A Radio-Canada investigation that included looking into a civil lawsuit indicates members of Norval Morrisseau's family and the man representing the late Indigenous artist's estate — who for years have presented themselves as the main victims of forgers and art dealers — might have played a role in this system that continues to undermine his legacy.

Ritchie Sinclair, Morrisseau's former apprentice, said he can't help but feel relief after learning about a $1.45-million lawsuit filed by a Calgary art gallery against Norval Morrisseau Estate Ltd.

EA Studios (Jasper) Ltd.'s claim takes aim at Morrisseau's children — Victoria, Peter, Eugene and Lisa, and their three siblings who are now deceased, Christian, David and Michael.

"From at least the early 2000s on, for financial gain, the adult children supported and promoted the authenticity of many of the fraudulent works and assisted, by spreading false information, in undermining efforts to expose and stop the fraud," alleges the claim.