(December 12, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is pleased to announce that the first two Claims Processes for the Removed Child and the Removed Child Family Classes are confirmed to launch on March 10, 2025. This announcement signifies a major advancement in the effort to deliver compensation to First Nations children and families who experienced discrimination through the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program and narrow application of Jordan’s Principle.
“This announcement is a significant step forward in ensuring compensation reaches those who have experienced harm,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “We thank the Representative Plaintiffs for their dedication and for being pillars of advocacy throughout this process. Although this is only the beginning, with more Claims Processes to follow, today is an important step forward in fulfilling our commitment to those affected by Canada’s discrimination.”
The Removed Child Class and Removed Child Family Classes include First Nations individuals who, while living on reserve or in the Yukon, were removed from their homes as children and placed into care funded by Indigenous Services Canada between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022, as well as their Caregiving Parents or Caregiving Grandparents.
Individuals who are adults (Age of Majority) as of March 10, 2025, will have until March 9, 2028, to submit their Claim. Minors (those who have not reached Age of Majority as of March 10, 2025) will have three years from the date they reach the Age of Majority to submit their Claim.
“Our children are a gift from the Creator,” continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “While compensation signifies acknowledgement of harms done to children, no amount of money can make up for what has been lost. We have come very far in a decades-long fight for recognition and protection of our children,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The opening of the first claims process is a long-awaited milestone, one that we should rightfully celebrate as so many First Nations have been denied for too long. Yet, we know there is still more work to be done to ensure the rights, well-being, and future of First Nations children and families. The AFN will continue to advocate for and support the many individuals and groups that are working together on behalf of our next generations.”
General information and updates about the Settlement and the Claims Process are available at the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle website: www.fnchildclaims.ca.
Class Members who have questions about the Settlement can also contact the Administrator at 1-833-852-0755. Mental health counselling and crisis support is available to Class Members 24 hours a day through the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or at the Hope for Wellness website. Counselling is available in English, French, Cree, and Ojibway upon request. Children and youth can also call the Kids Help Phone anytime at 1-800-668-6868 or text FIRSTNATIONS to 686868.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national 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.
Contact information:
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
[email protected]
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]