Łutsel K'e Dene First Nation rebuts arguments from Denesoline CEO

While lawyers for Barless previously said his joint ventures with LKDFN were fully disclosed and legally binding, the nation’s defense say that’s impossible because the ventures never existed due to their inability to fulfill any contractual obligations. LKDFN has alleged the purpose of these companies was to increase revenue for Barless only. Lawyers also responded to what they called misleading statements about Barless increasing the nation’s annual revenue since taking his position. Though the nation has seen increased revenues due to his actions, his excessive spending left their net income worse in the latter years of his employment. Additionally, LKDFN lawyers say a large portion of Barless Defense has relied on meeting minutes. These minutes, the defense said, are hearsay and don’t prove LKDFN board members were fully informed of his dealings. They’re asking the court to decide the lawsuit without a trial. Lawyers, in closing saying a court does not need a trial to deal with the cases. Obvious as this one. Robert Holden, CBC News, Yellowknife.