North Bay’s Marathon Beach officially re-named after former Nipissing First Nation chief
North Bay’s Marathon Beach officially has a new name, Shabogesic Beach, after former Nipissing First Nation Chief Michel Shabogesic.
A motion was brought forward by city councillors Chris Mayne and Mark King requesting the beach be renamed Shaabgiizhig Jiigbiik in Ojibwa, Shabogesic Beach in English.
Council voted and approved the renaming of the beach in May to pay respect to the local Indigenous leader.
A plaque was unveiled by the city during a ceremony Thursday morning at the beach with officials from the neighbouring First Nation community and the public.
North Bay Mayor Al McDonald (left) and Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod (right) with plaque dedicated to former Nipissing First Nation Chief Michel Shabogesic at beach renaming ceremony. Sept. 21/22 (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)
"This was named Marathon Beach and no one can recall why that happened," said North Bay Mayor Al McDonald.
“We need to recognize Nipissing First Nation and the true meaning of these lands."
Shabogesic was part of treaty negotiations and signed the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 with the Canadian representatives of the British Crown. With his signature and as the 10th nation to sign, Nipissing First Nation was created.
Shabogesic was about 80 years old when his death was reported in July 1869.
Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod is Shabogesic’s great, great, great, great-grandson.
"It's significant to us because, for the longest time, our history and presence wasn't even recognized. And, you know, in the last decade or so, that's been starting to change," McLeod said at the ceremony.
He said his ancestor’s mission was to secure lands and protest inherent rights.
"Not only is this our traditional territory, but after the treaties were signed and when we look to negotiate lands set aside, which are known now, today, as reserves, this (beach) was supposed to be part of that," McLeod said.
McDonald said the city is always exploring and looking for other ideas and options to name landmarks after Nipissing First Nation culture in honour of truth and reconciliation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.