Indian Claims Commission (Canada)

Summary

The Indian Claims Commission (ICC) was established in 1991 by the Canadian Federal Government in consultation with Aboriginal organisations. It was created as an interim independent advisory body with the authority to conduct public enquiries into specific claims which have been rejected for negotiation by the government and to issue non-binding decisions.

Extended Definition

In addition, the ICC was empowered to provide mediation services to Aboriginal organisations and governments, and the Canadian government, throughout the course of specific claims negotiations.

The limited mandate of the ICC has inhibited the efficient resolution of claims however, and the 2000–2001 Annual Report of the Commissioners called for the establishment of a permanent independent claims body to advance the backlog of existing claims and to deal with future claims. The Specific Claims Resolution Act, which received Royal Assent in 2003 and is awaiting official proclamation, is set to establish such a body which is to be known as the Centre for Independent Resolution of First Nations Specific Claims. It will replace the ICC.