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May 10, 2006 Assembly of First Nations National Chief Applauds Announcement of Cabinet Approval of Residential Schools Final Agreement and Early Payments for Survivors: “We Will See Justice in Our Lifetime”Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine today applauded the announcement by Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice that the Conservative Cabinet has approved the Final Agreement on Residential Schools. Minister Prentice also confirmed that an early payment of $8,000 will be available to residential school survivors who were 65 or older as of May 30, 2005. “Today is an historic day for residential school survivors, for First Nations and for all Canadians,” stated National Chief Fontaine. “We will, at long last, see justice in our lifetime for the tragic experience of the residential schools. The approach announced today is not only about compensation but also about healing and reconciliation between First Nations and Canada.” On November 23, 2005 an agreement in principle was struck between the AFN, federal negotiator the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, survivors, lawyers and churches involved in residential schools cases. The agreement was to set in place a comprehensive approach that would include: a lump sum payment for all survivors to compensate for loss of language and culture resulting from the schools; a more efficient and effective process to deal with serious claims of abuse; a national “truth-telling” commission to bring greater understanding and awareness of this issue; and expedited compensation payments for the elderly. Based on the agreement-in-principle, the final agreement was struck. National Chief Fontaine stated: “I want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the federal representative the Honourable Justice Frank Iacobucci, whose wise counsel provided guidance in balancing the many interests at play in the negotiations leading up to today’s announcement. As well, I want to acknowledge the work of the previous Liberal government for their willingness to embark on a new process, and acknowledge the Conservative government who are now giving life to this deal. It took courage to embark on a new process, and it took equal courage to conclude the agreement. Most of all, we thank the survivors for their patience and understanding as we move to final resolution on residential schools. This is a great day in the history of this country.” The Final Agreement must now be approved by judges in the seven jurisdictions where lawsuits pertaining to residential schools are before the courts. Following that approval, survivors will have a mandatory six-month period to examine the details of the agreement. The final Settlement Agreement is not yet available, although the original Agreement in Principle is available on the Government's website or the AFN website at http://www.afn.ca/residentialschools/PDF/AIP_English.pdf The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Contacts: Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer |
