Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
Type	First Nation government

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is an Anishinabek Nation member community on Scugog Island.

In Anishinabek News

• September 2015: The former Chief of Scugog Island was among the original group of 14 chiefs who started the land code initiative in 1991.
• September 2016: The community is part of a realignment effort involving other Mississauga nations.
• February 2018: Patrick Madahbee noted that as of 2013, this community had no more registered Indians.
• August 2023: The community released a statement calling for a formal reversal of the decision to amend the Greenbelt. The community is located near the Duffins Grover Agricultural Preserve, which is at risk of biodiversity loss due to proposed development.
• December 2024: The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation began exploring battery storage procurement initiatives around 2021. The community plans to use revenue from clean energy projects to fund infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The First Nation is entering a commercial agreement for three five-megawatt battery storage projects.
• January 2025: Artist Luke Swinson, who designed a special logo for the Toronto Raptors, is a member of this community.
• January 2025: The community participated in a joint statement regarding proposed nuclear development at Wesleyville in January 2025. The First Nation emphasized that its voices must be heard to address treaty rights, safety, and environmental protection.
• January 2025: The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation welcomed the federal government's decision to transfer lands near the Rouge National Urban Park to Parks Canada in January 2025. The community has spent decades engaged in legal processes to protect agricultural and ecological lands in the Duffins Creek watershed from airport development. The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation requested that Parks Canada collaborate with Williams Treaty First Nations to establish a harvesting agreement for the region.
• February 2025: The First Nation owns Voyageur Services Limited, a company that purchased industrial land in Wesleyville in early 2025. Leadership supported the acquisition to strengthen the First Nation's economic position within the Lake Ontario energy corridor. The community is situated within the town of Port Perry in the Durham Region.
• April 2025: The community is exploring the provision of water and wastewater services to its members. Leadership is participating in battery bids to advance clean energy development.
• May 2025: The community is led by Kelly LaRocca, who has served as Chief since 2013 and previously served five years as a councillor. The First Nation entered a new council election cycle in May 2025.
• July 2025: The community established a food security and employment initiative that includes a community garden and cattle raising. As of July 2025, the program supports approximately 80 residents by providing free local produce and beef to help with rising food costs. The First Nation purchased land to raise cattle and distributes meat to its members during the Christmas season.
• March 2026: The nation joined the Energy Corridor First Nations to participate in the development of a priority transmission line. Leadership views the project as a way to ensure benefits flow to the Indigenous peoples who have traditionally cared for the lands.
• May 2026: The community has expanded its consultation team to manage the high volume of major development projects in its territory. Its leadership is seeking long-term relationship agreements with Ontario Power Generation to ensure respect for community needs. The First Nation has established active economic development corporations to prepare for regional infrastructure opportunities.
• August 2026: The community is one of 39 First Nations belonging to the Anishinabek Nation and is located near Port Perry in the Durham Region. The First Nation owns The Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel and Seven Mile Island. Recent infrastructure achievements include the completion of a clean drinking water system in 2021 and a wastewater expansion project in 2024. The community pursues food sovereignty through a maple sugar bush, cattle raising, and a member-led community garden.