Ottawa will provide $20 billion to repay the children and families of victims of discrimination through the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program and the Jordan Principle.
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“After three decades of advocacy and months of negotiations, I am proud to announce on behalf of the First Nations Assembly (AFN) that we have reached another historic milestone for our children and their families,” the AFN said in a press release Manitoba Regional Manager, Cindy Woodhouse.
“We have kept our children in our hearts and prayers throughout negotiations to reach a settlement that we believe fairly upholds the 2019 Canadian Human Rights Court orders and broadens the scope of First Nations children and families, who are entitled to compensation when they are discriminated against under federal law, the First Nations Child and Family Services program and the close application of the Jordanian Principle,” she added.
For its part, the federal government spoke of a “historic settlement agreement – the largest in Canadian history – that recognizes the damage suffered by First Nations children and their families”.
“Historical damage requires historical reparations. While no compensation can compensate for the pain and trauma that the Canadian government’s actions have inflicted on First Nations children and families, this final settlement is an important step in acknowledging the damage done and beginning the hard healing work.” said Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu.
The $20 billion agreement provides for compensation for children “who are under First Nations Children and Families Assistance Program between 1 Principle adopted by the government between December 12, 2007 and November 2, 2017 .”
Children who did not receive or were late in receiving an essential public service or product between April 1, 1991 and December 11, 2007 may also be eligible, as may the parents or grandparents caring for those children also be entitled have compensation.
Although this final settlement agreement is subject to the approval of Canada’s Human Rights Court and the Federal Court of Canada, the AFN expects compensation to begin flowing to First Nations over the next year.
A motion to approve the settlement is expected to be heard in the federal court of Canada in September 2022.
The agreement will include a distribution protocol that will set out who is entitled to compensation and how it will be claimed.