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Message from The Chief’s Desk
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Through update shared with the Robinson Huron Treaty Chiefs and Trustees by the Litigation Management Committee (LMC) of the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund (RHTLF), final stages of population verification has commenced. Most communities have provided their population statistics as at September 9th, 2023, to enable meeting the proposed timeline. Once final figures have been confirmed, calculation of each First Nation’s share of the Settlement Proceeds can be finalized, and First Nations will be provided a more accurate figure of what the community can expect to receive. We can then share that with you - our members.

An application has recently been filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice by two of the First Nations, to challenge the legal fees arrangement approved by the RHTLF on the basis of fairness. As well the RHTLF has filed a motion in the Ontario Court of Justice for a determine that the compensation funds are not trust assets to enable the RHTLF to distribute the compensation funds to the communities, even in the face of the legal challenge regarding the legal fees. While we remain hopeful this will not delay timelines for RHT payments to communities, Council recognizes the impact this may have on members timeline for receiving per capita distribution (PCD) funds. Therefore, a plan has been approved by Chief and Council on June 18, 2024, that should there be delay of RHT settlement proceeds payments to communities, Sagamok Anishnawbek will provide an advance payment of individual RHT PCD in the amount of $10,000 on August 4, 2024, to members aged 18 and older who have submitted the completed forms listed below. Completed forms should be submitted by July 7, 2024, to ensure sufficient time to input individual banking information into payment systems. Those submitting after this date may experience a delay in payment. Forms can be obtained at the Administration Office, or in the Sagamok Member’s Portal at:

https://www.sagamokanishnawbek.com/sagamok-members

In preparation for payment, you must submit:

1. Band Registry Update Form, and
2. Pre-Authorized Deposit Agreement Form with Void Cheque or Bank Stamp
3. A forthcoming waiver will also be required

The waiver will indicate the amount each individual can expect to receive, which will be dependent on the population reconciliation of the 21 communities, and the results of our Community Poll on Per Capita Disbursement (PCD) considerations.

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Sagamok Anishnawbek RHT Community Poll

The Community Poll will be independently administered by OneFeather Mobile Technologies Inc., and will be available both electronically from June 19-July 3, 2024 at www.onefeather.ca/nations/sagamok as well as in person on July 3, 2024 from 11am-6pm at the Multi-Educational Centre in Sagamok

The following 2 ballot questions will be asked of the voters of Sagamok Anishnawbek:

1. How should Sagamok Anishnawbek distribute its Robinson Huron Treaty Settlement Agreement funds between an individual Per Capita Distribution (PCD) and a Collective Trust?

- 60% distributed individually in a PCD to Sagamok population and 40% to Collective Trust

- 70% distributed individually in a PCD to Sagamok population and 30% to Collective Trust

2. Should every Sagamok individual receive an equal share in the Per Capita Distribution (PCD) allocation, or should the disbursement amount differ by age through augmentation using Compound Interest plus a base amount?

- Equal PCD amount to each individual

- Different PCD amount augmented by age plus base amount
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Sagamok Anishnawbek Chief and Council encourage everyone to share your thoughts through this important community polling opportunity. For transportation support to get to the polling station on July 3rd please contact in advance, the Family, Community, and Support Services Office at (705) 865-3229, or for Seniors and Accessible transportation, contact the Elder’s Eagle Lodge at (705) 865-2926.

Chi-miigwech,

Ogimaa Angus Toulouse
Aajijak Dodem

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