The Whitefish Lake First Nation is suing the federal and provincial governments for $550-billion, claiming the producing mines humming in the Sudbury area are on native land.

The price tag was described as a conservative estimate. The band filed a claim with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, stating that surveyors erred in 1885, when drawing up the reserve's boundaries. They say it has a much more limited scope compared towhat was agreed to orally and in writing in the Robinson Huron Treaty 35 years prior.

Aaron Detlor, the lawyer representing the band, which is also called Atikameksheng Anishnawbek said it is the largest Canadian claim he has ever heard of and is based on years of mining and forestry revenue in the area..

Detlor said the band is willing to drop the suit if it can negotiate a financial arrangement with area companies and the governments.