A deal to compensate former students of Native residential schools for abuse they suffered is near final approval.

The deal ensures poor elders over the age of 65 will receive early payments. They will be able to apply for $8,000 in compensation before the agreement is finalized in the courts, CBC News reported.

The other survivors will receive payments based on the number of years they attended school. CBC said there are 78,000 former students across Canada.

In addition to about $2 billion in payouts, the deal includes nearly $2 billion in other spending.

Get the Story:
Residential school deal almost final (CBC 4/25)

Residential School Abuse / Church Liability Decision:
Blackwater v. Plint (October 21, 2005)

Relevant Links:
Assembly of First Nations - http://www.afn.ca
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Department - http://www.irsr-rqpi.gc.ca/english

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