The Government of Canada has put in place a mandate process that allows for settling the ongoing annuities case with the member First Nations that fall under the Robinson-Huron Treaty.
According to Batchawana First Nation Chief Dean Sayers, their member 21 First Nations and the federal government have reached an agreement to settle the long-time court battle.
He says it is a significant step in the right direction and one they have long been waiting for – the mandate is clear and they welcome the opportunity to enter conversations with Canada to bring this case to an end through a settlement that will benefit everyone in the Robinson-Huron Treaty land.
WEB: The Robinson-Huron Treaty penned in 1850 states the Crown would pay annuities that would be adjusted as resource revenue grew, but the beneficiaries have been receiving only $4 every year since 1874.
The federal government did not appeal the court findings of Stage One and Two in the case, but Ontario has.
Those appeals were heard by the Ontario Court of Appeal earlier this year, but no decision has been released.
Sayers adds it is time for the province to come to the table to make this settlement happen, to honour the escalator clause and engage in negotiations to settle the legal matter.
