Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa—National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, along with compensation administrator Deloitte, announced today the opening of the first two claims processes for eligible applicants seeking compensation for experiencing discrimination in the First Nations Child and Family Services Program (FNCFS).
In April, 2023, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Moushoom and Trout Class Action plaintiffs reached a final settlement agreement, totalling more than $23.34 billion. This agreement intends to compensate those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and narrow interpretation of Jordan's Principle.
The Claims Period for the Removed Child and the Removed Child Family Classes are now open. The Final Settlement Agreement on Compensation applies to those affected by discrimination in the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program and narrow application of Jordan's Principle.
Those who may be eligible for compensation under this claims process include First Nations individuals who were removed from their homes as children between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022, while living on reserve or in the Yukon and placed into care funded by Indigenous Services Canada, as well as their caregiving parents or caregiving grandparents.
"Thanks to the hard work and leadership of many advocates and negotiators, as well as the Administrator, Deloitte, we are finally at the point where compensation can begin reaching those affected by this broken system," said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
Additional classes under the settlement agreement will open in phases, as each requires Federal Court Approval based on the unique circumstances of the class. Applications for claimants and further information and support resources are available at http://www.fnchildclaims.ca.
