Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. By now, most Canadians are aware of the history of residential schools. What they may not know is that there were also over 700 Indian day schools operated by the federal government between the time the first one opened in 1828 until the last one closed its doors in 1997. It is estimated that over 200,000 Indigenous children attended these schools. While these students were able to return home at the end of the day, many still suffered trauma, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the hands of the authority figures entrusted with their care.
More than 35 of these day schools operated in the NWT from 1958 to 1969 in at least 26 locations, including the Trout Rock Seasonal School, the Rocher River Day School, and schools at Pine Point and Reindeer Station. I attended the Elizabeth Ward day school in Fort Providence, and my parents attended the Sacred Heart Residential School, also in Fort Providence.
Mr. Speaker, on March 12 of this year, the Government of Canada announced that it had reached a proposed settlement agreement regarding the national Indian day schools class action lawsuit. This lawsuit was brought on by Mr. Garry McLean, an Indigenous leader and mentor, on behalf of all former students who attended these schools. Mr. McLean sadly passed away of cancer in February of this year at the age of 67, but as part of the settlement, a $200 million legacy fund has been established in his name. The fund will provide grants on application from charities and not-for-profit organizations to support commemoration projects, health and wellness programs, truth-telling events, and the restoration and preservation of Indigenous languages and culture. The proposed settlement agreement also includes $10,000 in individual compensation for those who suffered harm while attending Indian day school. For those who have suffered the most severe abuses, additional compensation, ranging from $50,000 to $200,000, may be awarded.
On May 13 to 15, a hearing took place in Winnipeg for the court to decide whether the proposed settlement is approved. Until that happens, no payments can be made, but people who may want to make a claim can register as part of the class action group. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.
---Unanimous consent granted