An attempt at mediation between the chief of Aamjiwnaang First Nation and a city/county councillor "was not successful."
Rebecca Hines of Hunter Legal LLP provided the update in a letter to Lambton County Council's Committee of the Whole on Wednesday.
She was externally delegated to act as the integrity commissioner to review Janelle Nahmabin's formal complaint over remarks made by Bill Dennis last November.
Hines said after a preliminary review, an attempt was made to resolve the complaint through mediation, in hopes of avoiding the need to proceed with an inquiry.
"In this case, both parties expressed their willingness to participate in mediation. For scheduling reasons, the earliest date upon which the mediation session could occur was March 25, 2025. Although the mediation session commenced on this date as scheduled, it did not proceed past the preliminary portion of the session, and a substantive mediation discussion did not occur. Suffice to say, mediation was not successful," Hines said in her letter.
Hines said councillor Dennis and his legal representative were told two days later, on March 27, the next step in the process would be a full inquiry.
Hines said Dennis was asked to provide his formal response to the complaint by April 7.
An extension request to May 1 was received from Dennis' legal team and granted.
Hines said barring any unforeseen circumstances, she expects a final report to be filed with the county before June 10.
In an 11 page letter to Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott and Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, Janelle Nahmabin said she wanted to express her "deep concern and disappointment regarding inappropriate, untrue and disparaging comments from a member of both the Lambton County Council and Sarnia City Council."
Nahmabin said county council was discussing the First Nation's request for changes in how environmental fines are distributed when the remarks were made on November 27.