Government of Canada approves Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
See the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada - News Release below the NAN and AFN press releases.
NAN welcomes Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, but continues to seek formal apology
THUNDER BAY, ON, May 11 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler welcomes yesterday's announcement by Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice and Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women Beverley Oda regarding the approval of a Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and the immediate launch of an Advance Payment program, however is still urging for a formal apology by the Prime Minister of Canada.
"Although we welcome the agreement, the dollar figure isn't as important as the formal acknowledgement of the wrong-doing of the residential school system not only in NAN territory, but across the country. No number could ever fairly compensate for what occurred at those schools," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. "A formal apology from the Prime Minister will mean a great deal in terms of reconciliation and contribute to the healing of those who were directly affected or impacted by the residential school system."
Fiddler's comments are in response to the Government of Canada's announcement of the final settlement agreement proposal for Common Experience Payment for all eligible former students of Indian Residential Schools, an Independent Assessment Process for claims of sexual or serious physical abuse, and measures to support healing, commemorative activities, and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Each eligible former residential school student will receive $10,000 and an additional $3,000 for each year of attendance beyond the first year.
The announcement also included the immediate launch of an Advance Payment program for eligible residential school survivors 65 years of age and older as of May 30, 2005 - something NAN has been lobbying for since the initial announcement of an Agreement-In-Principle by the former Liberal government last November.
Of the approximate 5,000 residential school survivors within NAN territory - an area covering two-thirds of Ontario - approximately 1000 are over the age of 65.
"We've been at this for a long time so let's just try to bring it to a closure," said Constance Lake First Nation Elder Richard Ferris, 73, who attended Pelican Falls Residential School 1938 through 1949.
Assembly of First Nations has been negotiating with the Government of Canada since December 2004 to reach a deal that will compensate more than 12,000 Aboriginals currently participating in law suits seeking compensation for the effects of the residential school system that uprooted Aboriginals children across Canada from their home communities.
Yesterday's announced settlement is the final legal version of the Agreement in Principle announced November 23, 2005. The Settlement Agreement now requires court approval in nine Canadian jurisdictions and the conclusion of a five-month opt-out period before coming into effect.
For further information: Jenna Young, Director of Communications, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4952, (807) 628-3953 (cellular)
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Assembly of First Nations National Chief Applauds Announcement of Cabinet Approval of Residential Schools Final Agreement and Early - Payments for survivors: "We will see justice in our lifetime"
OTTAWA, May 10 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine today applauded the announcement by Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice that the Conservative Cabinet has approved the Final Agreement on Residential Schools. Minister Prentice also confirmed that an early payment of $8,000 will be available to residential school survivors who were 65 or older as of May 30, 2005.
"Today is an historic day for residential school survivors, for First Nations and for all Canadians," stated National Chief Fontaine. "We will, at long last, see justice in our lifetime for the tragic experience of the residential schools. The approach announced today is not only about compensation but also about healing and reconciliation between First Nations and Canada."
On November 23, 2005 an agreement in principle was struck between the AFN, federal negotiator the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, survivors, lawyers and churches involved in residential schools cases. The agreement was to set in place a comprehensive approach that would include: a lump sum payment for all survivors to compensate for loss of language and culture resulting from the schools; a more efficient and effective process to deal with serious claims of abuse; a national "truth-telling" commission to bring greater understanding and awareness of this issue; and expedited compensation payments for the elderly. Based on the agreement-in-principle, the final agreement was struck.
National Chief Fontaine stated: "I want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the federal representative the Honourable Justice Frank Iacobucci, whose wise counsel provided guidance in balancing the many interests at play in the negotiations leading up to today's announcement. As well, I want to acknowledge the work of the previous Liberal government for their willingness to embark on a new process, and acknowledge the Conservative government who are now giving life to this deal. It took courage to embark on a new process, and it took equal courage to conclude the agreement. Most of all, we thank the survivors for their patience and understanding as we move to final resolution on residential schools. This is a great day in the history of this country."
The Final Agreement must now be approved by judges in the seven jurisdictions where lawsuits pertaining to residential schools are before the courts. Following that approval, survivors will have a mandatory six-month period to examine the details of the agreement. The final Settlement Agreement is not yet available, although the original Agreement in Principle is available on the Government's website or the AFN website at http://www.afn.ca/residentialschools/PDF/AIP_English.pdf .
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
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/For further information: Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director, (613) 241-6789 ext. 320, cell (613) 292-2787; Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, (613) 241-6789 ext. 336, cell (613) 859-4335/
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Transmitted by CNW Group on : May 10, 2006 16:41
Government of Canada approves Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and launches Advance Payment program
OTTAWA, May 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister responsible for Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, and the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the approval of a final Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and the immediate launch of an Advance Payment program.
"The Government is committed to bring a fair and lasting resolution to this chapter of our history and move forward. The discussions led by the Honourable Frank Iacobucci have resulted in a Settlement Agreement to foster reconciliation and healing among all Canadians," said Minister Oda.
Minister Prentice noted that the Settlement Agreement proposes a Common Experience Payment for all eligible former students of Indian Residential Schools, an Independent Assessment Process for claims of sexual or serious physical abuse, as well as measures to support healing, commemorative activities, and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. "We hope that today's announcement will bring closure to former students and their descendents. The settlement is just and honourable, as will be our ongoing partnership with Aboriginal people," said the Minister.
Minister Oda was pleased to announce the immediate launch of an Advance Payment program for eligible former Indian Residential School students 65 years of age and older when the negotiations were initiated on May 30, 2005. "We have acted to make funds available as soon as possible," stated Minister Oda.
The Government's representative, the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, concluded a Settlement Agreement with legal representatives of former students of Indian Residential Schools, legal representatives of the Churches involved in running those schools, the Assembly of First Nations, and other Aboriginal organizations. The Settlement Agreement must now be presented for approval by the courts in nine Canadian jurisdictions over the coming months.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who were involved in the negotiations for their hard work toward this historic Settlement Agreement. In particular, I want to thank the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, who has very capably fulfilled his mandate throughout these intense and complex negotiations," added Minister Prentice.
Eligible former students may apply for the Advance Payment of $8,000 by completing the application form available on the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada website at www.irsr-rqpi.gc.ca.
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/For further information: Robert Paterson, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, (819) 997-7788; Deirdra McCracken, Special Assistant, Communications, Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, (819) 997-0002; Erin Gorman, Senior Advisor, Communications, Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, (613) 947-4425/