(August 14, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario) — National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak announced today that distribution of compensation to eligible Claimants has begun under the $23 billion federal settlement for discrimination in the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program and Jordan’s Principle. Deloitte Canada, the Claims Administrator, is processing Claims received in the first two Classes in the settlement, the Removed Child and Removed Child Family Classes. More than 40,000 Claims in these Classes have been received so far.
“This is a significant milestone in a long legal battle by the Assembly of First Nations and partner organizations to secure compensation for those harmed by Canada’s discrimination in services that should have been helping the most vulnerable,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “No amount of money can ever make up for the harms they experienced, but the compensation is an important acknowledgement of the discrimination they suffered, and we hope it provides some measure of comfort. To see compensation flowing just five months after launching the process is a significant achievement and we thank Deloitte for their work and commitment.”
“I express my deep respect and admiration for the Representative Plaintiffs who demonstrated such strength and courage throughout this process,” continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “They have spent years advocating on behalf of First Nations children and families affected by these broken systems. I am honoured to have worked alongside them to reach this point. I thank each and every one of you.”
“First Nations survivors and victims of the discriminatory child welfare system are finally receiving a one-time payment to support their healing and wellbeing,” added Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “This is an important step toward justice. Compensation addresses past harms, yet we must keep moving forward to prevent future harm and ensure our systems protect the holistic well-being of children, youth, and families. Survivors cannot wait any longer—they need action now.”
Eligible members of the two Classes who have not yet applied for compensation should do so as soon as possible. There are time limits for making a Claim: Claims for compensation under the first two Classes can be submitted until March 2028, or three years from when a Claimant reaches the age of majority if they were not of age on March 10, 2025. The Claims Process has been designed to be trauma-informed, non-invasive, and with Claims Helpers available to support with documents and questions. Information is available online at www.fnchildclaims.ca.
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 were placed into care funded by Indigenous Services Canada, as well as their Caregiving Parents or Caregiving Grandparents. To check your eligibility, access supports and to apply for compensation, visit www.fnchildclaims.ca.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national political and advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
National Chief’s Office
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]