Map of the Area of the 13 October 1854 Treaty [Robinson-Huron Treaty]

Historical Background: Also called the Saugeen Surrenders, negotiations for this land became increasingly difficult. The Saugeen Indians of the Bruce Peninsula, led by Chief Wahbahdick, and other Ojibwa chiefs, with support from the Ojibwa of Newish, initially refused to relinquish entitlement.

The government threatened that if they did not agree the Crown would be unable to guarantee protection from the white settlers moving into the area. After tense negotiations the chiefs reluctantly agreed to surrender the peninsula in exchange for "the interest on the principal sum arising out of the sale of the land". Five reserves were to be set aside in perpetuity.

Source: Surtees, R.J. Indian Land Surrenders in Ontario 1763-1867. Ottawa: Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, 1984.