RHT Settlement Disbursement Updates

RHT Settlement Disbursement Updates

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The application brought by the Litigation Management Committee (LMC) of the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund (RHTLF) seeking directions with respect to the settlement proceeds and the application brought by Gimaa (Chief) Nootchtai and other parties seeking to assess the legal fees of the lawyers for the RHTLF were both heard by Justice Steele of the Superior Court of Justice on July 30, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. Justice Steele reserved her decision after a full day of argument, but did make it clear in her closing remarks that there should be no reason for the distribution of the settlement proceeds to communities to be delayed. This is great news for our communities, who have been eagerly awaiting distribution of the settlement proceeds. We are happy to announce that we can expect the RHTLF to distribute funds without delay, and according to the early August timeline that was originally identified.  As a result, Sagamok Anishnawbek will not need to provide the contingently identified advance of $10,000 per member that was pre-approved by Council on June 18 in the event there was a delay by the courts of the settlement proceeds to communities.  

We are also happy to announce, that Sagamok Anishnawbek has officially completed all requirements to receive the funds from the RHTLF when they are able to begin disbursing the settlement proceeds to the 21 First Nations in early August as planned.  The RHTLF could not finalize and forward required documents to communities until direction from the Court was received. Sagamok Anishnawbek received the documents from the RHTLF on August 2, 2024. The documents were reviewed at a duly convened meeting of the Sagamok Anishnawbek Chief and Council on August 2, 2024.  Resulting documents and accompanying BCR were approved and signed accordingly.  Sagamok Anishnawbek is now fully prepared to receive settlement distribution as soon as RHTLF can release those funds.  Currently, distribution of funds to the communities who have completed their requirements is scheduled for August 9, 2024.  Sagamok Anishnawbek Administration is working diligently to be prepared to transfer per capita distribution to members immediately upon confirmation of funds in Sagamok’s account from the RHTLF.

Please be reminded for members aged 18 years and older, that to be eligible for the per capita distribution, you must have completed and submitted

a) Band Registry Update Form,

b) Pre-Authorized Deposit Agreement with EITHER bank stamp on it OR accompanying Void Cheque attached to it; and

c) Member Per Capita Distribution Application with proof of valid ID

Please be kind to our administrative staff. There has been an extremely high volume of calls, emails, and visits, and staff are working long hours and doing their very best to respond, receive, and record all documentation.

Forms can be obtained on the Sagamok Members portal at

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

Completed Forms with accompanying attachments can be mailed to:

Sagamok Anishnawbek

c/o Membership Coordinator

4007 Espaniel Street, P.O. Box 2230,

Sagamok, Ontario, P0P 2L0

As a reminder, the distribution of funds expected on August 9, 2024, is only a partial distribution of funds to communities, namely Priority 2, and 50% of Priority 3. For this reason, Sagamok Anishnawbek will provide the Per Capita Distribution to each member in two installments, as originally indicated.  The first installment expected August 9, or immediately thereafter once the funds have been received by Sagamok from the RHTLF, will be the base amount of $100,000.00 per member that has completed their requirements as stated above.  The second installment is expected to arrive around late November 2024, and will be the balance of the Per Capita Distribution based on age, as indicated in the Sagamok Anishnawbek Member Per Capita Distribution Application Form.

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

Ogimaa Angus Toulouse

Ajijaak Dodem

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