Nation lands. The Saugeen First Nation successfully got back land that runs south from the Sauble Beach sign towards Southampton. People who built homes on this land now pay an annual lease fee to the First Nation. The current lease agreement is in effect until April 30, 2021.

The Saugeen First Nation already owns a large part of Sauble Beach, which they call Sauble Park or South Sauble Beach Park. They also claim rights to another part of the public beach, about 2 kilometers long. This issue has been in court since 1990, with the Canadian government supporting the First Nation's claim.

Saugeen First Nation Reserves

The Saugeen First Nation has four land reserves and parts of Lake Huron.

Chief's Point 28

This reserve is about 5.18 square kilometers (2.00 sq mi) in size.

Saugeen 29

This reserve is about 41.43 square kilometers (16.00 sq mi). In 2011, 726 people lived here. It is considered the main reserve of the First Nation.

Saugeen Hunting Grounds 60A

This reserve is about 7.28 square kilometers (2.81 sq mi).

Saugeen and Cape Croker Fishing Islands

This reserve includes 89 islands that are shared with Saugeen First Nation.

Water Project

The Saugeen First Nation used to have problems with its drinking water. In 2006-2007, they received $14 million to improve their water and sewer systems. This money helped them get clean, treated drinking water.

The new system connects to the water supply of the nearby town of Saugeen Shores. It includes a pump house, a water storage tank, and a new water distribution system. The drinking water is treated at a plant in Southampton. The project was finished in July 2008.

Sports and Recreation

The Saugeen First Nation enjoys many sports and activities:

• Saugeen Blues - Slo-Pitch Team
• Saugeen Thunderbirds - Fastball team
• Saugeen Rez Men - Fastball Team
• Saugeen Red Men - Minor League Baseball teams
• Saugeen Little Native Hockey Tournament Teams (names change yearly)
• Annual Baseball Tournament (first week of July)
• Annual Road Hockey Tournament
• Annual Horseshoe Tournament

The Recreation Centre on the Saugeen First Nation offers many activities. These include darts, karate, a fitness gym, bingo, ball hockey, volleyball, badminton, basketball, and dodgeball. They also have programs for younger children and teenagers.

One program, S.Y.C.O.P.S, takes group members on trips like whitewater rafting. This program often works with the Toronto Police Department, Anishinabek Police, and the Saugeen Recreation Center.

Arts and Entertainment

Arts and Crafts

Many talented artists in Saugeen First Nation create different kinds of handmade crafts and paintings. Some well-known artists from the community include Robert Henry Jr and Kelly Roote.

Community Events

• The Saugeen Wesley United Church Amphitheatre has beautiful memorial rock gardens overlooking the Saugeen River. There are also nature trails leading to the river. From above, you can even see a "FRIENDSHIP" sign on the river flats.
• The Saugeen First Nation has an annual fireworks display on the Sunday of the May 24 weekend (if the weather is good). It's at the Amphitheatre, and admission is free.
• The Saugeen First Nation also hosts their Annual Pow-wow every year at the James Mason Memorial Centre.

Pow-wow Celebration

The Saugeen First Nation holds a competition Pow-wow on the second weekend of August. This event shows off Native Dance, traditional crafts, and modern Native music. Everyone is welcome to watch for a small entry fee. Dancers and singers compete for prizes. The pow-wow grounds are at the James Mason Cultural Centre on French Bay Road.

Notable People from Saugeen First Nation

• Gerry Barrett (Stand-up comedian)
• Mark Kahgee (Tattooist)
• Duke Redbird (Television reporter, Poet)
• Robert Henry Jr. (Native painter)
• Vernon Roote (Former Chief of Saugeen and Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation)
• Kelly Roote (artist)
• Nicole Pealow (Lacrosse player)
• John Henry Yahba (Received the Distinguished Conduct Medal in World War I)

Religion

The Saugeen First Nation is home to many different Christian churches. These include the Wesley United Church, Saugeen Full Gospel Church, Baptist Church, Roman Catholic, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is also a small church on French Bay Road that welcomes people from different Christian groups.

Many residents are also returning to their traditional ways or practicing both Midewin and Christian religions.

Current Community Topics

• Like Chief Wahbudick, many people of Saugeen still believe in protecting their rights and the rights of their children.
• The original people of Saugeen continue to defend their territory.
• The Duluth Declaration of 1995 states that Saugeen First Nation has authority over the waters around the Saugeen/Bruce Peninsula. Even though a Canadian court said in 1993 that the Ojibways' right to fish for business comes first, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has tried to put limits on their fishing. The Saugeen First Nation sees this as a challenge to their right to govern themselves.
• Since the 1830s, new people moving into the Saugeen Territory have influenced the community.
  • About two-thirds of the people living in Saugeen First Nation today are not official members of the Saugeen band. Many non-Native people and Native people from other bands who are married to Saugeen members can live in homes built with low-interest loans. If a couple divorces, the band member keeps the property rights, as non-band members cannot own land on the reserve.
  • The people of Saugeen today come from many different backgrounds. This includes people who are Black/Ojibway, Chinese/Ojibway, Scottish/Ojibway, Ukrainian/Ojibway, Jewish/Ojibway, Ojibway/Odawa, Ojibway/Oneida, Ojibway/French, and Ojibway/Pottawatomi, among others.

Media and News

The Saugeen News is a monthly newsletter published by the band council. It is sent to all band members and shares birthdays, local events, and news from community groups like the Recreation Centre and the Mino Bimaadsawin Health Centre.

Saugeen First Nation does not have its own commercial radio or TV stations. However, people in the area can listen to radio and watch TV from nearby towns like Owen Sound, Wingham, Port Elgin, and Kincardine.

For print news, the daily Owen Sound Sun Times and the weekly Shoreline Beacon from Port Elgin serve the community. Sometimes, TV signals from Michigan (like Detroit or Sault Ste. Marie) can also be picked up in the area.