The Indian Specific Claims Commission (ICC) was formed in 1991 in response to the Oka crisis. Its purpose was to resolve claims arising from promises made to Indigenous nations in treaties, the federal Indian Act, and within other Crown obligations. This book traces the history of Indigenous claims and the work of the ICC. Written by longstanding ICC Commissioner Jane Dickson, it provides an unflinching look at the inquiry process and the parties involved. Dickson draws upon the records of the commission and her long research and experience with Indigenous claims to provide a balanced, careful analysis of Canada’s claims policy; she also makes a passionate plea for greater claims justice.

Jane Dickson's profile page

Jane Dickson has a long and well-respected history of research, teaching, and grassroots activism in the furtherance of social, legal, and cultural justice for Indigenous peoples within Canada. She has served as an advisor to the Mohawk Nation at Kahnawake on traditional justice and has two decades of service as an advisor to the Department of Justice and Corrections of the Cree Nation Government. Currently an associate professor of law and legal studies at Carleton University, Jane Dickson served as an Indian Claims Commissioner from 2002 to 2009.