Indian Specific Claims Commission

The Indian Specific Claims Commission (ISCC) - also known as the Indian Claims Commission - was created in 1991 under the federal Inquiries Act. The primary role of the ISCC was to provide an alternative to the courts for First Nations whose specific claims had been rejected by Canada. In such cases, a First Nation had the option to refer its claim to the Commission to conduct an independent review of the government's decision. If requested, the ISCC also provided mediation and facilitation services to help Canada and First Nations reach a negotiated settlement agreement. The ISCC made "non-binding" recommendations on the validity of rejected claims and on which compensation criteria should apply in the negotiation of a settlement where the claimant disagreed with Canada's determination of the applicable criteria.

In its annual reports to Parliament over the past ten years, the ISCC repeated its recommendation that it should be replaced by an independent body with adjudicative powers. Such an independent body was created on October 16, 2008 when the Specific Claims Tribunal Act came into effect.

In keeping with an Order in Council dated November 22, 2007, the Commission ceased its operations and closed its doors on March 31, 2009.

Read the Commission's final report (1991-2009)  .