A famous welcome sign at a popular Lake Huron beach looks different this summer. The change reflects a major court decision recognizing the land belongs to the Saugeen First Nation.For decades, the red-lettered sign at Sauble Beach marked the famous beach. Overnight before Canada Day, it was changed by an indigenous group. It now reads, "Welcome to Saugeen Beach."This follows an Ontario Court of Appeal ruling last December. The court said the federal government broke an 1854 treaty with the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash. .That treaty surrendered the Saugeen Peninsula but kept five reserve areas.In 1856, the court found that the Crown surveyed the land incorrectly. This mistake took away about 2.2 kilometres of beachfront land promised to the Saugeen reserve. The federal government admitted the error in the 1970s and supported the First Nation's legal fight.Saugeen First Nation Councillor Cheree Urscheler called the sign change deeply meaningful. "What some see as just a sign change is, for us, a symbol of truth, resilience, and the reclamation of what has always been ours," said Urscheler. "Welcome to Saugeen Beach. Where the land remembers, and so do we.".The First Nation spent years in court against the Municipality of South Bruce Peninsula, the Ontario government, and some local families. The court victory gave the First Nation ownership.Municipality of South Bruce Peninsula said it was surprised by the sign change. Officials stated they were not told beforehand. Mayor Jay Kirkland said the sign held deep meaning for many people."While we respect Saugeen First Nation's right to make changes on their land," said Kirkland. “We believe open communication is important — especially when it involves something so symbolic to the broader community. We remain committed to respectful dialogue.".Chief Conrad Richie previously stated the First Nation wants to keep the beach a top tourist spot and pledged to work with residents.The court also ordered payments for the First Nation's legal costs. The municipality must pay $1.67 million. The Ontario government must pay $1.28 million. The federal government must pay $322,000. The town must also cover half of the federal government's own $486,784 legal bill. An appeal on these costs is pending.
