Federal government signs proposed settlement with Île-à-la-Crosse School survivors

Former students of the Île-à-la-Crosse School and the federal government have signed a proposed settlement agreement.

The federal secretary of state for rural development says the deal could provide compensation and support community healing for survivors and their families.

“They waited a long time for this moment and worked hard to get here. I am honoured to stand with them as we take this important step toward justice and fairness,” said Buckley Belanger.

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The proposed settlement follows an agreement-in-principle reached last year and aims to resolve a long-running class-action lawsuit tied to harms linked to the school, which operated from the 1860s until the 1970s. Most students were Métis and First Nations from northern Saskatchewan.

Under the proposal, former students who attended the school for less than five years could receive up to $10,000, while those who attended for five years or more could receive up to $15,000.

“Reaching this outcome outside the courts reflects an approach that prioritizes dignity and respect,” said Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty.

An independent, court-appointed administrator would determine individual compensation amounts. Ottawa has also committed $10 million for healing programs, wellness initiatives, language preservation, education, and commemoration.

The federal government says this agreement is separate from a previous settlement reached between survivors and the Saskatchewan government.

A court hearing is scheduled for March 30 and 31 to determine whether the settlement is fair and reasonable. If approved, survivors will be able to apply for compensation through the third-party administrator.