The Moravian Church and Mission School in Makkovik, Labrador, is seen in September 1926. Photo from Library and Archives Canada
Native residential school survivors in Newfoundland and Labrador have reached a $50 million settlement with the government of Canada. The settlement benefits the plaintiffs in a long-running class action. They suffered sexual, physical, emotional and other forms of abuse at residential schools in the province. "This is real. This is really happening. It's over. I don't have to go to court no more. I don't have to testify no more," plaintiff Toby Obed told CBC News. People who lived at a residential school for less than five years will receive $15,000 in general compensation while those who lived there five years or more are eligible for $20,000. Those who wish to provide additional testimony of the abuses they suffered could receive compensation of up to $200,000. In addition to direct payments, the settlement includes funds for reconciliation and healing initiatives. The lawsuit was necessary because residential school survivors in Newfoundland and Labrador were not included in a separate case that the Canadian government previously settled. An approval hearing will be held on September 27 at the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John's. Get the Story:
N.L. residential school survivors' lawyers reach $50M settlement with Ottawa (CBC 5/10)
'It's Over, We Won': Residential Schools Survivor (VOCM 5/10)
Lawyers reach $50M settlement in residential schools class-action case (CP 5/10) Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report:
Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future (June 2015)
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