Innu Nation launches class-action suit over day school abuse

The Innu Nation haslaunched a class-action lawsuit against the government of Canada and the Newfoundland and Labrador government, seeking compensation for Indigenous day school survivors inSheshatshiu,Natuashishand the former community of Davis Inlet.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Innu who attended the schools, whichwere funded by the Canadian government, and overseen by the province from 1949, when Newfoundland joined Confederation, to 2009.

The lawsuit argues children suffered from physical, sexual, emotional and cultural abuse while at the schools.

In 2009, the Innu took control over their own education system through the Innu school board, Mamu Tshishkutamashutau Innu Education.

The class action is similar to other claims filed nationally, particularly a day schools class action settled in 2019, and a band reparations class action which was settled in 2023.

The Innu Nationwere left out of those settlements becausethey were not covered bythe Indian Act until the early 2000s.

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