Deadline to submit claims for compensation is July 13th, 2022.
Background:
The Federal Court approved a nation-wide class settlement to compensate Survivor Class Members from harms suffered while attending an Indian Day School that was run by the Federal Government. This Class Action will be handled by the Law Firm Gowling WLG.
There are five levels of compensation based on the level of harms an individual experienced. To be eligible for this compensation you must have attended at least one of the identified Indian Day Schools listed on Schedule K during the time it was operated and/or controlled by the Federal Government. Please note the two Garden River Day schools are identified below as per schedule K.
| Province | School Name | Name Variants | Opening Date | Closing or Transfer Date | Location | Religious Affiliation |
| Ontario | Garden River (AC) | Garden River Protestant | 1868 | September 1, 1967 | Garden River Indian Reserve | Anglican Church |
| Ontario | Garden River (RC) | 1875 | June 30, 1969 | Garden River Indian Reserve | Roman Catholic |
What Does this Mean for Class Members?
To get started, Survivors can complete the Claim Form available online at www.indiandayschools.com or can pick up printed claim packages at two locations: 1) Garden River First Nation Band Office (front desk) 2) Garden River Wellness Centre (front desk)
If you would like a copy dropped off or mailed, please contact Selena Belleau at the Wellness Centre by phone at 705-946-5710 ext. 267 or email sbelleau@grhc.ca to make arrangements.
Upcoming Community Visit:
We have requested Johnathan Whonnock, Resolution Cultural Health Support Worker and Ava Hill from Toronto Council Fire to assist our elders and community members who still may be looking for help to complete their forms and/or also help persons who can apply for a deceased family member. The private information sessions will take place during the week of February 22nd – 24th, 2022. Appointments will be made daily with time slots ranging from 1:00pm – 7:00pm, Tuesday-Thursday. Free of charge.
What are the Next Steps?
The completed Claim Forms can be submitted to the Claims Administrator in the following ways:
To: Indian Day Schools Class Action Claims Administrator, c/o Deloitte
• By Mail: PO Box 1775, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5C 0A2, or
• By Fax: 416-366-1102, or
• By Email: indiandayschools@deloitte.ca
If you are applying as representative for a deceased family member, you will need to provide the following:
✓ Forms filled out/all boxes to be checked accordingly
✓ Letter of appointment as Administrators/Powers of Attorney
✓ Death Certificate
✓ Will/Approval of Will
✓ Photo I.D of deceased or Sworn Declaration (as proof)
✓ Signed by a witness
Legal and mental health supports available for Class Members:
After waiting many years for justice and recognition, the opening of the Claims Process is a major milestone in many Survivors’ lives. To assist people in the process, a number of supports are available for Class Members:
• Claims Process and legal support: For any questions about the Claim Form or Claims Process, Survivors can call 1 (888) 221-2898. They will be given the option either to seek support from the Administrator on submitting a Claim, or legal support and help filling out the Claim Form from Class Counsel.
• Mental health counselling and crisis support is available to Class Members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Hope for Wellness Hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or online at www.hopeforwellness.ca. Counselling is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut, on request. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Indian Day School Class Action Settlement you can visit the Indian Day School website at www.indiandayschools.com or call 1-844-539-3815.
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