“The abuse, neglect, and trauma experienced in Federal Indian Hospitals were systemic, deeply damaging, and often carried intergenerational consequences. Financial compensation can assist Survivors and should be accessible to those who choose to pursue it, but it must never be mistaken for justice, closure, or a true measure of the harm endured. Meaningful accountability and healing require ongoing investment, truth-telling, and structural change well beyond any settlement framework.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is sharing information that the Federal Court has approved the Claims Process for the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement. This approval means the Claims Period is now open.
Federal Indian Hospitals, often referred to as segregation hospitals, were federally operated facilities that separated First Nation, Métis, and Inuit patients from non-Indigenous patients. Many of these hospitals were under-resourced and unsafe. The Settlement applies to 33 federally operated Indian hospitals that operated between January 1936 and December 1981. The Settlement excludes sanatoriums.
“While the Settlement and claims process provide an important pathway for Survivors to access recognition and support, it is also important to acknowledge the discomfort many feel with attempts to quantify profound and lifelong harms through fixed monetary amounts,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “The abuse, neglect, and trauma experienced in Federal Indian Hospitals were systemic, deeply damaging, and often carried intergenerational consequences. Financial compensation can assist Survivors and should be accessible to those who choose to pursue it, but it must never be mistaken for justice, closure, or a true measure of the harm endured. Meaningful accountability and healing require ongoing investment, truth-telling, and structural change well beyond any settlement framework.”
The Settlement provides individual compensation to eligible former patients who experienced psychological, verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital. Compensation ranges from $10,000 up to a maximum of $200,000, depending on the harm experienced. Former patients who passed away on or after January 25, 2016, may also be eligible through the Estates process.
Family members of former patients are not eligible for individual compensation under this Settlement. The Settlement also does not include compensation for medical malpractice or claims related to medical treatment.
“This Settlement is an important step toward justice and accountability,” said Lake Manitoba First Nation Chief Cornell McLean. “We must continue to address the long-lasting harm caused by colonial systems and ensure Survivors are met with compassion, respect, and meaningful support.”
The Settlement also includes the creation of an independent foundation that will manage two funds: a $150 million Healing Fund and a $235.5 million Research and Commemoration Fund. There is also a $150 million increase to existing Indigenous Services Canada programs to support the health and wellness of eligible former patients. Together, these measures are meant to support healing, truth-telling, commemoration, culture, language protection, education, and reconciliation.
All eligible former patients will benefit from the work of the foundation and from the additional funding to Indigenous Services Canada programs.
To process a claim, eligible former patients need a valid government-issued photo identification (ID), such as a status card, health card, provincial ID, or driver’s licence, along with their current mailing address and contact information.
“Our Residential School Research Project Team is available to support affected SCO citizens with claim applications. I encourage anyone who has been impacted by these institutions to reach out for assistance,” said Grand Chief Daniels.
If you or a loved one were impacted by Federal Indian Hospitals, reach out to SCO’s Residential School Research Project Team for support by phone at 204-946-1869, extension 165, or by email at: RS@scoinc.mb.ca
There is more information about the Settlement available at IHSettlement.ca or by calling the Information Line at: 1-888-592-9101
There is also more research and Survivor resources on SCO’s website here.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 90,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
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Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca