Vince Gilchrist was handed a hefty fine after being found guilty of the violating the city's property standards bylaws.
But Gilchrist, a member of the Six Nations Haudenosaunee Men's Fire, says the city has no jurisdiction over him or his home because it is part of the Eagle's Nest Tract and part of Six Nations Territory.
Gilchrist lives on Fair Avenue in Eagle Place.
"My arguments were rejected by the court and I was fined $4,000 or $5,000," Gilchrist said. "But I asked them to provide proof that the land had been surrendered and they couldn't do it.
"As far as I'm concerned, it's Six Nations Territory and they have no jurisdiction."
He believes he was given a huge fine because he chose to fight the charges rather than plead guilty.
Gilchrist said his issues with the city's bylaw enforcement department stemmed from a complaint they had received from a neighbour.
He says he had some demolition derby cars on his property, which he was getting ready for the fall fairs. It's something he has done for years and has never had a problem in the past.
He also believes a neighbour became upset with him when he was using a circular saw at about 7:30 a. m. Gilchrist said he was using the saw while working on a car for the soap box derby for the Labour Day celebrations one year.
He has lived in Eagle Place for the past 20 years and has never had a problem before.
"They operate on a complaint basis and I guess someone complained," Gilchrist said.