MCK Files Boarding Homes Class Action Lawsuit

KAHNAWAKE - The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) launched a Boarding Homes class action lawsuit. MCK informed the community on July 7, 2023 of the pending class action lawsuit settlement against the Government of Canada, for the implementation of the Indian Boarding Home Program.

The program, which placed children from First Nations and Inuit communities with private families (usually non-Indigenous) to stay for the purpose of attending school, was found to create an environment where children were abused, harassed, and suffered other harms. The prolonged absence from family and community also caused loss of culture, language, and community bonding.

According to MCK, the proposed settlement classes are defined as follows:

Primary Class: 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 3, 1992, are eligible if Canada was responsible for their placement.

Family Class: members of the individual’s family who lost the guidance, care, or companionship they could expect from the individual.

Although this class action suit is not related to the Indian Day Schools Settlement, Louise Mayo is available to answer questions and/or assisting persons who wish to participate and receive compensation from the lawsuit. She can be contacted at 514-793-0662 or via email at [email protected].

For more information on the class action suit, please visit http://www.boardinghomesclassaction.com.