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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2003

First Nations members whose ancestors signed Treaty 8 must pay federal taxes, Canada's Federal Court of Appeal ruled on Wednesday.

In a unanimous decision, the court overturned a judge's ruling in favor of the Treaty 8 claimants. First Nations leaders believe they are entitled to tax-free status on and off the reserve.

Treaty 8 applies to 23 Aboriginal bands in northern Alberta, northwestern Saskatchewan, northwestern British Columbia and the southwest part of the Northwest Territories.

The decision could be appealed to the Supreme Court. The case is Canada v. Benoit. The lead plaintiff is Gordon Benoit, a truck driver.

Get the Story:
Appeal court strikes down native tax exemption (CP 6/12)
Treaty 8 tax ruling heading for top court (The Edmonton Sun 6/12)
Federal appeals court throws out native tax exemption (CBC 6/11)
Judge says Treaty 8 must pay taxes (CBC 6/11)

Get the Decision:
Canada v. Benoit (June 11, 2003)

Lower Court Decisions:
Stay and Order (4/26) | Benoit v. Canada (3/7)

Relevant Links:
Treaty 8 - http://www.treaty8.org

Related Stories:
Canada appeals tax-free status of Natives (11/19)
Appeals court halts tax-free ruling for Natives (05/06)
Alberta bands win tax case (3/8)