Specific claim
Indigenous RightsA claim made by a First Nation against the federal government for failing to meet obligations under historic treaties or for mismanaging band funds or reserve lands. Successful claims result in financial compensation, which may be distributed to members as per-capita payments.
Related terms
-
Treaty rights
Rights held by First Nations as set out in treaties signed with the Crown. These can include rights to land, hunting, fishing, education, health, and annuity payments. Treaty rights are constitutionally protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
-
Per-capita distribution
A payment made by a First Nation to its members, usually from settlement funds, resource revenues, or other band income. These payments are divided equally among eligible members. Whether a per-capita distribution is taxable depends on the source of the funds and Section 87 analysis.
-
Trust fund (ISC-held)
Money held by the federal government on behalf of a First Nation, managed by Indigenous Services Canada. These funds come from land surrenders, resource extraction, and settlements. Many communities are working to take direct control of their trust funds for self-determined investment.