From the Office of the Chief –

On behalf of Council, we wish to bring to your attention the proposed settlement agreement on behalf of our Day Scholars and Descendants.

This settlement covers compensation for the experience of attending residential day school including the loss of our language and culture and psychological harms.

The signing of the agreement marks an important milestone for Day Scholars. It recognizes the harm suffered because of their experiences while attending Residential School.

The settlement is under judicial review and will be determined this September 2021.

To ensure that the aging survivors receive compensation in their lifetime, the parties have agreed to separate the Band Class claims to focus on the resolution of the Survivor and Descendant classes.  The Day Scholar Executive team remain committed to finding a resolution for the Band class as well.

In reflecting on the work that led to this proposed agreement, it is heartening to think about the efforts of so many who worked to stand our people up and ensure that no one was left behind.

Acknowledgments to all the plaintiffs, descendants, the legal team, the executive committee, our communities, former Councillor Elder Evelyn Camille, Jo-Anne Gottfriedson, Councilor Katy Gottfriedson, former Kukpi7 Shane Gottfriedson, Councillor Jeanette Jules, and all C&C for the past three terms who prioritized our ongoing commitment and support for justice for our members, and the technical who supported the process along the way.

For more information, please see the website www.justicefordayscholars.com or contact Councillor Jeanette Jules of myself.

We hope that this settlement is one small step in bringing resolution to our survivors.