Following the filing of a Statement of Claim by the SFNVA in December of 1998, three years of negotiations and intense political lobbying with the federal government finally resulted in a positive response by relevant federal ministries to demands for compensation for First Nations War Veterans. The work of the SFNVA culminated in a response not only to them, but to First Nations Veterans across the country.

In response to the First Nation Veterans’ claim and the recommendation contained in the national report commissioned by the First Nations Veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs titled, A Search for Equity, the federal government offered a $39 million dollar package, which translated into $20,0000 in financial compensation to each surviving War Veteran or spouse. Many felt that the offer was not or is not fair considering the contributions of our First Nation Veterans that were made to Canada and the injustices that have been experienced post military service.

Following are some recent statistics regarding the compensation process to date

National
Total Applications received:	2507
Rejected Applications:	750 *
Applications Accepted for processing:	1757
* (due to Veteran & Spouse Date of Death before Feb. 1, 2000)
Saskatchewan
Applications Accepted for Processing:	262
Cheques Sent:	117
Applications Declined:	81
In process:	64

April 30, 2003 the Saskatchewan First Nation Veterans Association membership had an election for Grand Chief of the SFNVA. World War II Veteran Philip Favel from the Sweetgrass First Nation will serve a three-year term as Grand Chief. Many thanks goes out to former Grand Chief Howard Anderson and SFNVA Executive in their tireless efforts to see a just resolution in this and other very important matters.