First Nations Payments

The application process for the First Nations Veterans Package wrapped up on February 15, 2003. The package was offered to First Nations veterans who settled on reserves after the wars.At the time Salute! went to press, more than 700 applications had been approved. About $14 million in payments have already been mailed out to qualified veterans who have met all of the eligibility requirements. Each eligible applicant qualifies for a tax-free package of $20,000 from the Government of Canada. The package, announced in June 2002, responds to a report by the National Round Table on First Nations Veterans Issues.