AFN National Chief Applauds the Finalization of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

AFN National Chief Applauds the Finalization of the Indian Residential
Schools Settlement Agreement

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2007/19/c2475.html

OTTAWA, Sept. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief
Phil Fontaine is pleased to announce that residential school survivors are
officially eligible to apply and receive a Common Experience Payment, now
that the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement has been
finalized.
Survivors are also entitled to apply for the Independent Assessment Program
(IAP) for compensation for serious abuses experienced during their time
spent at residential schools.

"Today is a remarkable day for residential school survivors, for First
Nations, and indeed, for all Canadians," stated National Chief Fontaine.
"This settlement agreement is not only about compensation, but also about
healing and reconciliation between First Nations and Canada." At last,
justice will be served for those who have suffered a long and often painful
journey through the residential schools experience."

The Assembly of First Nations, led by National Chief Fontaine, tirelessly
worked to negotiate a fair, just, and comprehensive agreement with the
Government of Canada. The settlement agreement is the largest settlement in
Canadian history, which includes payment for survivors to compensate for
loss of language and culture, a more efficient and effective process to
deal with serious claims of abuse, and a national truth and reconciliation
commission to bring greater understanding and awareness of the Indian
residential schools history. More than 150-thousand children attended
residential schools. There are about 80-thousand living survivors who are
eligible for compensation.

"The Assembly of First Nations will continue to work with the federal
government to ensure that there will be no unnecessary delays or
difficulties for survivors in their applications for the Common Experience
Payment," said the National Chief.

"The next important step in our work of the settlement agreement will be the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission," stated the National Chief. "It will
shed light on one of the darkest chapters in Canada's history, a history
that all Canadians should be aware of. Through the important work of the
truth commission, we will begin to truly understand our past and how we
move forward."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing
First Nations citizens in Canada.



For further information: Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor - Office of the
National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext 243, cell (613) 298-6382, npine at afn.ca;
Joan McEwen, Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789 ext 242,
jmcewen at afn.ca; Josee Bellemare, Bilingual Communications Officer, (613)
241-6789 ext 336, cell (613) 327-6331, jbellemare at afn.ca