Winnipeg (Man) – In response to the many inquiries of the recent Proposed Settlement reached for survivors of Federal Indian Day schools, NAN put together a summary to help navigate the information recently provided by the Class Action Lawyers at Gowling WLG.
A list of all Federal Indian Day schools has been developed which includes roughly 40 schools in NAN territory alone with over 184 different communities and First Nations in Ontario and many across Canada. The list, which currently contains over 700 federally-run Indian Day Schools is an evolving list. There is a built-in process to update it as needed. Anyone who believes there should be a school added to the list can contact Class Counsel. They will be asked to provide whatever information they can about the schools (for example, school photos or class pictures) You can Click this link to see if you attended one of these schools.
You are encouraged to contact Class Action Lawyers at Gowling WLG to schedule a community visit or ask any question you might have about the case.
You can do this by calling toll-free at 1.844.539.3815 or email Vanessa.lessard@gowlingwlg.com
Please keep in mind this settlement is not approved yet and we understand that there is a court hearing on May 13-15, 2019, in Winnipeg.
The settlement includes ALL individuals who attended a Federal Indian Day School, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. It’s important for people to understand that the baseline harm for claims is such that nearly everyone who is eligible for the settlement will be eligible for at least “level 1” compensation ($10,000).
The NAN Executive Council would like to acknowledge Garry McLean, who served as lead plaintiff in this class action. Garry was legally required at the age of seven to attend Dog Creek Day School at Lake Manitoba First Nation from 1965 to 1975 as per the Indian Act.
Garry McLean’s experience at Dog Creek Day School involved, but was not limited to being subjected to emotional, mental, physical and sexual abuse. He did not know how to speak English when he first started school, and was discouraged from speaking his native language, Saulteaux
Garry Leslie McLean (1951 – 2019)
It is with deep sadness that we share the untimely death of our good friend, Garry McLean. Garry was a fierce advocate for Indian Day School Survivors and their families. He was tireless on their behalf. Even in last few days, he remained engaged in the case and pushed for its progress. Remaining committed to helping Indian Day School survivors achieve justice for the harms they experienced. Garry has taught so much about this work being carried forward to resolution and reconciliation. His support, friendship, grace and gentle humour will be missed.
You can download your application, request forms to speak at the hearing or for further information at indiandayschools.com
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