ILEX survivors to get compensation from Canada

“We went through hell just to get an education. We went through abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse and loneliness just to get an education…no person should be treated like that…it affects the children too,” Survivor and Elder Emile Janvier wrote in a media release.

According to Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) President Glen McCallum, getting to this moment was a long-time coming.

“We are proud of all the work the committee has done in the best interests of the Survivors,” he said.

“Since the first pivotal meeting with MN–S in 2017, MN–S elected officials, legal counsel and employees have all worked tirelessly to support the committee. We also recognize those who’ve come before us and worked on this file over the years as well as the many Survivors that we lost while they awaited justice. We remember them and their resilience today.”

As survivors pass away, Louis Gardiner, a committee member and survivor said it was important to recognize those who are still here.

“I guess based on that…we find this one of the first steps in justice…in healing for us,” said Gardiner in the release.

However, the reaction overall is mixed. Elder Antoinette LaFleur said via the release, while she thinks it’s a good idea, it doesn’t make up for the years of abuse she and others suffered as a child.

“I was kind of disappointed that the government doesn’t acknowledge us as kids that went through a lot of physical harm, sexual harm…They know what we went through and yet not giving us what we were supposed to get.”

Now that the AiP has been announced, the two parties are working on drafting a settlement agreement.

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cjnb-news@pattisonmedia.com

by larongeNOW Staff

ILEX survivors to get compensation from Canada

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