Notice to anyone who attended Indian Residential Day School

10/05/2015

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to inform community members that a Federal Court has approved the lawsuit against the Government of Canada as a class action that includes anyone who attended any Indian Residential School as a Day Scholar (non-resident student). Victims and their children are eligible to be part of the class action for damages arising from attendance at the Schools.

This claim is different from the recent Residential Schools Class Action Settlement. In that settlement, only those who lived at an Indian Residential School were compensated. This claim is for compensation relating to time spent attending, but not living in, the Schools.

People who attended Residential School as a “Day Student,” or their children, can choose to join the class action. Those who opt out will reserve the right and go through a court process on their own. Parties that choose to do nothing will not be part of the class action and their rights will be preserved.

The lawsuit claims that Canada acted unlawfully and harmed those who attended the Schools because they were used to attempt to eliminate aboriginal languages, cultures and traditions. Further, the lawsuit claims that many people who attended the Schools also suffered mental, emotional and spiritual abuse.

The Plaintiffs′ claims still have to be proven in Court and the case is currently planned to go to trial. There is no money available now and no guarantee there will be. The deadline to join is February 29, 2016. The deadline to opt out is November 30, 2015.

For full details on the class action lawsuit and how to join, call toll free at 1-844-558-5538 or visit www.justicefordayscholars.com .

The MCK is not involved in any capacity with this class action lawsuit and is only forwarding the information for community members who may be affected.