Hub Staff

Councillors in Saugeen Shores voted unanimously during the July 24 Committee of Whole to officially name the bridge over the Saugeen River, the one that links the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Southampton, the Bimaadzwin Bridge. Bimaadzwin is the Ojibway word for ‘the good path.'

Southampton’s G.C. Huston Public School has been demonstrating the good path throughout their 2016-2017 school year and appeared before Council February 27 to ask for their support in the renaming of the bridge.

"I am thrilled with the support we have received from Saugeen Shores Council. The fact that the vote was unanimous speaks to the commitment of our community to reconciliation and to coming together as one family," said G.C. Huston Principal Dan Russell July 25. "We have had the same kind of support from Saugeen First Nation Chief and Council, the Bluewater District School Board and from many community organizations."

The bridge falls within the Connecting Links portion of the Highway so even though it is on a Kings Highway, it is within the Town of Saugeen Shores’ jurisdiction to approve and allow the signage, read a Staff Report. 

Director of Public Works and Engineering, Amanda Froese was not present at Monday’s Council meeting and therefore was unable to answer a question regarding the display of banners showcasing the seven grandfather teachings along the bridge which was asked by Vice-Deputy Mayor Diane Huber.

The students at G.C. Huston have spent each month of the 2016-2017 school year focussing on one of the seven Grandfather Teachings which are: Minaadendmowin - Respect; Aakdehewin - Bravery; Nbwaakaawin - Wisdom; Gwekwadizwin - Honesty; Zaagidwin - Love; Debwewin - Truth; Dbaadendizwin - Humility; and the school's Bimaadzwin artists painted a homeroom door depicting the corresponding teaching.