September 19, 2007:

Filing for Alberta's Residential School Compensation

Residential School Survivors are now able to apply for the first phase of Residential School Compensation known as the "Common Experience Payment".

In November 2005, Prime Minister Paul Martin reached a settlement and set aside $1.9 Billioin in compensation for Common Experience Payments which will go to Residential School Survivors. About 80,000 residential school claims are expected from across Canada with individual payments at $10,000 plus $3,000 for each year spent in a residential school. The average payment is expected to be $28,000.

It is estimated that an additional $3 Billion will be available for residential school survivors who suffered sexual and serious physical abuse, based on individual assessment over the next several years.

While many First Nations people who were subjected to Residential Schools will be applying for Residential School Compensation, other are exercising their rights to sue the Canadian government directly for their suffering.

Resources for Residential School Survivors:

Application for Common Experience Payment for Former Students who Resided at Indian Residential School(s)

Common Experience Payment Application for Personal Representative or Estate

Independant Assessment Process Application Form

Independant Assessment Process Guide

Consulting with an experienced First Nations Lawyer can help you make the best choice in receiving Residential School Compensation. To learn more about what the Common Experience Payment means to you and what rights you as a First Nations Person have under Canadian Aboriginal Law, contact Willier and Company today.

Older News Stories:

Peaceful Protests Mark National Day of Action

$1.9 Billion for Agreement in Principle on Residential School Claims