Lawyers to discuss Native abuse settlement

Thursday, February 15, 2007  

The Canadian Bar Association is meeting this weekend to discuss proposed rules of conduct in dealing with survivors of Native residential schools.

The bar wants to make sure lawyers don't "revictimize" victims. "Many survivors of residential schools are highly vulnerable and in need of healing," said Chris Devlin, the chair of the National Aboriginal Law Section.

The Canadian government is spending $1.9 billion on payments to former students and on reconciliation programs, though some say the entire cost could run between $4 billion to $5 billion.

The deal will be approved by an unprecedented sitting of nine judges next month. But the payments could be held up pending an appeal of an attorney's fee issue.

Get the Story:
Lawyers urged not to 'revictimize' residential school students (CBC 2/14)
9 judges set to formally approve school deal (CBC 2/13)

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

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

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