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Misconduct allegations

Saskatoon lawyer handling Indian Day School litigation, accused of misappropiating funds

Mar 18, 2025 | 11:08 AM

A Saskatoon lawyer who was handling some Federal Indian Day School settlements has been placed on interim suspension and is not entitled to practice law until further notice.

The notice was issued on March 11 by the Law Society of Saskatchewan.

According to a statement on their website, Dwayne Stonechild repeatedly failed to comply with court ordered processes set out by the Federal Court of Canada in connection with the payment of his fees pursuant to the Federal Indian Day School litigation process and has taken fees without court authorization and without court approval as is required by the process.

While acknowledging formal allegations in relation to the above have yet to be advanced or proven, the Law Society of Saskatchewan Conduct Investigation Committee explained further investigation is required in connection with the conduct of Stonechild and that to allow him to continue to practice during the investigation would present an immediate risk to the public.

It is not clear how many clients may be affected by Stonechild’s suspension, but paNOW has been made aware of at least one man from the Prince Albert area.

John Brady McDonald stated he was only at the inquiry stage, so did not lose any money.

“My biggest concern is that my personal information has been collected, and I don’t know where it is or what has happened to it,” he said.

A lawyer from the Hnatyshyn Gough law firm has been appointed as Trustee for the legal practice of Stonechild.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social