Assembly of First Nations Continues Calls for Extension for IAP Application Deadline

September 19, 2012

(Ottawa, ON) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) continues advocacy and legal efforts to extend today’s application deadline to better ensure all eligible former residential school students have adequate time to fill out the applications for the Independent Assessment Process (IAP).  

“It is my concern that there are far too many former students of residential schools that have not achieved just resolution of their grievances through the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement application process,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.  “It should be noted that over 30 per cent of First Nations in Canada live in remote and isolated communities, many with minimal to no access to internet or postal services. We are concerned that there are homeless, incarcerated or those living across the border who are similarly disadvantaged.”

“While I strongly encourage all eligible former residential school students to submit their applications, even if incomplete, by deadline, AFN will continue to exhaust every option to ensure that no one is left behind in this important step on the road to reconciliation,” said National Chief Atleo.  “We will continue to stand behind all residential school survivors and their families.”

Further to direction by Chiefs-in-Assembly in 2010, AFN has requested an extension to the September 19, 2012 IAP deadline.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada and is a signatory to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement of 2007.

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Contact information:
 
Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or email jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email agaron@afn.ca