Canada created the Indian Boarding Homes Program in the 1950s which removed First Nations and Inuit children from their communities and placed them in private homes for the purpose of attending school.
The Indian Boarding Homes Class Action provides compensation to people placed in these homes. Primary Class Members of the Indian Boarding Homes Class Action are eligible claimants. Primary Class Members are individuals who were placed in private homes, during the period of September 1, 1951 and June 30, 1992, for the purpose of attending school, not including placements for post-secondary education. Individuals placed after June 30, 1992, are also included if Canada was responsible for their placement.
What is the Indian Boarding Homes Class Action?
The Indian Boarding Homes Program was an educational program created by the Government of Canada, which placed children from First Nations communities and Inuit villages in other communities (usually non-Indigenous) to stay in private family homes for the purpose of attending school.
This settlement is in response to two legal actions (Superior Court of Quebec and Federal Court cases) filed on behalf of children who suffered harassment, abuse, loss of language and culture, and other harms as a result of their participation in the Indian Boarding Homes Program. Through the litigation, plaintiffs sought compensation, recognition, and justice for their experiences and harms suffered.
The process is now open for Claimants to submit their claim for compensation. Support in filling out the forms is available for members living in the community from health centre staff, please call 250-923-3976 to book an appointment.
There is an eligibility checker on the website if you are unsure about your eligibility.
For more information or to download the forms, please visit the website:
https://boardinghomesclassaction.com/.
Eligible claimants may apply for two categories of compensation:
- Category 1 – Compensation Claim for Placement in the Indian Boarding Home Program
- Category 2 – Compensation Claim for Abuse
Emotional / Mental Health Support
Filling out these forms can impact your emotional and mental health. If you need support during this process, you can locate resources on the class action website here: https://boardinghomesclassaction.com/resources/
You can also contact the Hope for Wellness Team for comfort and emotional assistance.
You can reach them toll-free at: 1-855-242-3310 or online at: www.hopeforwellness.ca
Claim Application and Payment Questions
The Claims Administrator handles claim applications and payments. They can help you with the claims process and show you how to complete the form.
You can reach the Administrator on their help line at: 1-888-499-1144
Class Counsel and Available Legal Advice
If you need legal support or need help locating a lawyer to help you with the claim form, you can contact Class Counsel at: 1-604-874-7171 or Quebec Class Counsel at: 1-888-232-3778
