The federal government has Agreements-in-Principle with First Nations partners which includes $20-billion in compensation for children harmed by discriminatory under funding of First Nations child welfare. Another $20-billion will be used to reform the system over five years.

A news release from the Government of Canada says, “No amount of money can reconnect First Nations children and youth with their cultures nor reverse the suffering experienced by First Nations children, youth, their families and communities.” The compensation is for First Nations children on-reserve and in the Yukon, who were removed from their homes between April 1st of 1991 and March 31st of this year, and for their parents and caregivers. The news release says it’s also for those impacted by the government’s narrow definition of Jordan’s Principle between December 12th of 2007 and November 2nd of 2017, as well as for children who did not receive, or were delayed receiving, an essential public service or product between April 1, 1991 and December 11, 2007.

This is an Agreement-in-Principle, with the final agreements expected over the coming months. The Assembly of First Nations has been in discussions with the federal government about this along with other First Nations representatives. Manitoba Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse spoke at Tuesday’s virtual announcement.