AMC applauds announcement of agreement in principle with Indian day school survivors
December 6, 2018
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, MB. _ Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs applauds the agreement in principle reached with Indian day school survivors and the Government of Canada announced today in Ottawa.
“It was a grievous oversight during the first settlement reached with Indian Residential School survivors so I am happy the federal government sought to reconcile this. However, the true force behind this settlement is lead plaintiff Gary McLean who attended Dog Creek Indian School. Without his valiant efforts, today’s announcement would not be possible and I’d like to thank and acknowledge Mr. McLean for his work regarding the settlement for day school survivors,” said Grand Chief Dumas.
Gary McLean launched a $15 billion class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada in 2009 after day schoolers had been left out of the Indian Residential School survivor settlement. Details of the agreement have not been released; it will now go to the court to be ratified and to decide the final costs of the settlement.
Indigenous Services Minister Carolyn Bennett did announce Canada will be investing $200 million into healing that will be supported through items like language, culture, education, wellness and commemoration for all those affected by Indian Day Schools. The plaintiffs in the case will work to help guide how this funding will be spent.
“The children who were forced to attend day school also suffered many of the same atrocities as those in residence. This funding is good news to help them along their healing journey. I look forward to hearing the full details of the settlement in the new year,” said Grand Chief Dumas.