Sask. judge approves Île-à-la-Crosse residential school settlement

Provincial leaders and residential school survivors gathered in Île-à-la-Crosse to announce the settlement of a class action lawsuit.

A Saskatchewan judge has approved a settlement agreement in the Île-à-la-Crosse residential school class action.

Justice R.C. Wempe of the Court of King’s Bench certified the class action and approved settlement agreements reached last year with Canada and Saskatchewan.

“While it is not appropriate for the court to rubber stamp settlements, there is a strong presumption of fairness in matters where a proposed final settlement has been negotiated by experienced counsel at arm’s length and presented to the court for approval,” the Justice wrote in her decision.

MN-S welcomed the decision, calling it a historic victory.

Under the proposed federal settlement, survivors will receive $27.3 million in experience payments. Survivors who attended the school for up to four years are eligible for up to $10,000, while those who attended for five or more years may receive up to $15,000.

• Get the latest news from Saskatoon, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The federal settlement also includes a $10‑million legacy fund to support language, cultural, wellness and community projects, along with any remaining experience payment funds.

· Federal government signs proposed settlement with Île-à-la-Crosse School survivors

Saskatchewan’s settlement totals $40.2 million and includes payments ranging from $50,000 to $235,000 for survivors who experienced serious physical or sexual abuse.

· Saskatchewan apologizes, agrees to pay $40M to Île-à-la-Crosse residential school survivors

The agreement also allows for additional experience payments if funds remain, with administrative and legal costs included in the settlement amount.

“I was four years old when I was forced to attend that school. I suffered unspeakable abuse but have shared my experience in the hope that the survivors would be believed. I have faith this court ruling will allow our entire Survivors’ Community and their families to move forward,” said Antoinette Lafleur, a survivors’ committee member and residential school survivor.

The Île-à-la-Crosse residential school operated from the 1860s to the mid‑1970s and was one of the oldest residential schools in Canada.

Survivors and their families will now move into the compensation phase of the settlement process.