The Historic Saugeen Metis and Bruce Power have signed an agreement that ensures the Metis community’s rights will be respected while efforts to build a third nuclear power plant continue.
The agreement is the first of it’s kind in Canada, an understanding between the local Metis community and Bruce Power ensuring that it’s way of life and traditional territory will be respected during any new build project.
Metis Council President Patsy McArthur says the main concern is stewardship of the environment that sustained the lives of the early Metis settlers of Bruce County.
The first record of Metis fur traders of French and Aboriginal ancestry at the mouth of the Saugeen River dates back to 1798.
Council Vice President Archie Indoe says the Metis don’t have any serious concerns about Bruce Power’s plans, but they just want to make sure discussions are done openly and the environment is preserved for future generations.
Bruce Power Executive Vice President Brian Armstrong says the Metis have the right to be consulted on the project and to participate in the evaluation process of the project by other regulatory agencies.
Metis rights are protected under Section 35 of Canada’s constitution.
The Metis and Bruce Power have been negotiating for the past year to reach the agreement.
The signing ceremony took place at the Historic Saugeen Metis’ new office on High Street in Southampton.