The Assembly of First Nations will file a $12 billion residential school abuse lawsuit against the Canadian government, AFN Chief Phil Fontaine said on Wednesday.

The national class action will be a comprehensive lawsuit that challenges the government's residential school policy. Fontaine said it will address not only the physical, mental and sexual abuse that occurred at schools but the loss of culture and language. The lawsuit also seeks remedies to begin the reconciliation process.

AFN says it will continue to work with the government on a proposed settlement. Two other class actions lawsuits have been certified in addition to 12,000 claims filed against the government.

Get the Story:
AFN to file residential school abuse suit (CBC 8/3)
Native group to file $12B lawsuit against Ottawa (CBC 8/3)
AFN National Chief Files Class Action Claim Against the Government of Canada for Residential Schools Policy (AFN 8/3)

Relevant Links:
Assembly of First Nations - http://www.afn.ca
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Department - http://www.irsr-rqpi.gc.ca/english

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