A man from Peepeekisis Cree Nation has seen his share of his band’s specific claims settlement seized for unpaid child support.
The First Nation settled their $150 million claim with Canada in 2021, with $30,000 owed to individual members.
Colin Stonechild, was owed a $30,000 share, however, he also owed his ex-partner Michelle Whitecalf nearly $25,000 in unpaid child support.
The matter would be taken to court with Whitecalf looking to have the courts seize Stonechild’s payout to be used for the unpaid child support.
Peepeekisis Cree Nation was named in the decision, but according to their lawyers they were obligated to respond in the suit.
The Cree Nation’s lawyers say at no point in the court process did they ever put forward a position on whether the Maintenance Enforment Office, the office that enforces orders of child support, could seize the funds directly from Stonechild.
Recently, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Whitecalf forcing Stonechild to use his settlement to pay the child support.