Free Help With Federal Indian Hospital Claims: Support Sessions in Prince Rupert, October 17–19
If you or someone you love spent time in a Federal Indian Hospital, free in-person help is coming to Prince Rupert. The Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement is holding Claimant Support Sessions at the Crest Hotel from Friday, October 17 to Sunday, October 19, where trained Claims Helpers will sit down with you one-on-one to answer questions and help complete your Claim.
You don't have to work through the Claims Process alone. Please share this with Elders, family members and anyone who supports them.
Session details
Where: Crest Hotel, Prince Rupert, BC
When: October 17–19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Group information presentation: Friday, October 17 at 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Language: One-on-one support is offered in English
Who can come: Claimants, their helpers and members of surrounding communities are welcome
Wellness and cultural supports will also be available on-site.
What happens at a session
Claims Helpers are trained in trauma-informed and culturally grounded practice. They can:
explain who is eligible and how the Claims Process works
go through the Claim Form with you, at your own pace
help with questions about identification or documents
help you understand any letters you've received about your Claim
Claims Helpers are independent from the Government of Canada. They can't give legal advice, confirm eligibility or decide compensation, but they can make the process much easier to understand.
What to bring
If you can, bring:
one piece of government-issued ID, ideally with a photo
any letters or papers related to your Claim
a notebook, or a support person if that would help you feel comfortable
If you don't have ID or documents, please come anyway. A Claims Helper can talk with you about your options.
About the Settlement
The Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement provides compensation to eligible people who experienced psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital during the time it was run by the Government of Canada. Compensation ranges from $10,000 to $200,000, depending on the severity of the abuse. The Settlement does not cover claims about medical treatment or malpractice.
The Settlement also creates a Foundation and provides additional funding for wellness, research and commemoration.
The Claims Period is open now, and the deadline to submit a Claim is July 27, 2028.
A note about content
These sessions may include discussion of abuse experienced at Federal Indian Hospitals, which can be difficult or emotional. Sessions may not be suitable for all ages, so parents and caregivers are asked to use their judgement about bringing children or youth.
Can't make it?
You can still get help by phone. Call the free Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to speak with a Claims Helper, or visit IHSettlement.ca. Session details are at IHSettlement.ca/Resources/Events/Claimant-Support-Sessions.
Support is available
If this brings up hard feelings, you are not alone. The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available any time at 1-855-242-3310 or HopeForWellness.ca. It's free and confidential, and available in English and French, with Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut on request.
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