AFN First Nations-in-Assembly passed Resolution 09/2020, Jointly Develop a Fully Independent Specific Claims Process and Resolution 53/2022, Fair Resolution of Claims over $150 Million. These resolutions direct the AFN to work jointly with the Government of Canada to remove arbitrary barriers to financial compensation for specific claims, including the $150 million cap at the Specific Claims Tribunal.

In November 2022, the AFN and the Government of Canada launched the Specific Claims Implementation Working Group (SCIWG) with a mandate to transform Canada’s Specific Claims Policy and Process. The SCIWG aims to establish a fully independent centre to remove the conflict of interest from the Government of Canada. A key aspect of meaningful reform is to ensure access to equitable compensation for claims of all sizes, which necessitates removing arbitrary limits on compensation.

Webinar Objectives:

• Receive feedback from First Nations on addressing arbitrary limits to financial compensation, including the $150 million limit for claims before the Specific Claims Tribunal.
• Share updates on the AFN’s advocacy and medium-term goals for addressing arbitrary limits on compensation.
• Hear directly from First Nations about their experiences and goals within a fully transformed specific claims process that recognizes and affirms equitable compensation principles, recognition of Indigenous systems of land tenure, and legal orders.

Who Should Attend?

• First Nation Leadership
• Technicians appointed by First Nations Leadership