The Town of South Bruce Peninsula’s recently elected Mayor, Garry Michi, resigned today (Aug. 29) following apparent disparaging remarks about the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation at Neyaashiinigimiing (Cape Croker)
According to an audio clip (Aug. 25th) released by an anonymous source, Michi made the comments regarding the community at Cape Croker about receiving a water treatment plant.
Subsequently, on August 26th, the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Council, issued a statement regarding Michi’s comments.
Although the Town of South Bruce Peninsula called for a special meeting of Council to be held on Wednesday, August 30th, to review the situation, it was announced today (Aug. 29th) that Mayor Garry Michi has resigned as Mayor effective immediately.
In a release issued by Deputy Mayor, Jay Kirkland, the Town went on to say that, “We would again like to offer our sincere apologies to the people of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and to all First Nations communities. The people from local First Nations communities are our neighbours and they are our friends. The Town wants to reiterate that it does not support or agree with any of Mr. Michi’s comments posted in an audio clip on August 25, 2023. As stated previously, we fully understand and sympathize that First Nations communities across Canada struggle with access to clean drinking water which is a basic human necessity. The Town supports all Federal efforts to fund capital projects that makes safe drinking water available to all First Nations people across Canada.”
Warden of the County of Bruce, Chris Peabody, also issued a statement on behalf of Bruce County Council saying that, “Bruce County Council would like to sincerely apologize to the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, and to all First Nations communities across our nation, for these unacceptable and hurtful comments. Bruce County is in full support of all federally-funded capital projects that support the Neyaashiinigmiing community, including projects that will ensure access to safe drinking water for all First Nations People across Canada.”
