The FSIN Wants Canada To Speed Up The Settlement Process For Indian Residential School Survivors

Friday, 18 December 2009 00:00

(Saskatoon, SK) FSIN Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish has some serious concerns about the Independent Assessment Process that hears the cases of Indian residential school survivors. Vice Chief Whitefish says one of his concerns is the length of time it takes for a former student to receive compensation.

The Independent Assessment Process (IAP) provides a non- adversarial adjudication for determining compensation for former students who suffered sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other wrongful acts committed against them while attending residential school.

 “The IAP process is too slow; some of the former students have passed on before a settlement can be reached,” says Vice Chief Whitefish.” There is a long waiting period between filling out the application, to the hearing date, then to the final decision and finally a settlement. Sometimes these settlements take up to two years."
 
The IAP settlement is a complex point system based on the types of abuse ranging from physical, sexual to emotional abuse. A claimant completes a detailed application form of their experiences. The claim is then reviewed and evidence is collected to substantiate the allegations. Once this is completed, the claimant attends a private hearing and answers questions from a neutral Adjudicator. Usually within 30 days after the hearing, a binding decision is made and compensation is issued to the former student.
 
“What we are finding out is there is a shortage of Adjudicators. This shortage is creating a back log in cases. Saskatchewan makes up the largest number of residential school survivors in Canada,” says Vice Chief Lyle Whitefish.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

                                                                   
For More Information Please Contact:
Carrie Shingoose, FSIN Communications   
Direct: 306.956-1025
Facsimile: 306.665.0115
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