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
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
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.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'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.
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.