Chief Bell Memo: RHT Collective rights.

Press Release

Mar 6, 2025

When the Interim Ketegaunseebee TRUST was developed there were legal recommendations provided which included parameters. One of those parameters identified a cutoff date of Sept 9th, 2023. That narrative imbedded in the document is available for viewing on the portal by registered citizens.

I strongly suggest you read the Treaty of 1850 and the Settlement Agreement by Canada, Ontario and the 21 FNs of the Robinson Huron Treaty. Nowhere within the treaty or settlement does it state the compensation is for individuals, rather the language strongly indicates it is for the collective. I have repeatedly stated as has the RHT legal team and RHTLF who worked towards this settlement for 15 years that the compensation to each nation came for the collective good of the nation and not individual citizens.

I am aware that some nations have completed a second per capita distribution. This leadership has indicated they are not opposed to a second PCD for GRFN but stated the need to ensure it is completed in a responsible manner and the TRUST is protected for the next 7 generations. What this looks like and when, has not been determined but assuredly the council are not opposed.

I wanted to advise the elected officials have roles and responsibilities which include making tough decisions.

As per the Settlement Agreement for Past Compensation Appendix 3 – Trust indenture for The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund dated August 23, 2010. Page 1. Preamble:

“Whereas the entitlement to annuities under the Robinson Huron Treaty, are treaty rights; as such, they are not individual rights, they are collective rights. Which belong to the collectivity or collectives that entered into that Treaty, including the descendants of members of that collectivity or those collectives.”

The elected officials of GRFN have a right by virtue of their being elected to a council position the ability to make decisions, advocate for and on behalf of the nation, and make decisions on behalf of the 3, 500 citizens. I also wanted to highlight the fiduciary duty and legal responsibility that Chief and Council have to the nation and people:

Always act in the best interests of the band as a whole.
Council makes decisions in favour of the use of funds that will best serve long term interest.
Council makes decisions in favour of the band as a whole, including decisions for the future well being of the band.
Council powers are exercised as a whole or as a collective.
Protecting community assets.
Chief and Council are the authorized First Nation Government.
Chief and Council must protect and optimize the nation’s assets and manage the financial affairs.

Sincerely,

Chief Karen Bell

ILR4