Instead of world class tuberculosis care, many admitted to these racially segregated institutions experienced significant harms. They deserve justice.
The Lung Health Foundation (LHF) urges Survivors of Canada’s Federal Indian Hospitals to seek compensation through the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement. Claims remain open until July 2028.
Advancing lung health equity requires confronting Canada’s past honestly, then supporting pathways toward healing and justice. We believe that the class action now available to Federal Indian Hospital Survivors is one such pathway. This settlement recognizes that, as recently as 1981, Indigenous Peoples in Canada were admitted to racially segregated sanatoriums, healthcare institutions established to treat tuberculosis, where many experienced significant harms. These included psychological, verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse while in care.
This moment sits within a broader national conversation about accountability in lung health. Canada’s recent $32.5 billion tobacco settlement reflects a growing understanding that people who have been harmed — whether by industry, policy, or systemic inequities — deserve justice, support, and restitution.
Survivors of Indian Hospitals deserve no less.
Helpful Links
We encourage all who believe they may qualify to consider applying for compensation:
- Learn more about the Settlement, including eligibility, and start your claim: https://ihsettlement.ca/eligibility/eligibility-tool/
- Access dedicated cultural and emotional support services for those affected: Indigenous Services Canada
- Access confidential mental health and wellness support in English and French, with help in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut is available upon request: http://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
Our heritage (and our ongoing commitment to all Canadians)
Founded as a tuberculosis charity in the early 20th century, the Lung Health Foundation is now the national leader in supporting and empowering individuals living with lung disease across Canada. Through our community initiatives, grassroots educational programs, research, and advocacy, we’re fostering a healthier future for all Canadians. While we continue to learn, the Lung Health Foundation is committed to doing our part in reducing health disparities and enhancing the healthcare system to meet the needs of Indigenous communities.
