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What is the Indian Boarding Homes Program 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 Indian Boarding Homes Class Action provides compensation to people placed in these homes.
The Claim Process
The process is open to submit a compensation claim under the Indian Boarding Homes Class Action settlement.
Claimants must submit claims before the deadline of Monday, February 22, 2027.
To begin the claim process, follow these 4 steps:
- 1) Determine eligibility
- 2) Select the claim form category
- 3) Choose the appropriate claim form
- 4) Use the interactive claim form guide to complete the claim form
Determine Eligibility
Eligible Primary Class Members are individuals who were placed in private homes during the period of September 1, 1951 and June 30, 1992, to attend school, not including placements for post-secondary education.
Individuals placed after June 30, 1992, are also included if Canada was responsible for their placement.
People who were placed in private homes, but died on or after July 24, 2016, may also be eligible, and their estate can apply on their behalf.
Use the Eligibility Checker to verify you are eligible for compensation.
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Understanding the Categories
There are two claim form categories. Category 1 and Category 2 – each category has a claim form.
CATEGORY 1
The Category 1 claim form is used to claim placement in the Indian Boarding Homes Program.
This claim form must be submitted by all claimants.
CATEGORY 2
The Category 2 claim form is used to claim abuse while in the Indian Boarding Homes Program.
This is an optional claim form.
Cree Act of Service Awards
At the Annual General Assembly of the Cree Nation Government, on August 28th, 2024 Kenneth Weistche – representative plaintiff for the Québec sub-class till his death on November 24, 2023 – received the Cree Act of Service posthumously, accepted on his behalf by his widow Annie Irene Trapper Weistche – now his replacement as representative plaintiff for Québec.
The CNG gives Acts of Service awards “for individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication and service to our community and Nation” and ”to honor those who have volunteered, contributed their time, and made significant efforts to better the lives of the Cree people.
This award recognizes exceptional service, personal contributions, volunteerism, overcoming challenges, and outstanding performance”.