The ongoing Robinson-Huron Treaty annuities case has been put on hold for the next two weeks to allow all parties to come to the table for settlement talks.
The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund says former senator Murray Sinclair will serve as a mediator between the parties, with details being kept confidential.
Nipissing First Nation is one of 21 currently involved in litigation with Canada and Ontario. The final stage of the process deals with the amount of compensation owed to beneficiaries under the treaty.
Meanwhile, the hearing for Ontario’s Supreme Court appeal of the Stage One decision, which ruled in favour of treaty beneficiaries, is expected to take place this fall with a decision possible next year.
According to officials, annual treaty payments to beneficiaries were supposed to increase as resource revenues within Robinson-Huron Treaty territory increased.
Treaty annuities increased in 1874 from $1.60 to $4 but haven’t increased since.
Robinson-Huron Treaty leadership has been calling on both governments to reach a negotiated outcome to the annuities case.
**With files from Rosalind Russell
