Special to the Star
Hope Bay, Ont.–A group of angry cottagers on the Bruce Peninsula has launched a $50 million lawsuit against the federal government and the local Chippewa band.
The cottagers built their dwellings – some with their own hands nearly 40 years ago – on leased First Nations land. The cottages now belong to the Chippewas.
"It's really sad when a group of Canadian citizens has to turn to litigation to hold their government accountable," said Karen McCulloch, spokesperson for Hope Bay cottagers.
McCulloch belongs to one of 60 cottage families abruptly told by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs in December 2006 to vacate their cottages within a month because the Chippewas of Nawash band was claiming ownership of the buildings.
The statement of claim, which has not been proven in court, alleges that Indian affairs handled the situation in a "high handed and reprehensible" manner.
"We're sad, we're angry and we're very disappointed," said McCulloch.
The cottagers have not had access to their cottages for more than one year and are seriously concerned that the buildings are falling into disrepair.
The suit, filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, is seeking general damages of $40 million and punitive damages of $10 million, plus costs.
Indian affairs spokesperson Susan Bertrand said the federal government was reviewing the statement of claim.
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