Former Canadian prime minister Jean Chr�tien testified on Monday in a case alleging mismanagement of $1.4 billion in Indian trust assets.

Chr�tien was called to the stand by the Samson Cree First Nation of Alberta. The tribe believes he can shed light on decisions made affecting trust fund management.

Chr�tien was Indian Affairs minister from 1969 to 1974. He testified that he never thought to invest tribal trust money in high-yielding markets. He oversaw the development of formulas for tribal investments.

The Samson Cree First Nation says the government squandered its oil and gas royalties. The government says the tribe gave up its rights 50 years ago.

Chr�tien is expected to be on the stand for three more days. He is the final witness called by the tribe.

Get the Story:
Chr�tien teaches history lesson in court (CP 2/23)
Chretien testifies in $1.4B native lawsuit (CTV 2/23)
Band's money not mishandled: former PM Chr�tien (CBC 2/23)
Hard to recall 30-year-old decisions: Chretien (CBC 2/23)
Former Canada PM star witness in C$1.4 bln lawsuit (Reuters 2/23)

Relevant Links:
Buffalo v. Cree, case information - http://www.samsoncree.org
Samson Cree Nation - http://www.samsoncreenation.com

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Former Canadian PM to take stand in royalty case (2/23)
Canada PM ordered to testify in mismanagement case (12/05)