Former Lutsel k'e CEO Ron Barlas appealing N.W.T. court decision

The former head of the Lutsel k'e Dene First Nation'sbusiness arm is appealing a recent court decision that found he used his authority improperly to enrich himself and his family.

Ron Barlas filed notice of his appeal, on behalf of himself, his wife and their family businesses, with the Northwest Territories Court of Appeal in August.

In the appeal notice, Barlas's lawyer says the judge who ruled against Barlas in July should have ordered a trial in the case. The lawyer says the court needs to hear from, among others, Daryl Marlowe who wasthe First Nation's chief at the time and the community members who were appointed directors and who were supposed to be overseeing Barlas.

Barlas's lawyer argues that that trial should be held with the civil trials of the lawyers and accounting firm who were working for the Lutsel k'e companies at the time Barlas was CEO. The Lutsel k'e Dene First Nation (LKDFN) is suing them, alleging they were working more for Barlas than the Lutsel k'e companies.

The LKDFN allegedBarlas funnelled millions of dollars out of the Lutsel k'e companies during his years as CEO, mainly through companies he and his family own that entered into one-sided business agreements with the Lutsel k'e companies.

In her ruling in July, N.W.T. Supreme Court Justice Karan Shaner agreed with the LKDFN lawyers that the documentary evidenceincluding emails, business agreements and meeting minutes clearly showed Barlas acted improperly, misled board members and "worked to actively conceal his gains." Shaner said a trial was not necessary to prove that.

A court date has yet to be set for the appeal.