Judge to look at compensation for residential school survivors

The federal government has appointed a former Supreme Court judge to help mediate compensation packages for the survivors of Indian residential schools, but some are worried the move will just drag out the already lengthy process.

Frank Iacobucci will negotiate with the Assembly of First Nations and the various churches involved to reach possible settlement packages, deputy prime minister Anne McLellan said Monday.

He will deliver recommendations by March 31, 2006.

"It reminds me of the old adage, justice delayed is justice denied," Vancouver resident Robert Joseph, who attended residential schools as a child, said of the time it will take.

Edmonton lawyer Jon Faulds, who represents about 900 residential school claimants, says Iacobucci will look at compensation for the loss of language and culture, and for the forced separation from their families.

"And the second element is a more serious process for dealing with the most serious claims, for those who suffered physical and sexual abuse," he said.

While Faulds applauds the choice of Iacobucci, he worries about the timeline of the process.

"We are very concerned that nine months is a long time for people to have to wait to find out what the recommendations will be," Faulds said.

An estimated 100,000 aboriginal children lived in the once-mandatory system of residential schools from 1930 to 1996. Many were forced to leave their families and attend the schools, and many suffered physical and sexual abuse while there.

While more than 12,000 survivors of residential schools have filed compensation lawsuits, fewer than 1,500 of them are using Ottawa's current resolution procedure, which is has been estimated will take 50 years and $2 billion to clear the backlog of cases.

Phil Fontaine, grand chief of the Assembly of First Nations, praised the appointment of Iacobucci, saying it will help turn "the corner on the tragedy of residential schools."

Fontaine, who attended residential schools himself, along with the representatives from four other aboriginal organizations, will meet with the prime minister and cabinet Tuesday to discuss the future talks.

Aboriginal groups are pushing for lump sum payments to survivors.

Iacobucci will also study the creation of a national truth-and-reconciliation forum to give survivors a chance to tell their stories.