Canada

A judge has reserved decision on a challenge of the fairness of the $510 million being paid to the lawyers who argued the landmark $10-billion Robinson Huron treaty annuities settlement.

At the Ontario Superior Court hearing Tuesday in a packed Toronto courtroom, as many as 1,000 people watched virtually at one point.

Two of the 21 member nations represented by Gimaa (Chief) of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Craig Nootchtai and Ogimaa-Kwe (Chief) of Garden River First Nation Karen Bell brought the case, saying they feel the legal fees need to be reviewed and assessed for reasonableness.

Under the 1850 treaty, 21 First Nations shared their land north of Lake Huron in exchange for a promise of payments based on the wealth produced by the land.

The Crown unilaterally capped those payments at $4 per person per year in 1874.