Indian Boarding Home Program: Settlement

A pending class action lawsuit settlement against the Government of Canada for the implementation of the Indian Boarding Home Program. The program, according to The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, placed children from First Nations and Inuit communities with private families (usually non-Indigenous) to stay for the purpose of attending school, was found to create an environment where children were abused, harassed, and suffered other harms. The prolonged absence from family and community caused loss of culture, language and community bonding. Those included in the proposed settlement include, the Primary Class: those individuals who were placed in private homes, during the period of September 1^st, 1951, and June 30^th, 1992, for the purpose of attending school, not including placements for post-secondary education. Individuals placed after June 3^rd, 1992, are eligible if Canada was responsible for their placement. And the Family Class: members of the individual’s family who lost the guidance, care, or companionship they could expect from the individual.

Although this class action suit is not related to the Indian Day Schools Settlement, Louise Mayo is available to answer questions and/or assisting anyone who wants to participate and receive compensation from the lawsuit. Mayo can be contacted at 514-793-0662 or via email at louise.mayo@mck.ca.