Federal Indian Hospitals Claim

Summary of the Settlement

If you were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital on the list (provided below) between 1936 to 1981, you may be eligible for compensation through a Canada-wide settlement for harm experienced there.

Canada has agreed to pay compensation to eligible people (class members) who were admitted to specific Federal Indian Hospitals and experienced abuse, including psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse.

Total compensation ranges from $10,000 to $200,000 and is based on the severity of abuse experienced. The settlement agreement provides more information on compensation.

The settlement was approved by the Federal Court on June 24, 2025. The claims period opened January 27, 2026 and will remain open until July 27, 2028.

Individuals may be eligible to apply for direct compensation if they can say “yes” to all of the following:

  • they were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated by the Government of Canada (see dates on the chart below)

AND

  • they experienced abuse while they were a patient at that hospital

AND

  • they were alive on January 25, 2016

Learn more about who can submit a claim, the process and free supports available at ihsettlement.ca/claims/

FAQs

How do I know if I am eligible to apply for compensation?

You may be eligible to apply for direct compensation, if you can say “yes” to both of these things:

1. You were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated by the Government of Canada (see dates on the chart below)

AND

2. You experienced abuse while you were admitted at that hospital

You can use the eligibility information tool at ihsettlement.ca/eligibility/ to check if you qualify to apply.

How and when do I apply for compensation?

There is one claim form to submit. You can submit the claim form online through the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement Claims Portal at ihsettlement.ca/claims/

Or you can send your completed form with copies of your identification by email to Claims@Admin.IHSettlement.ca.

If you prefer, you can also download the form and mail it with copies of your identification (no original pieces of identification) to FIH Claims Administrator, PO Box 5493, Station Main, Newmarket, ON L3Y 0J4.

Check the website IHClassAction.ca/ and sign up for email updates to receive updates as the claims process continues.

Who can help me with my claim?

Resources and supports are available at ihsettlement.ca/resources/ to help you as you prepare your claim form for compensation.

This includes claims helpers who provide one-on-one support. They can explain the claims process in everyday terms and help you understand what information is needed to submit your claim. The claims helpers can also connect you with the claims administrator or class counsel when needed. Call 1.888.592.9101 and press 2 to talk to a claims helper.

Do I need to hire a lawyer to submit my claim?

You can hire any Canadian lawyer to help prepare your claim, however here is a list of law firms dedicated to the claim. The class counsel can answer your legal questions about the settlement and the claims process free of charge.

Will IRC help me to submit my claim?

IRC cannot fill out or submit your application for you. We also cannot provide you with legal advice on your claim.  We can help connect you with the people who will receive your application. If you need access to a laptop or phone for the application process or want to have someone provide emotional support while you are filling out your application, a community support worker may be able to assist you.

Support Services

Comfort and Emotional Assistance

If reading this information brings up difficult memories or feelings, confidential and culturally appropriate support is available.

Emotional and mental health counselling and crisis support is available to Class Members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Hope for Wellness Hotline at 1.855.242.3310 or online at www.hopeforwellness.ca

Read the Settlement Agreement.

Watch a webinar on the Federal Indian Hospitals settlement

In this webinar, a class counsel lawyer walks through:  

  • an overview of the settlement 
  • who is eligible 
  • how to make a claim
  • the claims process 

List of Hospitals included in the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement

 FEDERAL INDIAN HOSPITALDATES OF OPERATION
1Blackfoot Indian HospitalJanuary 1, 1936 – April 1, 1976
2Blood Indian HospitalJanuary 1, 1936 – December 31, 1981
3Charles Camsell Indian HospitalNovember 1, 1945 – December 1, 1980
4Hobbema Indian HospitalJanuary 1, 1952 – June 30, 1963
5Morley Stoney Indian HospitalJanuary 1, 1936 – December 31, 1960
6Peigan Indian HospitalJanuary 1, 1936 – December 31, 1954
7Sarcee Indian HospitalJanuary 1, 1936 – March 31, 1946
8Coqualeetza Indian HospitalSeptember 1, 1941 – September 30, 1969
9Miller Bay Indian HospitalSeptember 16, 1946 – October 1, 1971
10Nanaimo Indian HospitalSeptember 1, 1946 – November 20, 1966
11Brandon Indian HospitalJune 15, 1947 – January 31, 1961
12Clearwater Lake Indian HospitalSeptember 24, 1945 – February 28, 1965
13Dynevor Indian HospitalSeptember 1, 1939 – November 1, 1957
14Fisher River Indian HospitalJuly 6, 1940 – June 18, 1973
15Fort Alexander Indian HospitalDecember 1, 1937 – November 18, 1964
16Norway House Indian HospitalJanuary 1, 1936 – December 31, 1981
17Percy E. Moore HospitalJune 18, 1973 – December 31, 1981
18Tobique Indian HospitalJanuary 1, 1936 – March 31, 1950
19Edzo CottageAugust 7, 1974 – December 31, 1981
20Fort Norman Indian HospitalSeptember 1, 1943 – January 21, 1946
21Fort Simpson Indian HospitalSeptember 20, 1973 – December 31, 1981
22Frobisher Bay Indian HospitalApril 1, 1959 – December 31, 1981
23Inuvik Indian HospitalJanuary 13, 1961 – December 31, 1981
24Watson LakeMarch 1, 1966 – December 31, 1981
25Lady Willington Indian HospitalJanuary 1, 1936 – September 30, 1968
26Manitowaning Indian HospitalJanuary 1, 1941 – March 31, 1951; January 1, 1959 – March 31, 1962
27Moose Factory Indian HospitalSeptember 9, 1950 – December 31, 1981
28Sioux Lookout Indian HospitalDecember 12, 1949 – December 31, 1981
29Squaw Bay Indian HospitalMay 1, 1942 – May 31, 1953
30Fort Qu’Appelle Indian HospitalMay 1, 1936 – December 31, 1981
31North Battleford Indian HospitalMay 15, 1949 – August 26, 1977
32Whitehorse Indian HospitalApril 1, 1959 – December 31, 1981
33Mayo HospitalApril 1, 1970 – December 31, 1981