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Indian specific claims commission

Independent Commissions

2.7 Strategic Outcome: Indian specific claims commission

Fair and impartial hearings of specific claims.

Financial Resources ($ millions)	Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending
Indian Specific Claims Commission	7.1	7.1	6.9

Human Resources (Full-time Equivalents)	Planned	Actual	Difference
Indian Specific Claims Commission	50	46	4

2.7.1 Program Activity – Indian specific claims commission

Description

The Commission conducts impartial inquiries when a First Nation disputes rejection of its specific claim by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, or when a First Nation disagrees with the compensation criteria to be used by the government in negotiating the settlement of its claim. As well as conducting formal inquiries, the Commission, at the request of the government and a First Nation, provides or arranges such mediation and facilitation services as may in their opinion assist them to reach an agreement with respect to any matter relating to Indian specific claims.

Legislation to set up a new Claims Resolution Centre received Royal Assent in November 2003, but has not been proclaimed. During 2006–07, INAC will work to clarify the future role and funding of the Indian Specific Claims Commission to ensure continuity of work on specific claims inquiries and impartial and supportive mediation/facilitation services.

Deliverables and Time Lines – Expected Results and Outputs

Priority

Inquire into specific land claims, at the request of a First Nation, when a claim has been rejected by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development or when a First Nation disagrees with the compensation criteria to be used by the government in negotiating the settlement of its claim; and provide mediation services for claims in negotiation at any stage of the claims process.

**Expected Result 1:** Inquiries completed or progressing according to established timelines.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Inquiries completed or progressing according to established timelines.	Maintain service standards.	ISCC had 37 ongoing inquiries during the year. Three inquiries were completed.
Hearings process is perceived as fair and impartial.	For every hearing and mediation process.	ISCC participated in 16 planning sessions, community sessions, and oral and evidentiary hearings.

**Output:** Inquiry hearings.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Reports issued.	Maintain service standards.	Five reports were completed on inquiries that were completed in the previous reporting period.

**Output:** Mediation and facilitation services.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Mediation services are perceived by the parties as impartial and supportive to settlement process. Number of claims progressed through various stages of mediation.	Maintain service standards.	ISCC engaged in 26 mediation efforts during the year, translating into 116 meetings. Five reports were completed on mediations that were completed in the previous reporting period.

**Output:** Public education activities.
Indicators	Targets/Timing	Actual Results
Requests for speakers and publications such as factsheets.	Maintain levels of service.	There were: 64 requests for information 231 requests for publications 92,923 website hits 436 information kits distributed 1,173 "Landmark" newsletters distributed 1,444 copies of annual report distributed 4 conference keynote speaking engagements

How did these accomplishments support the priority?

By advancing these claims, First Nations and government realize that the ISCC is a neutral institution that can serve as a bridge between two parties and achieve positive results.