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Message from The Chief’s Desk

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RHT Settlement Disbursement Updates

Aanii Kinaweya. It has been a few months since we saw the first round of Robinson Huron Treaty (RHT) Settlement fund disbursements to members. It has been wonderful to see and hear some of the positive impacts of these funds for our families and our community. Members have paid debts, made investments, home renovations, purchased reliable vehicles, taken much needed family vacations, and many other exciting endeavors. This level of wealth, which most of our members have historically not had access to, has provided opportunity to improve quality of life for many of our families.

Our administration worked tirelessly to prepare, and we are proud to say that Sagamok Anishnawbek was one of the first communities to be ready for individual member disbursement on August 9th. We thank all of our community members who came out to our many public sessions and events that helped us create our plan for disbursement.

We are so incredibly grateful to our staff and teams for their hard work and dedication in preparing for seamless payments to our members. Our staff are true champions, and we acknowledge them for their tireless dedication in taking on these added cumbersome tasks, in addition to their already full daily operations schedules. Our administration and finance teams worked long hours to be prepared and have continued their commitment and dedication in the months following, to address any issues that have arisen, in preparation for our second round of RHT Settlement disbursements. For all their hard work, I say chi-miigwech to each of them.

I am also happy to announce, that at a duly convened meeting of Chief and Council today, October 29, 2024, Council has approved the signing of the Acknowledgement and Limited Release, directing the RHT to disburse the funds to Sagamok Anishnawbek. Additionally, Council has approved disbursement payments from Sagamok to our members, immediately upon receipt of the funds from the RHT. We expect that payment to be made to Sagamok, and therefore to our members, by end of day on Friday, November 1st, 2024. As previously indicated, the Per Capita Distribution to each member was to be provided in two installments. The first installment was provided for most individuals on August 9, 2024. This is the second installment, which is the balance of the Per Capita Distribution based on age, as indicated in the Sagamok Anishnawbek Member Per Capita Distribution Application Form.

Again, those who bank with BMO may see their deposits first. Those banking with other institutions may see a short delay in the payment transfer to their accounts as the bank-to-bank process takes a bit more time. We remind you to be patient.

We hope and encourage that, if you haven’t already, please consider investing to help your money grow. While the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund has begun the discussion on how to proceed with a go forward plan to augment the $4 per year annuity, we do not know how long this process will take, or what outcome may result. This unprecedented opportunity to generate some wealth for you, and your family, is not a common occurrence, and we trust you will be wise about how you choose to use it. Please talk to a trusted advisor if you need help with understanding your options.

Again, I encourage you also, to be kind to one another. We all have different needs and situations, and I hope you remember to help and respect each other. Please continue to reach out to your loved ones who may need that extra help and support.

Chi-miigwech and please take care of each other and share this information with your Sagamok member family and friends.

Ogimaa Angus Toulouse
Aajijak Dodem

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