Residential Schools. Image Credit: Wikipedia
Ottawa/CMEDIA: A $2.8-billion settlement agreement between the Canadian government and plaintiffs representing 325 First Nations whose members went to residential schools has reportedly been approved by a Federal Court judge.
Calling the settlement as historic, and transformational Justice Ann Marie McDonald said in her ruling issued Thursday that the settlement would go towards reversal of the losses of language, culture and heritage through an Indigenous-led not-for-profit body.
McDonald added that the settlement does not release Canada from future lawsuits related to children who died or disappeared at residential schools.
The settlement would be followed by an appeal period, after which the money would be transferred to a not-for-profit fund managed by a board of Indigenous leaders.
Based on the “four pillars” principles outlined in the agreement which are: the revival and protection of Indigenous language; the revival and protection of Indigenous culture; the protection and promotion of heritage; and the wellness of Indigenous communities and their members, affected Indigenous communities will each get to decide what to do with their settlement funds.
It was also said in McDonald’s decision that the funds and their proceeds cannot be used to fund individuals or commercial ventures, or used as collateral to secure loans or as a guarantee.
#Canada; #residentialDaySchools; #FederalCourtSettlement
