NAN Congratulates all Parties on CHRT Revised Compensation Final Settlement Agreement

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse congratulates the efforts by all parties that led to last week’s historic ruling by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to approve the Revised Compensation Final Settlement Agreement.

“Nothing can undo the devastating effects that years of discrimination have caused our members, but this ruling offers victims dignity and financial means to make positive steps forward in their lives,” said Deputy Grand Chief Bobby Narcisse. “We commend and congratulate all parties involved on their monumental efforts to honour the affected First Nation children, youth, and families with this historic settlement. We now look to the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada to seek a formal public apology from the Prime Minister, as requested under the agreed-to terms of the Revised Compensation Final Settlement Agreement.”

Claimants eligible for compensation include First Nations children removed from their homes, families, and communities, and children who suffered unreasonable delays, denials, or gaps in receiving essential services, as well as their caregiving parents and grandparents, from 1991 to 2017 (for Jordan’s Principle claimants) or 2022 (for removed child claimants).

Claimants will be eligible for enhanced compensation amounts based on several factors, including whether they were removed from a remote First Nation community. Supports and safeguards will be provided to claimants and communities to mitigate the vulnerabilities associated with large settlement payouts.

NAN’s concerns with respect to compensation and settlement payout safeguards have been incorporated in this agreement. NAN will continue to work with the parties over the coming months to ensure the needed financial and wellness supports are available to those receiving compensation. Discrimination associated with remoteness will be recognized and addressed through the compensation Claims Process.

“The Revised Compensation Final Settlement Agreement fully satisfies the 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,” said Narcisse. “As an intervenor, we fully supported the joint motion brought forward by the parties to the agreement.”

Since 2017, NAN has developed innovative ways to address the challenges faced by remote First Nation communities. This includes Choose Life, the NAN-Canada Remoteness Quotient Table, and the National Assembly of Remote Communities, co-chaired by NAN and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca