NationTalk: Six Nations of the Grand River Band, under the direction of Elected Council, is suing the governments of Canada and Ontario in a court case that started in 1995. The Band says that under the 1784 Haldimand Proclamation, which it considers a treaty, the British Crown set aside about 950,000 acres of lands along the Grand River in Ontario which the Six Nations of the Grand River and their descendants were to enjoy forever.

A number of other groups are now asking the court for permission to be part of the case: the Haudenosaunee Development Institute, the Men’s Fire of the Grand River Territory, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. They will make their arguments to the court, and the band will make its responding arguments, at hearings in May. Canada and Ontario may also make arguments. The Haudenosaunee Development Institute and Men’s Fire motions are scheduled to be heard May 8-10, 2023, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation motion is scheduled to be heard on May 12, 2023.

Currently the affiants for each party are being cross examined and the transcripts will be later available on the new website (www.sngrlitigation.com).

SNGREC is happy to announce that a website containing court case documentation for the general public to view and keep up-to-date on the newest developments in the long-standing Haldimand Tract litigation against the governments of Canada and Ontario has been developed. The website can be located at www.sngrlitigation.com and will be open for the remainder of the litigation. Hard copies of specific documents found on the website can be requested for pick up at Lands & Resources (2498 Chiefswood Road). Please note, 48 hours notice is required to collect all requested documents.

For further information on the Haldimand Tract litigation, and the history of the Haldimand Tract please contact Lands & Resources by calling: (519) 753-0665.