Statement from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government
Posted on: Jan 29, 2026
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government acknowledges today’s announcement regarding the proposed settlement agreement between former students of the Île-à-la-Crosse residential school and Canada.
We stand with the Survivors and their families and recognize the courage of those who have carried the harms of residential schools for generations. Their strength in coming forward, telling their stories, and pursuing justice continues to move this country toward truth and accountability.
If the Court approves the proposed settlement, former students will be able to submit their claims through an independent third-party administrator. Following Court approval, additional details on implementation, including how, where, and when Survivors can apply, will be made available.
While no settlement can undo the profound trauma inflicted by residential schools, meaningful steps toward recognition, compensation, and healing are necessary. Any process must remain grounded in respect for Survivors, reflect their lived experiences, and prioritize culturally appropriate, trauma-informed supports.
The Métis Nation has its own distinct experiences of residential schooling that have too often been overlooked or minimized. Métis children were taken from their families, stripped of their language and identity, and subjected to policies designed to erase who they were. Acknowledging these truths is essential to genuine reconciliation.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government will continue to advocate for Survivor-led approaches to healing, full transparency from Canada, and sustained investments in mental health, cultural revitalization, and intergenerational supports for Métis families.