Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School Class Action

The Île-à-la-Crosse residential school (sometimes called the Île-à-la-Crosse “Mission school” or “boarding school”) was one of the oldest residential schools in Canada, operating between 1860 and 1976. A total of approximately 1,500 students, predominantly Métis children from across Northern Saskatchewan, attended the school.


In recent months, Settlement Agreements have been reached with both the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan. Both governments are contributing to the overall settlement of this class action.

 

Under the proposed settlement with Canada, it will pay up to $27.3 million for experience payments to Student Survivors or their Estates, which will be up to $10,000 for Students who attended the School for less than 5 years, and up to $15,000 for Students who attended the School for 5 years or more. [It will also be paying $10 million for a Legacy Trust Fund which will allocate these funds for projects that address healing, wellness, education, language, culture and commemoration. Legal fees will be paid separately in an amount to be agreed upon by counsel and Canada, subject to court approval.]

 

Under the proposed settlement with Saskatchewan, it will pay an all-inclusive amount of $40.2 million. The same funds will in part be used to compensate Students who were the victims of significant abuse while at the School.

 

Please click the link below and read the Long Form Notice of Settlement Approval Hearing to understand the details of the proposed settlements.  The application for approval of these settlements and approval of the requested legal fees is scheduled to be heard in Saskatoon at the Court of King’s Bench on March 30 and 31, 2026.

 

Documents available in PDF format

 

These two class action settlements do not take effect until approved by a Judge.  To be keep informed of future developments regarding this class action, please fill out the contact form below.