Robinson Huron Treaty Leadership, Ontario and Canada announce proposed settlement and next steps in Treaty annuities court case

The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund leadership and representatives of the governments of Canada and Ontario recently announced a proposed out-of-court settlement that includes $5 billion from both Canada and Ontario, for a total settlement of $10 billion for past losses with the 21 First Nation members, including Sagamok Anishnawbek.

This major milestone is designed to renew the Treaty relationship and honour treaty promises that weren’t kept dating back to 1850. The collective annuity should have increased as resource revenues within the Treaty territory increased. However, it didn’t and only one increase from approximately $1.70 per person to $4 per person occurred in 1875 and nothing since.

Much work remains to be done before this proposed settlement can be concluded and this settlement is only focused only on the resolution of claims related to past annuities.

For the next step, we are moving forward with a community engagement process, including consultations with members and beneficiaries to provide accurate information about the proposed settlement. These sessions will be led by the Honourable Harry S. LaForme in the Office of Mizhinawe for the Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations.

As the community engagements are taking place across the 21 First Nations, the governments of Canada and Ontario will need to complete their own internal review processes to seek approval to sign the proposed settlement. Nothing will be final until it is approved by all parties and the claim for past compensation has been discontinued by order of the Ontario Superior Court.

This is the current status, and we wanted to update the Community with this information and assure that all parties are working together toward shared solutions for the benefit of First Nations communities and all Canadians. This includes exploring forward-looking arrangements to promote financial stability, such as Treaty annuities, to help ensure the money is put to the best possible use for our people.

For further information, please review the accompanying documents below:

News Release – Robinson Huron Treaty Leadership, Ontario and Canada announce proposed settlement and next steps in Treaty annuities court case

Frequently Asked Questions

Settlement Announcement Flyer – Robinson Huron Treaty Leadership, Ontario and Canada announce proposed settlement and next steps in Treaty annuities court case

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