First Nation Benefits
First Nation Benefits
Non-profit · Serving Robinson-Huron Treaty First Nations

Find the benefits, grants and money that are yours.

First Nation Benefits helps members of the 21 Robinson-Huron Treaty First Nations in Ontario find and apply for federal, provincial and settlement programs. Our service is free, private and led by community.

In partnership with

Government of Canada
Government of Ontario
Indigenous Services Canada
How it works

Three steps to what you're owed

Many programs are hard to find, and some settlements have deadlines. We go through them for you so you don't miss anything.

1

Answer a few questions

Complete a short multiple-choice intake about your Nation, Status, age and life history. You don't need to upload documents yet.

2

See what you may qualify for

We check your answers against federal, Ontario and First Nations programs, and against class-action settlements, then show you a personal list.

3

Get help applying

A navigator from our community contacts you to help with forms, Status cards, tax filing and follow-up, until the money arrives.

Treaty & settlements

Robinson-Huron annuity compensation, the First Nations child welfare settlement, Federal Indian Boarding Homes, and more.

Health & family

Non-Insured Health Benefits, Jordan's Principle, the Canada Child Benefit, dental care and disability supports.

Education, jobs & housing

Post-secondary funding, skills training, Ontario tax credits, energy help and housing repair programs.

Who we serve

Exclusively for Robinson-Huron Treaty First Nations

The Robinson-Huron Treaty was signed in 1850 and covers the north shore of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, inland to the height of land. The Crown promised to raise treaty annuities as revenue from the land grew. For more than 140 years it did not.

Following court decisions in 2023 and a 2023 settlement of compensation for past annuities, many members are now entitled to money through their First Nation. First Nation Benefits helps members understand what they are owed and connects them with every other program they qualify for.

Our services are for members (citizens) of the 21 First Nations listed here. If you belong to another Nation, we will still point you to the right organization.

The 21 Robinson-Huron Treaty First Nations

    Free eligibility intake

    Let's see what you qualify for

    This takes about 5 minutes. Your answers are confidential and are only used to help you.

    Step 1 of 4 · Membership

    Your Nation

    Do you have Indian Status (registered under the Indian Act)?
    Yes, I have a Status card Yes, but my card is expired or lost No, but I think I'm eligible No
    Where do you live now?
    On reserve Off reserve, in Ontario Outside Ontario
    Step 2 of 4 · About you

    About you

    How old are you?
    Under 18 18–24 25–44 45–64 65 or older
    Step 3 of 4 · Life history

    Settlement eligibility

    Some of these questions are about painful experiences. Answer only what you are comfortable with. If you need support right now, the Hope for Wellness Help Line is open 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310.

    Have you or your family experienced any of the following? (choose all that apply)
    I was in child welfare care (foster/group home) on or off reserve I was denied or delayed health/social services as a child I was placed in a private boarding home to attend school I attended a federal Indian Day School I attended a residential school I was adopted out or fostered (Sixties Scoop) My community was under a long-term drinking water advisory None of these / prefer not to say
    Have you received your Robinson-Huron annuity compensation payment from your First Nation?
    Yes No I'm not sure
    Step 4 of 4 · Contact

    How can a navigator reach you?

    How should we contact you?
    Phone call Text message Email
    I agree that First Nation Benefits may use my answers to find programs for me and contact me. My information will not be sold or shared without my permission.

    Thank you for reaching out

    Our services are only for members of the 21 Robinson-Huron Treaty First Nations. These organizations can help you find benefits:

    Questions

    Frequently asked questions

    Does this cost anything?

    No. First Nation Benefits is a registered non-profit. We never charge fees and never take a share of a settlement or benefit. Be careful of anyone who asks for a percentage of your money.

    Is this the Robinson-Huron annuity claim process?

    No. Your First Nation and the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund decide how annuity compensation is paid. We help you understand the process, update your contact details and find other programs that you may be missing.

    How do you find programs for me?

    Our database lists federal, Ontario, First Nations and settlement programs, with links to the official government or administrator pages. Our team checks it regularly. Program rules and deadlines change, so a navigator confirms each match with you before you apply.

    What if I don't have a Status card?

    We can help you apply for registration or replace an expired card. You need a valid card for many programs, so we often start there.

    Who sees my information?

    Only our navigators. We do not sell your data. We only share it with a government office or claims administrator if you ask us to, in writing.