Lawyer Accused of Misusing First Nations Trust Funds | Edmonton News

Edmonton News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 18, 2026 · 1m

A lawyer accused of stealing millions from First Nations trust funds faces a major legal showdown after an Alberta judge froze $8.5 million of his assets. The Tallcree First Nation and Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation allege Jeffrey Rath mismanaged their funds—$15 million and $12 million respectively—with the judge finding a strong case for improper payments. Rath denies wrongdoing, calling it a “fee dispute” and claiming he’s generated billions in economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. He’s ordered to reveal asset locations and undergo an oath exam, while a neutral reviewer will assess…