Residential abuse victims' names will be kept private

Survivors of St. Anne's residential school in Fort Albany are in a Toronto courtroom this week.

They're fighting for access to documents from a police investigation into their claims that support their allegations of abuse.

So far, the federal government has refused to allow access to the material, citing privacy concerns.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy chief Alvin Fiddler, who was in the courtroom Tuesday, said he was pleased to learn the lawyer for the provincial police doesn't have a problem releasing police documents into abuse claims.

Now they are waiting to see what the courts decide, including “how are these records going to be disclosed, [and] made public, [while] at the same time respecting issues around privacy,” Fiddler said.

On Tuesday the judge placed a publication ban on the names of abuse victims.

However, anyone who wishes to tell his or her story may identify themselves.

Hiding the truth

NDP MP Charlie Angus said the issue of privacy versus the public interest is still being worked out — and he fears the truth may be hidden.

“The massive collusion that happened about the rape and torture of these children would kept forever from the public,” he said.

Fiddler noted it’s important some things are disclosed, but “I think we need to make sure the former students aren't re-victimized through this process. I think that what we want to ensure is that the perpetrators, the names of the organizations that are responsible for this remain public.”

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is also arguing for access to the documents.

The Assembly of First Nations supports the commission's bid as well as that of the survivors'.

Also intervening are the OPP, the Office of the Chief Adjudicator, and the Sisters of Ottawa.