Community Update: ISC Membership Error

Press Release

March 12, 2026

Batchewana First Nation, March 11, 2026
Community Update from Chief and Council

On March 4, 2026, Batchewana First Nation received a letter from the Indian Registrar at Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) advising that three individuals were mistakenly registered under the Indian Act and added to the Batchewana First Nation membership list. ISC has indicated they are taking steps to correct this error. However, under the principles of procedural fairness, the individuals involved have been given 90 days to provide any additional information that may support their registration before a final decision is made by ISC. Due to Privacy Act restrictions, ISC is currently unable to release the names of these individuals to Batchewana First Nation until the process is complete.

Following review of this information, Chief and Council met on March 9, 2026, and discussed the potential implications for Robinson Huron Treaty settlement distributions. Since our Nation has not yet been informed who these individuals are or when they were added to the membership list, there is a risk that settlement funds could be distributed in error. Based on current estimates, this could represent approximately $351,000 in payments.

To protect the integrity of the settlement funds for Batchewana First Nation members, Chief and Council have passed a motion to temporarily pause all Robinson Huron Treaty payments until ISC confirms the names and final status of the individuals identified in their review.

Administration has contacted the Indian Registrar to request clarification and will continue to follow up. Should it be determined that payments were issued to individuals who are not members, BFN will take immediate steps, including any available legal avenues, to recover those funds on behalf of our Nation.

We understand members are eager for updates regarding settlement distributions and appreciate your patience while we ensure that all funds are distributed accurately and fairly to Batchewana First Nation members.

Further updates will be shared as soon as additional information is received from Indigenous Services Canada.

Miigwetch,

Batchewana First Nation Chief and Council

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