Published Jun 10, 2026  •  1 minute read

The logo for the Six Nations Haudenosaunee Development Institute.

In a rare move on Six Nations, the elected council has joined with the grassroots group known as the Men’s Fire to demand information about development money collected over the last two decades.

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Six Nations of the Grand River Council has joined a proposed class-action lawsuit led by representatives of Hodiskeagehda Men’s Fire, naming the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI), Aaron Detlor, Brian Doolittle, and related parties.

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HDI was set up in 2007, demanding that developers working on traditional territories pay development fees and follow environmental protection plans in order to avoid complaints and possible protests.

Now the men’s fire group and the elected council are asking for details on the consultation and accommodation funds that were generated at HDI on behalf of the community.

According to a joint statement, both SNGREC and the Hodiskeagehda Men’s Fire maintain that community members have a right to know how these funds were collected, managed and distributed.

An agreement signed by the elected council and the men’s fire on June 9 will add Six Nations of the Grand River as a party to the litigation currently being led by Bill Monture and Wilfred Davey.

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Under the terms of the agreement, any funds recovered through the court process would be placed in a trust for the benefit of the Six Nations community.

Representatives of both groups described the partnership as a significant step toward improving transparency and establishing a path forward that serves the interests of all community members.

The agreement also marks a rare example of collaboration among Six Nations leadership groups, with participants stating that it reflects a shared commitment to fulfilling collective responsibilities to the community.

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