April 25, 2006
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Statement on Minister of Indian Affairs
Announcement on the Residential Schools Final Agreement
Residential Schools – A Chronology
Today in the House of Commons, federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jim Prentice stated: “It's with pleasure that I rise to inform the House that the Government's representative, the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, together with the Assembly of First Nations legal representatives of the former students of the Indian Residential Schools and representatives of three of the churches running the schools have today reached substantive agreement on a final Residential School settlement agreement. … I've been informed that the lead representatives for the Catholic Church groups involved with, has given their assurance as well that all of those organizations will be confirming their support for the settlement agreement. The Government will now immediately consider the settlement agreement and the interim payments and the timing of those payments, and I will keep the House informed, Mr. Speaker.”
The Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine stated in response:
“When I went public with my own experience in 1990, I knew that any efforts to resolve the legacy of the residential schools would have to involve not only compensation, but healing and reconciliation as well.
In 2004, the AFN issued a major report that presented a better approach than what had been available up until that time. It set-out an approach that provided for healing and reconciliation between First Nations and Canada as well as fair and just compensation for all residential schools survivors. Our approach was and is comprehensive. It is good for First Nations because it provides for healing and redress and it is good for Canada because it is faster and more cost-effective than lengthy court battles and class actions.
I stated earlier this week that the AFN endorsed the Final Agreement which can now go to federal Cabinet because it is based on our approach. The AFN and survivors have been leading this process and we endorsed the Final Agreement earlier this week because it is based entirely on our approach.
We welcome today’s announcement by Minister Prentice and his statement that the government will give immediate consideration to the Final Agreement. He has our full support as he secures approval from the federal Cabinet. This is a tremendous day for First Nations, for survivors of residential schools and for Canada.”
Phil Fontaine
National Chief
Assembly of First Nations
A Chronology of events leading to the Residential Schools Final Agreement is attached. Media are invited also to review the AFN statement endorsing the Residential Schools Final Agreement issued through Canada Newswire on April 23rd.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
Media Contacts:
Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director
613-241-6789 ext. 320 or cell 613-292-2787
Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer
613-241-6789 ext. 336 or cell 613-859-4335
For general (non-media) inquiries on residential schools please contact:
Shannon Swan, AFN Project Assistant, Residential Schools Unit
613-241-6789 ext. 332 or toll free 1-866-869-6789
