Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - June 24, 2024 - Toronto woman Kairia Manji could face up to two years in jail for a case of Inuit identity fraud.

Manji pleaded guilty to one count of fraud over $5,000 after submitting an application claiming false Inuit status for her twin daughters.

The two women used the enrolment cards to receive monetary benefits from two organizations.

Charges against the daughters, who are not Inuit, were dropped after Manji pleaded guilty in February. Crown prosecutor Sarah White said Manji's actions were deliberate and calculated.

The case came to light after the family of an elderly Inuk woman raised the issue Manji and the Gill sisters were falsely claiming familial ties to the woman, who has since died.

The case may be the first of its kind in Canada where Indigenous fraud has resulted in criminal charges and a conviction. Manji has paid back about $130,000 of the money given to the twins and intends to pay back the remainder.