Survivors of the historical Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School in Saskatchewan are gearing up to unveil what they have dubbed a “significant” announcement on Monday morning. The event is expected to be attended by Premier Scott Moe, representatives from the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S), and provincial officials.
Legal battles surrounding the school and its enduring impact have persisted for years, with survivors previously initiating lawsuits against both the federal and provincial governments seeking recognition and compensation for the abuses suffered. In a notable development on March 3, 2025, the federal government disclosed a $27 million agreement in principle with survivors. This agreement included a federal apology and the establishment of a $10 million legacy fund to promote cultural revitalization, language preservation, and healing programs.
Survivors have asserted that Canada has acknowledged only half of the responsibility and have urged Saskatchewan to follow suit. Located approximately 460 kilometers north of Saskatoon, the Île-à-la-Crosse Boarding School stood out as one of Canada’s earliest and longest-operating institutions of its kind, with around 1,500 children, predominantly Métis from northern Saskatchewan, compelled to attend.
Former students have recounted instances of pervasive physical, sexual, and emotional mistreatment at the school. Individuals reported instances of discrimination, neglect, and suppression of their native languages, notably Cree and Michif. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada characterized the school’s history as intricate and protracted.
As the Île-à-la-Crosse Boarding School precedes the federal residential school system, which emerged in the 1880s, it was not encompassed in the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA). Consequently, survivors were excluded from the compensatory measures provided to others nationwide under the settlement, leading to disputes over accountability between the federal and provincial governments, leaving survivors unrecognized.
The MN-S has previously underscored that both governmental levels supported the school at various junctures. Survivors contend that this shared responsibility has been a key factor contributing to the lengthy delay in achieving a resolution.