Canadian Federal Government

Compensation and reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples who attended Indian Residential Schools in Canada and experienced abuse, neglect, or cultural loss.

The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) is recognized as the largest class action lawsuit in Canada's history. It was established to provide justice and support to survivors of Indian Residential Schools and their families. These schools, funded by the Canadian government and operated by Christian churches, aimed to culturally assimilate Indigenous Peoples. Approximately 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend these schools, where many experienced severe physical, mental, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect and cultural loss. The IRSSA includes several components: the Common Experience Payment (CEP) of $1.9 billion for blanket compensation, the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) with a budget of $960 million for compensation related to abuses, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) with a $60 million budget, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF)...

You may be eligible if you:

• Former students of recognized Indian Residential Schools in Canada.
• Individuals alive on May 30, 2005, for the Common Experience Payment (CEP).
• Survivors of abuse and wrongful acts for the Independent Assessment Process (IAP).

• Basic contact information
• Dates tied to your purchase or account activity
• Proof of purchase or supporting documents

If you do not have every document, you may still be able to file. Many settlements accept claims without receipts.

• Determine eligibility for CEP and/or IAP.
• Submit a claim form with supporting documentation.
• For IAP claims, attend hearings to present your case.
• Await decision and compensation from the settlement administrator.