FSIN Pleased With Approval Of Compensation Deal

FSIN Pleased With Approval Of Compensation Deal

Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 15:27

 

 

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations says it is happy to see the residential schools compensation package approved by the federal cabinet.

 

The announcement was made yesterday by Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice.

 

FSIN Vice-Chief Guy Lonechild says this is a step in the right direction for First Nations people in Saskatchewan.

 

Lonechild says the FSIN will now act as a facilitator for survivors in the province wanting to move forward in receiving their settlements.

 

Lonechild also says this deal shows that the government is taking responsibility for what happened in Indian residential schools

 

Meanwhile, fellow FSIN Vice-Chief Morley Watson says he is relieved to see the Conservative government approve the fast-track payments to elderly survivors of Indian residential schools.

 

According to the deal, survivors over the age of 65 as of May 30th, 2005 are eligible to receive an advanced payment of $8,000 after filling out a new application form, which is now available on the government’s residential school website.

 

The government has announced that the payments will be made available immediately to eldery survivors and will be deducted from their total compensation amount.

 

The FSIN says it has already begun sending the new advance payment application forms to bands, tribal councils and people in their survivor database.