Reconciliation Pathway

Bruce County is on a journey towards reconciliation with the Saugeen Anishnaabek on whose ancestral, traditional, and treaty territories and lands we are located. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission highlighted the meaning and significance of reconciliation which we endorse and embrace for ourselves: “reconciliation is an ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships.” The Truth and Reconciliation Commission noted that a critical part of the reconciliation process involved “repairing damaged trust by making apologies, providing individual and collective reparations, and following through with concrete actions that demonstrate real societal change.”
A sunset over water by photographer Caley Patrick Nadjiwon Doran.

Reconciliation is not time-bound. It is about people working together respectfully to build and maintain relationships, to acknowledge the past and take action to make reparations that have lasting, societal-wide impacts.

Bruce County is committed to pursuing and embracing its relationships as well as exploring reconciliation pathways with Indigenous peoples and organizations. These relationships will appropriately reflect the distinct rights, cultures, histories, and experiences of Indigenous peoples throughout Bruce County’s service area.

Bruce County Saugeen Anishnaabek Reconciliation Pathway and Action Plan

The Pathway and its Actions provide Bruce County with a structured and strategic approach to advancing reconciliation with Saugeen Anishnaabek. Within it are the County’s commitment and guiding principles, as well as four strategic goals.

A closed copy of the Bruce County Saugeen Anishnaabek Reconciliation Pathway and Action Plan sits atop a second, open copy.

Land Acknowledgement

A land acknowledgement is not a script. It is a moment of respect, acknowledgement, and presence. At all times, a Land Acknowledgement should be authentic, intentional, and aligned with our commitment to reconciliation.

Bruce County has adopted the land acknowledgement recommended by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environmental Office (SON EO).

Our Land Acknowledgement Protocol provides guidance to Council and staff on how to appropriately incorporate a Land Acknowledgment in a thoughtful, respectful, and present way.

Aki Ogichidaa - Protectors of the Land

The commissioning of original artwork by local Indigenous artist Kennedy Cameron-Nashkewa of Saugeen First Nation honours the connection that Anishinaabe people share with the land. Aki Ogichidaa is an Ojibway phrase which translates to Protectors of the Land.  Aki (ah-kay) means “earth, land, ground,” while Ogichidaa (oh-gich-ih-daa) means “a warrior or veteran.” The original piece is on permanent display in council chambers at the Administration Centre in Walkerton and features in digital format in the Land Acknowledgement Protocol, a reminder of the County’s connection and commitment to reconciliation.

Aki Ogichidaa - Protectors of the Land, an original artwork by Kennedy Cameron-Nashkewa.

Vision

Our vision is for lasting and harmonious relationships with Saugeen Anishnaabek, fostered by mutual respect and understanding.

Resources and Links

Learn more and continue your own journey to reconciliation with these resources.

Saukiing Anishnaabekiing
Saugeen Ojibway Nation Treaties

Bruce County is located on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway nation, which includes the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation.

A map illustrating the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Treaties and Current Lands
Map provided by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office.

Indigenous Days of Significance

Throughout the year, we recognize days meant to acknowledge and honour the Indigenous members of the community.

Reconciliation Planning Process

Bruce County began its reconciliation journey following release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in 2015. The County is actively working to achieve a range of community outcomes supporting reconciliation since this time:

An illustrated mound of earth.An illustrated mound of earth with a hole in it.An illustrated mound of earth with a hole and seeds above it.An illustrated mound of earth with seeds beneath it.An illustration of small roots pushing up from beneath a mound of earth.
Fall 2021 – leaders and employees participate in Indigenous cultural awareness training along with discussions on what reconciliation means to Bruce County.Indigenous Reconciliation Planning Initiative began in January 2022.Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre developed a Framework and Guideline with Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) for repatriation of First Nations’ cultural items and ancestral remains.Commitment within the 2023-2026 Bruce County Strategic Plan to a meaningful truth and reconciliation process with Indigenous people and communities.Establishment of the Bruce County Indigenous Reconciliation Framework in June 2024.
An illustration of small roots pushing up through a mound of earth.An illustration of a small plant with one leaf.An illustration of a small plant with two leaves.An illustration of a plant getting larger with two leaves. 
The Saugeen Anishnaabek Engagement Circle was also endorsed on June 5th, 2025 with Bruce County Council representatives appointed on July 10th as well as direction given to undertake a selection process to find 2 non-Indigenous youth to participate.Endorsement of the Bruce County Saugeen Anishnaabek Reconciliation Pathway and Action Plan at the first annual joint meeting on July 4th, 2024.Provided a progress update on the Pathway and Action Plan as well as introduction of the Land Acknowledgement Protocol at the second annual joint meeting on July 5th, 2025.Ceremonial introduction of Land Acknowledgement and Protocol along with Council and staff training for appropriate usage on September 18th, 2025.