Home > News > Headlines

printer friendly version
Mediator named in residential school abuse case
Tuesday, May 31, 2005

The government of Canada signed an agreement with the Assembly of First Nations on Monday aimed at settling abuse claims by former residential school students.

Former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci will mediate the dispute and recommend resolution of more than 13,000 claims that have been lodged against the government. He will also study the creation of a national truth-and-reconciliation forum.

AFN has been pushing for a lump sum settlement for victims of physical, sexual and mental abuse at government-sponsored schools. Meanwhile, survivors have filed class action suits seeking more than $15 billion (Canadian). Some survivors say hospitals should be held accountable in addition to the government and churches.

The government has set up an alternative dispute resolution process to handle claims but more money has been spent on lawyers and administrative costs than payouts. Only 1,300 cases have been resolved.

Get the Story:
Former Supreme Court judge to mediate residential school talks (CBC 5/30)
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Signs Historic Political Accord to resolve the Legacy of Residential Schools (AFN 5/30)
Mediator named to residential schools talks (CTV 5/30)
Hospitals' role in aboriginal abuse raised as issue (CBC 5/30)
'Turning point' hailed (CP 5/31)

Relevant Links:
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Department - http://www.irsr-rqpi.gc.ca/english

Related Stories:
Court allows residential school abuse class action (05/13)
Deal in works to pay residential school students (5/5)
Court allows damages for residential school abuse (5/2)
Few Natives receive money for residential school abuse (4/25)
Fire destroys former Native residential school (03/22)
Bar association seeks payment for all Native students (02/23)
Native leaders blast plan to hire investigators (02/11)
Exhibit opens on Native residential schools (01/17)
Canadian court approves class action for school abuse (12/08)
AFN calls for $10K payment for every abuse victim (11/18)
Canada slow to compensate Native abuse victims (11/05)
Canada wants abuse victim to return settlement (09/17)
Canada has spent more on lawyers than abuse victims (02/23)
Abuse case settlement process called inadequate (01/22)
Charges laid in Indian school abuse case (04/24)
Canada limits Native abuse suits (11/21)
Canada moves to settle Native claims (11/12)
Church dropped from Native abuse suit (10/25)
Abuses of Natives ignited reaction (04/29)
School church abuse lawsuit dismissed (5/16)
Candidate hit for 'scalp' remark (11/21)
Churches worry about suits (11/2)
Churches to apologize for abuse (09/05)
Official: Churches must pay (07/07)
Elder completes walk (06/20)
Sale of church urged (06/12)
Reconciliation commission urged (06/06)
Lawsuits threaten church (06/02)
Abuse charges filed (06/02)
Churches losing lawsuits (05/22)
Elders walk across Canada (5/9)
Children used as guinea pigs (04/26)


Copyright © 2000-2005 Indianz.Com