NAN Welcomes Approval of Landmark Final Settlement Agreement on Child Welfare
THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse applauds and congratulates all parties on today’s approval by the Federal Court of more than $23 billion in compensation for First Nations children, youth, and families who have suffered from Canada’s discriminatory conduct in the provision of child welfare services and the application of Jordan’s Principle:
“This is a monumental occasion, and our hearts are with our members and families who have suffered for far too long under this discriminatory system. We also acknowledge the resiliency of the Representative Plaintiffs and everyone who have fought for years to expose the injustices inflicted upon our people and secure rightful compensation.
The Final Settlement Agreement satisfies the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal’s Compensation Orders and respects the rights of NAN’s member First Nations’ citizens to receive meaningful compensation for harms they have suffered and continue to suffer. As an intervenor, we fully support this settlement and commend all parties involved on their monumental efforts to honour the affected First Nation children, youth, and families.
Nothing can undo the harm inflicted on our people from the years of discrimination, but we hope this ruling is a good step forward in reconciling Canada’s colonial past and setting the healing path forward for our members. We pray for the Creator to guide them on their journeys.”
Legal counsel and representatives for class action parties appeared before the Federal Court of Canada yesterday to seek the approval of the Final Settlement Agreement on compensation. In negotiations for more than two years, the Agreement includes $23.4 billion to compensate more than 300,000 children and families. The Agreement was approved by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal earlier this year.
NAN supports the Assembly of First Nation’s call to the Prime Minister that a formal apology be made in the House of Commons, with Representative Plaintiffs in attendance, as a significant step in the process for First Nations children and families.
For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca