Original artwork unveiled as Bruce County introduces land acknowledgement protocol

Thursday’s Bruce County council meeting began with the unveiling of Aki Ogichidaa (above) — an Ojibway phrase which translates to Protectors of the Land — by Saugeen First Nation artist Kennedy Cameron-Nashkewa.  

Aki (ah-kay) means “earth, land, ground,” while Ogichidaa (oh-gich-ih-daa) means “a warrior or veteran.” The original artwork formally commemorates Bruce County’s land acknowledgement protocol.

A comprehensive Indigenous reconciliation planning initiative for the county began in January, 2022. With the guidance of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, the land acknowledgement protocol aligns with the principles of truth, respect, recognition, responsibility and collaborative relationships.

The land acknowledgement is one of the initiatives brought forward through the development of both the Bruce County Indigenous Reconciliation Framework and the Bruce County Saugeen Anishnaabek Reconciliation Pathway and Action Plan. Pursuing the process deliberately, with care and alignment, helped to ensure the message is deeply intentional and authentic.

The commissioning of an original artwork by Kennedy honours the connection that Anishinaabe people share with the land. Protectors of the Land will hang in the council chamber in Walkerton and is featured in digital format in the land acknowledgement protocol, a reminder of the county’s connection and commitment to reconciliation.

“This painting is my way of giving thanks to the land that holds us, to the ancestors who guide us, and to the generations yet to come,” said Kennedy. “May this piece invite reflection, respect, and a renewed sense of responsibility. For we are all part of the circle.”

“We’re grateful to have this beautiful piece of artwork honour this important step in our reconciliation pathway,” said county warden Luke Charbonneau. “The process of developing a land acknowledgement for Bruce County was intentional and thoughtful. Thank you to the members of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation who walked with us as we discovered the words that honour their peoples in our history, our present, and our future.”

The receipt and acceptance by consensus of the protocol occurred at the second annual joint meeting between Bruce County and Saugeen Ojibway Nation councils, July 5.

The land acknowledgement statement reads:

“I want to acknowledge the Traditional Territory of the Anishinaabek Nation: The People of the Three Fires known as Ojibway, Odawa and Pottwatomie Nations. And further give thanks to the Chippewas of Saugeen, and the Chippewas of Nawash, now known as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, as the traditional Keepers of this land.”

“We are learning, thanks to the guidance of both Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation,” said county chief administrative officer Christine MacDonald, “and as Bruce County council and staff move forward with intention, learning opportunities will continue to support the county’s reconciliation journey in building meaningful relations that are key to reconciliation.”

To learn more, visit the county’s reconciliation pathway web page.



Bruce County warden Luke Charbonneau (left) unveils Aki Ogichidaa (Protectors of the Land), with artist Kennedy Cameron-Nashkewa, Thursday, in the council chamber