Saugeen First Nation (SFN) has voted in favour of Zaag'idiwin, a law governing the care and well-being of children and families in their community.

With 328 of 381 eligible voters supporting the law, Council acknowledged the SFN's direction with respect to their jurisdiction.

It is anticipated that Zaag'idiwin will come into effect in September 2025, at which time Ontario's Child, Youth and Family Services Act will no longer apply to SFN citizens living within their traditional territory.

"Between now and then, Saugeen's Zaag'idiwin Working Group will be working hard to establish our agency, Zaag'idiwin Child and Family Services, to continue to build service models to best serve our children, youth and families, and recruit and train staff for the agency," read a September 9 media release from SFN Chief and Council.

"We are confident that this recovery of jurisdiction will promote the healing, well-being and future of our First Nation," the release said.