Six Nations men ordered to pay thousands in costs to members of the Haudenosaunee Development Institute after judge adjourns frivolous class action lawsuit

HAMILTON, ON, May 7, 2017 /CNW/ - On April 26, 2017, Justice Andrew J. Goodman of the Ontario Superior Court adjourned a frivolous lawsuit for unfairly targeting the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI). The plaintiffs, two members of the Six Nations "Men's Fire", were ordered to pay HDI $3,500.00 in costs.

HDI attended court for the fourth time to answer to the plaintiffs' Mareva Injunction and their motion to certify the class action. This is the third request for an adjournment. Despite being granted the adjournment, the judge expressed serious concern about how the case was prosecuted and awarded HDI $3,500.00 in costs. 

"This lawsuit is completely baseless and much of it appears erroneous," said Aaron Detlor, HDI's legal advisor. "The costs awarded are a reflection of the judge's concern with the plaintiffs' case."

The Statement of Claim, which was delivered on August 16, 2016 named Hazel Hill, Brian Doolittle, Aaron Detlor and Elvera Garlow as the defendants. Among the absurd allegations that the judge dismissed were: breach of contract and fiduciary duty, breach of duties of the HDI, civic conspiracy, conversion, unjust enrichment and breach of trust.

"This petty, reckless, and punitive behavior is typical of the plaintiffs and not the first time they've shown the maturity of schoolyard bullies. Clearly, this lawsuit was launched with the intention of smearing my colleagues and I and tarnishing the reputation of HDI."

The amount that plaintiffs Bill Monture and Wilfred Davie sought totaled a staggering $100 million, an outrageous amount that certainly suggests that the plaintiffs have motives other than justice.

"Without a doubt the plaintiffs are acting in bad faith." added Detlor. "We hope their gossip and innuendo will end immediately – enough is enough!"

Those named in the lawsuit and their families have been victims of escalating abuse, including online harassment, physical assault and an ongoing smear campaign cheered on by various so-called "media" outlets.

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the People of the Longhouse, is a participatory democracy that has existed from time immemorial. The Confederacy, made up of the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas, was intended as a way to unite the nations and create a peaceful means of decision making. Through the Confederacy, each of the nations of the Haudenosaunee are united by a common goal to live in harmony. For the Haudenosaunee, law, society and nature are equal partners and each plays an important role.

SOURCE Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI)

For media inquiries: Aaron Detlor, [email protected], 519-445-4222; Hazel Hill, [email protected], 519-445-4222; Lisa Kinsella, [email protected], 416-319-1023