THUNDER BAY – ABORIGINAL – Since 2007, almost 80,000 former students have received a Common Experience Payment (CEP) as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. CEP recipients are now eligible to receive non-cash Personal Credits of up to $3,000 for educational programs and services.
CEP recipients can use the full amount themselves or give part or all of their Personal Credits to certain family members such as a spouse, child, grandchild or sibling, as defined in the terms and conditions. Personal Credits of multiple CEP recipients can be combined to support a group learning activity.
Personal Credits may be used for a wide range of educational programs and services, including those provided by universities, colleges, trade or training schools, Indigenous Institutions of Higher Learning, or which relate to literacy or trades, as well as programs and services related to Aboriginal identities, histories, cultures or languages.
A list of approved educational entities and groups has been jointly developed by Canada, the Assembly of First Nations and Inuit representatives. If an educational entity is not on the list, please check the web site for more information. Cheques will be issued directly to educational entities and groups.
Adequate funds are available for each CEP recipient to receive up to $3,000 in Personal Credits, depending on approved education expenses.
By the end of January, 2014, each CEP recipient should have received a personalized Acknowledgement Form. Acknowledgement Forms should be returned as soon as possible and must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2014.
More information is available at www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca or by calling 1-866-343-1858.
The IRS Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) provides immediate and culturally appropriate counseling support to former students who are experiencing distress.
