First Nations Youth

First Nations youth ages 16 to 19

Here’s what you need to know about submitting your Claim.

Were you removed from your home between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022, while living on reserve or in the Yukon?

You don’t have to wait. It’s time to submit your Claim for compensation.

You don’t have to share your story.
You don’t have to pay any fees.

Free support is available from Claims Helpers.

Am I eligible?

Time Period

You may be eligible as a Removed Child Family Class Member if you are a First Nations individual who, while under the Age of Majority, was removed from your home by Child Welfare Authorities between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022.

You may also be eligible as a Removed Child Family Class Member if you had a child removed from your care who meets this criteria.

Location

The removal must have happened while you or your Caregiving Parents or Caregiving Grandparents were Ordinarily Resident on Reserve or living in the Yukon.

If you were not Ordinarily Resident on Reserve or living in the Yukon at the time of the removal system, you would not be eligible for compensation under these Classes.

Placement

The placement must have been funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

Removals funded through provincial child welfare systems are not eligible for compensation in this Settlement. If the removal happened while the child or the child’s caregiver was living off reserve, the removal may have been funded through a provincial program.

Submission deadline

The Claims Period opened on March 10, 2025. Your deadline to submit a Claim for compensation depends on your age on that date.

On March 10, 2025, were you:

  • Already an adult? Submit by March 10, 2028.
  • Still a minor? You can submit your Claim if you are within 2 years of becoming an adult. The last day you can submit is 3 years from the date you become an adult.

Read more about Age of Majority →

 Does not include

The Settlement does not include Métis or Inuit Children or removals that took place in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut.

It also does not include removals where the child was not Ordinarily Resident on Reserve or living in the Yukon at the time of the removal.

Learn more about full eligibility requirements →

Are you a Caregiving Parent or Grandparent?

Caregiving Parents and Caregiving Grandparents of a Removed Child may also be eligible to submit a Claim for compensation under a different Class. Foster parents are not included in the Settlement and are not eligible for compensation.

Learn more about the Removed Child Family Class →

What is the Age of Majority?

Age of Majority is the age when you are legally considered an adult. In Canada, this is either 18 or 19.

Age of Majority is:

  • 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
  • 19 in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and the Yukon.

You are considered a “minor” until you reach the Age of Majority.

Learn more about Age of Majority →

How to submit a Claim

 1. 

Get Ready

To get ready to submit your Claim under the Removed Child Class, you will need:

  • Valid government-issued identification (ID): A copy (photocopy, scan or photo) of an approved form of valid government-issued identification (ID).
  • Current mailing address: The Administrator will use this mailing address to contact you, so be sure to update the Administrator if your address changes.

Receiving compensation

The fastest way to receive compensation is through direct deposit. If you are eligible to receive compensation, you will be asked to choose if you want to receive the payment by direct deposit or mailed cheque. If you want to receive your compensation by direct deposit, you will need to provide an active bank account in your own name.

Important – Once you have submitted the Compensation Payment Form, you cannot request changes to your selected payment method. This means you cannot switch between direct deposit or cheque.

 2. 

You don’t have to do this alone

If you need help, Claims Helpers are available to provide free, private, trauma-informed support. They can help you:

  • Understand your eligibility
  • Complete your Claim Form
  • Understand what identification (ID) and supporting documents you need to include with your Claim
  • Connect with wellness supports and other resources

Claims Helpers can meet with you by phone, video or in person (where available).

To connect with a Claims Helper, email Generalinfo@Contact.FNChildClaims.ca or call 1‑833‑852‑0755 (toll-free) between 8 a.m. ET and 8 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)

Learn more about Claims Helpers →

 3. 

Submit your Claim

Option 1. Online Claims Portal

Complete and submit your Claim online using the Claims Portal. This is the fastest way to submit your Claim and receive compensation.

Option 2. Email, Fax or Mail

Download a fillable PDF or use a printed version. Complete, sign and date the Claim Form, then submit it along with a copy of your valid government-issued identification (ID) and copies of any required supporting documents to the Administrator by:

Email: Claims@Admin.FNChildClaims.ca

Fax: 1-416-815-2723

Mail:
Settlement Administrator,
PO Box 2500 STN MAIN
Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 0H9

Important – Submit clear copies only. Do not send original documents.

Do not courier your Claim Form. The Administrator cannot accept courier deliveries.

Learn more about submitting a Claim →

 4. 

Compensation

Compensation amounts and timelines vary, but payments may be up to $40,000 per eligible Removed Child.

Claim submissions for the Removed Child Class are reviewed as they are received. If you are eligible, you will receive your compensation after you reach the Age of Majority.

Learn more about compensation →

Plan ahead

What you choose to do with your compensation is up to you. Planning ahead can help you get the most out of it. You decide what it can mean for your life now and in the future.

Free financial information is available if you want help.

Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind:

  • You have options. You can choose to spend, save or invest your compensation based on what matters to you
  • You can keep your money in a bank or credit union account to help manage it safely
  • You may be able to receive your compensation in monthly payments by investing it in a GIC through your bank or credit union
  • You do not have to pay tax on your compensation
  • Be aware of scams or anyone asking for fees or access to your money

Learn more about free financial resources →

Free mental health and wellness supports are available 24 hours a day through the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1‑855‑242‑3310.

Ready to start?

Every journey is different. You can complete your Claim on your own or choose to work alongside a Claims Helper at a pace that works for you.

Submit a Claim online

Learn more about the different ways to submit a claim →