Lands & Resources
Land, Waters, and Consultation
The Historic Saugeen Métis (HSM) are among the Indigenous peoples who have cared for and relied on the traditional Saugeen Métis territory for generations. The HSM Council and the Department of Lands, Waters, and Consultation work to promote good environmental stewardship as it relates to the HSM community’s interests, rights, and way of life. Our objective is to ensure a sustainable environment and the protection of cultural resources for current and future HSM families.
Community Projects
HSM collaborates with local partners as well as government agencies on community projects and initiatives that promote good stewardship of the land and water.
This has included participating in working groups, collaborating on a phragmites removal project, providing input on interpretive signs, contributing to endangered species recovery efforts, and initiating a seed collection project.
Duty to Consult
The Duty to Consult is a constitutional obligation on the Crown to consult with Indigenous Peoples when a proposed project or action may adversely affect their established or asserted rights. The Crown often delegates the consultation process to private entities, such as industry proponents in the energy sector.
HSM asserts credible Section 35, Canada Constitution Act (1982) Aboriginal rights in the traditional Saugeen Métis territory. The HSM Lands, Waters, and Consultation Department supports the policies of the HSM Council by engaging with proponents and government agencies regarding projects occurring within the region.
Consultation and Engagement
The Department of Lands, Waters, and Consultation engages with proponents where HSM interests and/or rights may be affected by proposed developments or ongoing operations on land or water within our traditional Saugeen Métis territory. 
We engage on a regular basis with local municipalities and counties, the energy sector, and government agencies. This includes reviewing and providing comments on Archaeological Assessments, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental Impact Studies for proposed developments, as well as commenting on cultural heritage matters. HSM staff and council also perform site visits and monitor field work at times to ensure a thorough understanding of operations, environmental monitoring, and archaeological assessments taking place.
The HSM staff and council conduct engagement activities and outreach with HSM community members to ensure that this work is always guided by community input. We also host a variety of environment themed workshops for HSM community members.
Capacity & Benefit Agreements
Capacity Agreements are required at times to enable consultation and engagement processes. Benefit Agreements may also be reached with proponents where the effects of projects are predicted over several years.
Traditional Knowledge
Many community members including HSM elders and youth choose to generously share their knowledge with staff and council. The Lands, Waters, and Consultation Department helps to record and document oral histories and traditional knowledge to preserve them for community use and to inform consultation and engagement efforts.
For further information on matters regarding consultation, please contact: hsmlrcc@bmts.com or 519-483-4000