Historic settlement approved for Île-à-la-Crosse residential school Survivors

The Court of King’s Bench has certified the Île-à-la-Crosse residential school Survivor’s class action lawsuit and approved the settlements reached last year with Canada and Saskatchewan.

The agreement marks the single largest class action settlement by the Government of Saskatchewan.

“This is a day many thought would never come. There have been difficult moments for the Survivors sharing their stories with others in the quest to be heard. This is a monumental time for them and their families,” said Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) Vice President Michelle LeClair in a statement.

“We truly hope they can now find some semblance of meaningful closure.”

The settlement compensates Survivors of the Île-à-la-Crosse residential school, which operated from the 1860s to the 1970s. It provides roughly $27-$37 million from Canada and $40.2 million from Saskatchewan for survivors, addressing abuse and harms not covered by the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

In making her decision, Justice R.C. Wempe wrote:

“While it is not appropriate for the court to rubber stamp settlements, there is a strong presumption of fairness in matters where a proposed final settlement has been negotiated by experienced counsel at arm’s length and presented to the court for approval.”

Over 1,500 students attended the residential school. Survivors may receive individual payments from $10,000 to $15,000 based on attendance length.

“The people of our community have been through so much over the years and the residual effects are still felt today,” said Louis Gardiner, one of the representative plaintiffs on the class action.

“This has been a long time coming and we have lost so many of our Survivors at this point. I only hope their families can join with us as this long awaited decision sinks in and we take our next steps together.”

The agreement also includes funds for healing, wellness, language, culture, and commemoration, as well as funds for legal costs.

MN-S Justice Minister Brennan Merasty said the settlement has come with a great deal of emotion for Survivors and their families.

“The pain of residential schools did not end with our parents, it lived in our homes and in our hearts. I carry that legacy through my late father, but I also carry the responsibility to end the cycle. With this, we well the truth, we let go of silence, and we choose healing, together,” said Mereasty.

The Île-à-la-Crosse Survivors or surviving family members now move into the compensatory phase of the settlement, which includes at $10 million legacy fund.