Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
While the strides that have been made in the healing process for school Survivors are extensive, it must be remembered that healing does not stand as the only action being taken. Compensation for the suffering is also a component of the restitution that is being made to Survivors and their families.
In 2007, the Government of Canada implemented the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. The settlement agreement included: Common Experience Payment (CEP) to all surviving former students of federally-administered residential schools; the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) to address compensation for physical and sexual abuse; establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; healing initiatives; and a fund for commemoration projects. These were established in order to move ahead in addressing the long-standing and destructive legacy of the Indian Residential School System, which includes lateral violence, suicide, poverty, alcoholism, lack of parenting skills, weakening or destruction of cultures and languages, and lack of capacity to build and sustain healthy families and communities.
The Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established with a mandate to inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools. The TRC will document the truth of Survivors, their families, communities and anyone personally affected by the residential school experience. The TRC hopes to guide and inspire First Nations, Inuit, Métis peoples, and all Canadians in a process of truth and healing leading toward reconciliation and renewed relationships based on mutual understanding and respect.
