Claims process now open for Sixties Scoop survivors - Approved settlement to provide compensation, funding for charitable Foundation

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

News release

December 1, 2018 — Ottawa, ON — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, is honoured to mark an important milestone for many Sixties Scoop survivors, as the settlement agreement takes effect today. This means that survivors of the Sixties Scoop can now apply for compensation and work can begin to bring about healing, recognition, understanding and commemoration of the Sixties Scoop.

This settlement combines individual compensation with forward-looking investments to support Sixties Scoop survivors in their journey toward healing. Eligible class members will receive an estimated $25,000 in compensation for harm suffered as a result of their experiences in the Sixties Scoop.

The settlement also provides a $50 million investment for the establishment of an independent, charitable Foundation open to all Indigenous peoples to support healing, wellness, education, language, culture and commemoration. In anticipation of the implementation of the settlement, the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation has been incorporated and received charitable status to position it to begin its important work without delay.

In the coming months, under the guidance of a Development Board, the Foundation will begin an engagement process to reach those impacted by the Sixties Scoop. This will enable survivors, their families and communities to be involved in determining the governance of the Foundation and the nature of its work within the broad mandate created by the settlement.

Canada supports the mandate of the Foundation to bring about healing, recognition, understanding and commemoration of the Sixties Scoop to ensure its legacy is not forgotten. Once established, the services of the Foundation will be available to all Indigenous people impacted by the Sixties Scoop and their families.

This settlement represents a historic milestone in Canada’s efforts to address the harm done by the Sixties Scoop, but it is only the first step. The Government is committed to resolve outstanding claims with other Indigenous people affected by the Sixties Scoop, including Métis and non-status Indians.

Quotes

“The Sixties Scoop is a dark and terrible chapter in Canada’s history. This settlement represents an important step forward for thousands of Indigenous people. It is focused on the needs of survivors, providing individual compensation and recognizing the importance of language and culture and the harm done when children are taken from their families and communities. We will continue to work with survivors and Indigenous partners to advance reconciliation, promote Indigenous languages and culture, and support the healing and commemoration of those affected by the harmful policies of the past.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Quick facts

  • The Sixties Scoop settlement agreement includes individual compensation for Status Indians and Inuit. The settlement also provides $50 million to support the establishment of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation.

  • The overall amount for individual compensation is based on an estimated individual payment of $25,000 per person. The exact amount, which will not exceed $50,000 per person, will depend on the number of validated claims.

  • The claims process will be administered by Collectiva, an independent firm, outside of the Government. Applicants must submit their claim by August 30, 2019. Further information about the process can be found at: Sixties Scoop Settlement.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

Information on the settlement and the claims process is available through the claims administrator, Collectiva Class Action Services:

1-844-287-4270
sixtiesscoop@collectiva.ca
www.sixtiesscoopsettlement.info

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