Indian Residential School’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Prepares for Hearings

The Canadian government has appointed Justice Harry LaForme, a senior Ontario judge and a member of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation in southern Ontario to head up a federal truth and reconciliation commission that looks into the abuse that occurred at Indian Residential Schools.

The commission is designed to provide those affected by the legacy of Indian Residential Schools with an opportunity to share their individual experiences in a safe and culturally appropriate forum.

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada’s website has posted details of the commission hearings.

A coalition of Churches that ran some of the Residential Schools and the Assembly of First Nations toured Canada two months ago to promote participation in the Truth and Reconciliation hearings.

I was privileged to be a part of the committee that negotiated the Residential Schools claims settlement on behalf of my clients, the survivors of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School.

The Indian Residential Schools class action settlement is the largest abuse claims settlement ever. The Truth and Reconciliation hearings were an important part of the settlement package. It is the first commission of it’s kind in North America and an acknowledgement of the human rights abuses that were systemic within the Residential School system.

Read more about the Indian Residential School claims.

Indian Residential Schools: A Brief History of the Largest Abuse Claim Settlement Ever

Bishop sex abuser changed the law in Canada

Historic Abuse Claims Settlement Set to Pass Final Hurdle

History of Canada’s Indian Residential School Claims

Indian Residential Schools Settlement Finalized!

Largest Class Action in Canadian History Moves Forward

Residential School Survivor Receives First Settlement Payment