North Bay city council to vote on renaming Marathon Beach
North Bay city council is considering renaming one of its Lake Nipissing waterfront beaches to pay tribute to Nipissing First Nation heritage.
Council will vote next Tuesday whether or not Marathon Beach should be renamed after Chief Michel Shabogesic, who was instrumental in the creation of the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850.
"Over the last 150 years, our presence here has been virtually overlooked as if we weren’t here," said Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod.
A motion brought forward by city councillors Chris Mayne and Mark King, requests the beach be renamed ‘Shaabgiizhig Jiigbiik' in Ojibway or 'Shabogesic Beach.'
If approved, council will consult with Nipissing First Nation council for final approval. A plaque would then be erected on the beach around late summer. The city said it would work with the First Nation to find out more about Shabogesic’s past and life in the area.
"When Europeans came through, for hundreds of years, if not thousands of years prior, Nipissing First Nation and their other descendants lived in this area on these shores," said councillor Chris Mayne.
Shabogesic was part of treaty negotiations and signed the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850.
With his signature and as the 10th nation to sign, Nipissing First Nation was created. And, Chief McLeod is a direct descendant of Shabogesic.
"Word of mouth was that he was strong leader and had very strong opinions," said McLeod.
"I guess the acorn doesn’t fall from the tree. He was very strong and committed to our nation."
Shabogesic was about 80 years old when his death was reported in July 1869.
"To most people outside of Nipissing First Nation, they’ve never heard of him," said Mayne.
"But he is a very important historical figure to our community’s history. So it’s a small step in recognizing the history."
Council will vote on the motion Tuesday night.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.