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The Government of Saskatchewan issued an apology on Monday for its role in the operation of the Île-à-la-Crosse School, and agreed to pay millions in restitution to the school’s former students.
The boarding school housed First Nations and Métis children in various capacities from 1860 until the 1970s, when its operations were assumed by the Île-à-la-Crosse School Division. Former students said they suffered abuse at the school, recalling horrid living conditions, mistreatment at the hands of staff and losing connections to their culture and traditions.
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“On behalf of the Province of Saskatchewan I offer a sincere apology to the survivors and their families,” Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said in a statement.
“Saskatchewan is at its best when we are working together with Métis and First Nations to make our province a place that everyone is proud to call home, and where we all have equal opportunity to prosper and live in safe, healthy communities. It is our sincere hope that this agreement provides closure to the former students of the Île-à-la-Crosse School, and that it serves as a foundation for continued collaboration and success in the future.”
The provincial government’s apology also comes with some action. The province said it intends to provide $40.2 million in restitution to the school’s former students, “and to promote reconciliation, healing, wellness, education, language, culture and commemoration in the community of Île-à-la-Crosse.”
The Government of Saskatchewan said it expects the proposed settlement will be approved by the Court of King’s Bench early next year.
“The province supports a claims process for individual abuse claims that is simple, expedited, trauma-informed, and cost-effective,” the provincial government noted. “The claims process will be administered by a third-party class actions administration firm approved by the Court of King’s Bench.”
In March, the federal government announced plans to pay up to $27 million to former Île-à-la-Crosse students and $10 million to projects that address healing, education, language and culture, following a lawsuit launched by the school’s former students.
“It’s a relief to reach this agreement in principle with Saskatchewan,” Margaret Aubichon, a former student and plaintiff in the lawsuit, said in a statement.
“It’s been a very long battle, and we’ve lost a lot of Survivors on the way here. Finally, we’re close to having some closure for the remaining Survivors of Île-à-la-Crosse School, and recognition and compensation for all the harm that we experienced as children.”
“I was taught at the Île-à-la-Crosse School that my heritage, language and culture were shameful,” added Emile Janvier, another former student and plaintiff.
“I’m proud that I’ve worked hard to reclaim my Indigenous identity, and that we’ve made our voices as Survivors heard by these governments. This is an important step in our healing and in the process of reconciliation.”
