Treaties, Important Cases and Reconciliation

Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, collectively the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, launched court claims against Canada and Ontario almost 30 years ago: an Aboriginal title claim to parts of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, and a claim that the Crown breached its treaty promise to protect the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula for the Saugeen Ojibway forever. This lecture will focus on the history of those claims, what the courts have decided and where these claims are now in the Canadian legal process.

Lecturer – Cathy Guirguis

I am a lawyer at OKT Law, a firm that is dedicated to working for Indigenous Nations and organizations across Canada. I have worked for the Saugeen Ojibway Nation for almost 15 years, and as their legal counsel, I’ve had the privilege of working on their claims making their way through the Canadian legal system.

https://www.oktlaw.com/team-members/cathy-guirguis/

Reconciliation: Re-affirming the First Nation/Crown Relationship

There is perhaps nothing more important than reconciling the First Nation/Crown relationship. As treaty people, we all have a role to play in reconciling this relationship to not only achieve justice for First Nations but to ensure we never repeat the mistakes of the past. We must focus on action and real change. This starts with first reaffirming the First Nation/Crown relationship. It is imperative that Canadians understand treaties and have an appreciation for the Crown’s commitments and obligations. We will explore a brief history of the treaties between the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and the Crown and the efforts the Crown and Canada made to marginalize and keep the Saugeen people confined to their reserves through the imposition of the Indian Act and assimilationist policies designed to strip First Nations of their identity. True reconciliation can only happen when we acknowledge this history and take the necessary steps to reaffirm our original relationship with First Nations.

Lecturer – Randall Kahgee

Randall is Senior Counsel with Olthuis Kleer Townshend and specializes in Indigenous Rights law. He served as Chief of the Saugeen First Nation from June 2006 to June 2014. He has worked with First Nation governments across Canada and participated in agreements between First Nations and government on energy matters. He has extensive experience in consultation and accommodation, has been involved in the negotiation and implementation of modern treaties, and participated in impact benefit negotiations. He also advises First Nations on governance related issues. Randall received his BA (Hon) from York University and his LLB from the University of Toronto.