Closing arguments wrapping up in Robinson Huron Treaty case

A court case involving beneficiaries of the Robinson Huron Treaty wraps up with final arguments tomorrow (Friday).

Twenty-one Anishinabek communities, including Nipissing First Nation, took the federal and provincial governments to court to uphold the augmentation clause in the treaty, which was signed in 1850.

Beneficiaries have not received an increase to the four-dollar annuity since 1874.

RHT Trust Spokesperson Batchewana Chief Dean Sayers says they’re looking forward to a beneficial decision.

“We’re really optimistic that we’ll see a decision that will call to light the failure of the crown to honor the escalator clause within the treaty,” he says.

Wikwemikoong Ogimaa Duke Peltier agrees.

“It’s very exciting that we’re at the point that we’re going through this phase of court action to finally see resolution and a favourable decision at some point in the very near future,” he says.

A court decision is expected to take several months.

The case has been in court since September 2017.

The RHT Annuity case was also heard with another case involving the Robinson Superior Treaty.

Anishinabek territory contained within the Robinson Huron Treaty territory includes about 35,700 square miles of land on the northern shores of Lake Huron while the Robinson Superior treaty covers approximately 16,700 square miles, north of Lake Superior.

Photo courtesy @IndigenousON