2024 Specific Claims Webinar: Addressing the Cap on Specific Claims Compensation
Press Release
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will host an online Specific Claims Webinar, “Addressing the Cap on Specific Claims Compensation,” on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 1:00 – 3:00 PM. The purpose of the webinar is to seek feedback directly from First Nation on experiences and challenges in seeking equitable compensation for their specific claims.
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
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