A legal team involved in the $10-billion Robinson Huron Treaty settlement is appealing a recent decision by a Superior Court judge that significantly reduced their legal fees from an initial $510 million to $23 million. Brian Gover, representing Nahwegahbow Corbiere Genoodmagejig, stated that they have filed a notice of appeal with the Court of Appeal, citing errors and unwarranted assumptions in the Ontario Superior Court’s ruling.
The dispute over the legal fees was brought forward by Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Garden River First Nation, among 21 other First Nations, who contested the original $510 million bill in May of the previous year. Gover emphasized that the negotiating parties were experienced and well-informed, disputing the characterization by Justice Myers that they were “naive and ill-informed.”
Following the final settlement in 2023, the legal team generously donated half of their fee back to the communities for cultural and language programs. However, Gover expressed concerns that the recent court ruling may jeopardize these plans and failed to recognize the legal complexities and risks involved in the case.
Judge Myers acknowledged the intricate nature of the litigation and commended the legal team for their foresight in establishing the Litigation Fund, which he deemed crucial for the First Nations to pursue the case successfully. The previous attempt by a Toronto law firm to seek justice for the First Nations spanned seven years without progress, highlighting the importance of the current legal team in advancing the case efficiently.