'We want justice': Lawsuit claims feds owe $11 billion to Treaty 1 First Nations
An annual $5 payment to members of seven First Nations has remained the same for more than 150 years, but one man is hoping to change that.
Zongidaya Nelson is suing the federal government for $11 billion, or whatever amount is determined by the court, on the behalf of his Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation and the six other First Nations in Manitoba that signed Treaty 1 in 1871.
“We want justice. We're tired,” Nelson said in a Wednesday press conference.
Since 1874, as part of an amendment to the original $3 payment amount, members of the seven First Nations have been given $5 per year.
That amount hasn’t changed since 1874.
Jason Zushman, one of the lawyers representing the claim, said the price of gold, inflation, and the Consumer Price Index could affect the amount owed in the lawsuit, which will determined by the court.
At the time when Treaty 1 was signed - people could get a basket of goods with blankets, clothing, traps and other things that would be worth a total of $5 in Montreal instead of the cash.
"Obviously, $5 in current day buys something entirely different than it would have in 1871 - even when accounting for the increase that was paid out in the $5 increase,” Jason Zushman, one of the lawyers representing the claim said.
Terrance Nelson, Zongidaya’s uncle, says for most people, the $5 is a recognition of the promises made in Treaty 1.
"It’s not just the $5,” he said. “It's very, very important for people to understand. There are a lot more benefits that were supposed to be there."
Their family has been vocally disagreeing with the integrity of Treaty 1 since witnessing its signing in 1871.
"Reconciliation requires that the Crown act fairly and honourably in its dealings with the First Nations people,” Zongidaya said. “That's where we're at. We’re trying.”
Norman Rosenbaum, senior associate with Merchant Law Group in Winnipeg said, "the treaty is a living organism in a relationship. And the idea of true reconciliation means that one lives up to one’s bargain."
Zongidaya says this lawsuit could take decades - hoping it won't take another 152 years to update this payment.
He says because of the unknown timeline, it's too far in the future to estimate what will be done with the money if they win the lawsuit.
Indigenous Services Canada says it received the claim, which was first filed in 2019, and the most recent amendment in November.
"Honouring the Treaty relationship and working together in partnership with First Nations is key to advancing lasting reconciliation," it says in a statement. "Canada will continue to work co-operatively with Treaty One First Nations to make progress together on shared priorities to help strengthen our ongoing Treaty relationship and advance reconciliation."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Man arrested after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.