FSIN: Review of Indian Residential School Agreement Needed

Press Release

(SASKATOON, SK) – The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Executive is calling for a review of the Indian Residential School Agreement (IRSA) and in particular the Independent Assessment Process (IAP.) The FSIN believes the IRSA has failed the Indian Residential School survivor due to the actions of some unscrupulous lawyers, jurisdictional issues, incorrect deadline dates, administrative flaws and other inconsistencies.

“The Independent Assessment Process was set up so Residential School Survivors wouldm’t have to go through a traumatic episode telling their story. The IAP problems have caused more emotional damage to the survivor,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “We want a complete review of the Indian Residential School Agreement. We need to know where things went wrong and why our people were put through a process that was meant to bring healing but caused more damage in many cases. The Review is the first step in resolving these issues.”

The FSIN wants the scope of the review to investigate but not limited to the administrative split issue; the September 19, 2012 IAP deadline; the destruction of evidence and records; an audit of the decisions made by adjudicators; the process as administered by Crawford Class Action Services and Indigenous Northern Affairs Canada and the requests for direction and the decisions made by the supervisory courts.

“The FSIN is moving forward with reconciliation efforts with stakeholders. We had a productive meeting with Bishop Donald Bolen of the Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon about the $25 million healing and reconciliation commitment that remains outstanding,”said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “We want to continue working with all stakeholdsers to advance reconciliation efforts and a national review of the Indian Residential School Agreement is part of that process.”

The FSIN 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.

FSIN Communications
Mervin Brass
mervin.brass@fsin.com

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