Indian Day Schools Settlement update

12/17/2019

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to update the community on the progress of the nation-wide Class Action Settlement (“Settlement”) to compensate survivors for harms suffered while attending Federal Indian Day Schools.

As stated in an MCK press release dated November 20, 2019, the opening of the claims process – which was scheduled to begin on December 19, 2019 – is delayed as a court challenge to the proposed Settlement was launched by Chief Paul-Émile Ottawa of the Atikamekw of Manawan. While this challenge was dismissed by the Federal Court of Appeal on December 11, 2019, Chief Ottawa has 60 days to request that the Supreme Court review the decision, if he so chooses. There is another appeal previously launched by Chief Ottawa that is awaiting review by the Federal Court of Appeal. Both appeals must be addressed before the claims process can begin.

Please note that no other challenges will be accepted, as the period to appeal the Settlement has passed.

According to the terms of the Settlement, survivors will be able to apply for compensation of between $10,000 to $200,000 based on the level of harm experienced and other factors. Application for claims for compensation are not yet finalized or available.

A webpage ( www.kahnawake.com/indiandayschool ) has been created by the MCK to assist community members who need any type information on this matter, including correct contact information, websites, and more.