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Update on RHT Chiefs and Trustees Meeting

May 14, 2024

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The Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations Chiefs and Trustees met on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, to approve activities and next steps on a short-term timeline to enable the distribution of compensation funds to the 21 RHT First Nations and their members. The Implementation Plan is an aggressive timeline to allow distribution to communities as soon as possible. There remains the possibility for delays, but the RHTLF is committed to being ready to distribute funds to communities once the initial BMO investments reach their maturity.

The compensation funds are being held in trust with the Bank of Montreal to be safeguarded until the distribution of the funds to the First Nations in accordance with the Compensation Disbursement Agreement. The Chiefs and Trustees have previously authorized the funds to be invested to ensure they are earning a strong rate of return while First Nations prepare for the transfer of funds. The funds have been earning significant interest and will be allocated to the First Nations in accordance with the Compensation Disbursement Agreement.

Over the next few months, the RHTLF will work to begin the distribution of funds to the communities and to obtain necessary approvals and releases from the Lake Huron First Nations for release of Priority Payment 1, Priority Payment 2 and ½ of Priority Payment 3.

Phase 1: From May 14 - June 14, 2024

● Prepare legal documents and communications to create a new trust (the “NFP Trust’) to hold the Settlement Funds that cannot be quickly distributed to communities, or that need to be held long term.

● Obtain remaining BCRs for the Compensation Disbursement Amendment (CDA)

● Finalize latest and accurate First Nation population figures and circulate a checklist to receive Priority Payment 2 and ½ of Priority Payment 3.

● Complete beneficiary research for 1% and go-forward negotiations/litigation and recommendations

Phase 2: From June 15 - August 9, 2024

● Meet with RHTLF on go-forward negotiation/litigation strategy

● Release Priority Payment 1

● Obtain necessary approvals and releases from the Lake Huron First Nations for Priority Payment 2 and half of Priority Payment 3

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