Canada set to pay billions to Indigenous children removed from their families, court rules
The statutory holiday came a day after a federal court upheld a 2016 ruling ordering the Canadian government to compensate Indigenous children who were placed into foster care. Thursday’s Estimates indicate that more than 4,000 children died while at residential schools over a period of several decades, Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission said in a 2015 report detailing “It is not in dispute that First Nations occupy a unique position within Canada’s constitutional legal structure. Further, no one can seriously doubt that First Nations people are amongst the most disadvantaged and marginalized members of Canadian society,” Justice Paul Favel wrote in his decision.CNN has reached out to the Caring Society for comment. The Assembly of First Nations described the decision as “monumental” and one that affirms that Indigenous children and their families deserve justice.”This is justice in action for First Nations children and families, however, nothing can replace the childhoods and connections to languages, lands and loved ones stolen by Canada’s discrimination. We have repeatedly made a reasonable and fair request that Canada stop fighting our kids in court not only for the sake of truth and reconciliation but also for the healing path forward,” said RoseAnne Archibald, national chief for the Assembly of First Nations, in a statement.CNN’s Paula Newton and Max Foster contributed to this report.