One Year Walking Alongside Claimants
March 10, 2026
Guided by care, respect and community
On March 10, 2025, the first Claims Period opened, marking an important step for impacted individuals seeking compensation and recognition. One year later, the work to support Claimants continues. Guided by care, cultural safety and community connection, thousands of people have reached out for support, connected with Claims Helpers and taken steps toward submitting their Claims.
From the outset, Claims Helpers have focused on meeting people where they are, both in their healing journeys and in their communities.
One Year Walking Alongside Claimants
Hear from Claims Helpers who have supported Claimants across the country during the first year of the Claims Process.
“This moment was more than just about forms and deadlines,” says Amanda, Co-Lead for the Settlement’s Claimant Services Program. “It was about support, care and walking alongside our people.”
Working in trauma-informed and culturally safe ways, Claims Helpers provide free one-on-one support to Claimants throughout the process. They assist individuals living in First Nations communities in rural and remote areas, as well as those in urban centres, ensuring that geography or any literacy barriers do not stand in the way of support.
One year later, the impact is significant:
- More than 136,000 Claims have been submitted
- More than $654 million has been paid in compensation
These numbers reflect not just participation, but courage. Every Claim represents a person, a family and a story.
For many Class Members, deciding to submit a Claim is deeply personal.
“It’s not easy to look into your past and remember that harm,” says Sarah, a community Claims Helper based in Saskatchewan. “We take it step by step at a pace that works for each person. As an Indigenous mother who is learning how to break cycles and rebuild with love, I understand. I understand it completely.”
Class Members are not required to share their personal stories when submitting a Claim. Claims Helpers can guide people through the form without asking them to relive difficult experiences.
For many, personalized support makes all the difference, removing barriers that might otherwise prevent them from submitting a Claim.
For people who might hesitate because of difficulties reading, Harriet, a virtual Claims Helper, reinforces, –“Help is available. When someone says, ‘You’ve explained this very clearly – thank you’; it means so much to have been able to help them.”
Claims Helpers provide support at no cost. Claimants do not have to pay anyone to submit a Claim.
As the Claims Helpers’ work continues in the months ahead, the message remains clear: support is available at no cost.
“We have more people to reach, more people to help and more to learn,” says Amanda. “When you are ready, we will be there for you.”
For Class Members who have not yet started the process, support is available whenever they feel ready.
How to get support
Call 1‑833‑852‑0755 (Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET excluding statutory holidays). Choose your language and press 2 to speak with a Claims Helper.
