Though initially divided, the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs have agreed to combine two competing resolutions over child welfare compensation.
Both resolutions were put forward at the AFN’s Special Chiefs Assembly, and stem from a class-action settlement agreed to by the AFN.
Last September, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ordered Ottawa to pay $40,000 to all First Nation children who suffered under the discriminatory on-reserve child welfare system since 2006.
In July, the AFN came to an agreement with Canada which would see them set aside $20 billion for compensation, and $20 billion to improve the current system.
But the Tribunal rejected that agreement last month, saying the $20 billion cap is not enough to ensure every child and caregiver receives $40,000.
While both the AFN and Canada are appealing that decision, it didn’t stop an emotional debate on whether or not to support it at the Assembly.
Intervention from retired senator Murray Sinclair was required to bridge the gap, but eventually the two sides came to an agreement.
Under the new resolution, the AFN will continue to support the $20 billion deal, while also fighting for compensation for those left out.
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