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Indigenous Anglicans reject agreement to settle school abuse claims
Episcopal News Service
Issue:
Section:
2003-059-4
Posted: Tuesday, March 18, 2003
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A group of Anglican indigenous people has rejected an agreement by the church and the Canadian government to settle abuse claims filed by former students of residential schools for indigenous children. Under the agreement, the Anglican Church of Canada and the government will share the cost of compensating the students who charge they were physically abused in the schools operated by the church on behalf of the government, beginning in 1820 and ending in 1969.
The Anglican Council of Indigenous People, an association established by the church and representing 27,500 members, has rejected the agreement because it does not cover claims of emotional or cultural abuse. Opponents claim that the agreement would require the former students to waive future claims for loss of language and culture in order to receive compensation for physical and sexual abuse. 'We're not going to sell our birthright for just a few dollars,' said Andrew Wesley, co-chair of the council.
More than 12,000 claims alleging sexual, emotional, physical or cultural abuse have been filed against the government and four churches that had run the schools. Under the agreement the Anglicans will contribute 30 percent of the compensation costs, up to $25 million (Canadian) for settlement of 2,200 claims involving the denomination.
Cabinet minister Ralph Goodale, who signed the agreement with Archbishop Michael Peers of the Anglican Church of Canada, defended the government's position, pointing out that no court had awarded damages for loss of culture and language. The government has promised to spend $172.5 million (Canadian) to support indigenous culture and language programs, with encouragement and promise of support from the churches.
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