Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Hydro One sign Protocol Agreement

The Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) and Hydro One Networks Inc. are pleased to announce they have formalized a unique agreement to ensure SON has full and meaningful participation in the ongoing Environmental Assessment and regulatory process of the Hydro One, Bruce to Milton Transmission Reinforcement Project.

The signing ceremony was held in Owen Sound, Ontario on May 30, 2008.

“We are pleased with the progress to date with Hydro One,” said Saugeen First Nation Chief Randall Kahgee, “and that they understand our need for substantial involvement in the assessment and regulatory processes for their Transmission Line Project. Obviously our involvement must be independent and without prejudice to any position we may take on the Project. As First Nations, we must protect our rights and the land for future generations and we are pleased Hydro One has expressed an interest in our concerns for the environment.”

Chief Ralph Akiwenzie of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation said, “This territory has been our home for thousands of years. If we are to thrive for another thousand years we must be certain our rights and claims and way of life are protected. We consider it our duty to protect the environment.”

Peter Gregg, Vice President, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Hydro One acknowledged the special relationship the First Nations have with their traditional territory and Hydro One's desire to ensure that the Saugeen Ojibway Nation have a reasonable opportunity to participate in the environmental assessment process.

“I want to thank the Chiefs and Councils of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation for hosting this important ceremony on their traditional territory and for the wisdom and guidance that has made this agreement possible,” Gregg said. “I am proud of the relationship that has developed over the years between Hydro One and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. It is one built on mutual respect and understanding. We look forward to working with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation on this project and others in the future.”

The Saugeen Ojibway Nation consists of the Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. The traditional lands of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation encompass some two million acres, east from Lake Huron to the Nottawasaga River and south from the tip of the Bruce Peninsula to the Maitland River system. The traditional waters around these lands include the lakebed of Lake Huron form the shore to the U.S. border and the lakebed of Georgian Bay to the halfway point.

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