Survivors can still file Indian Day School claims, virtual help session coming to NWT

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Despite the global pandemic, Indian Day School class action members can still submit their claims.

Earlier this month, Gowling WLG, the law firm in charge of the class action, announced it would be cancelling in-person community sessions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Instead, it will host a series of free virtual sessions beginning on April 21. The session for NWT and Alberta claimants will be on April 28. Members who are having trouble filling out their claims will be able to get help.

On the class action website, Gowling says, “We recognize that many claimants are Elders living in remote communities, and bringing everyone together creates a possible risk of exposure. Our team will continue to monitor the situation and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”

If you didn’t want to wait until the virtual session, the law form has published a video outlining how to fill out a claim form.

The law firm also says the video should be published in various Indigenous languages.

Deloitte is the accounting firm receiving claim forms.

Survivors should either submit their claims by email to indiandayschools@deloitte.ca or by fax to 416-366-1102 during the pandemic.

A series of infographics and help sheets for claimants will be available on the website in the coming weeks.

The deadline to file your claim is July 13, 2022.

About the Author

Francis Tessier-Burns
Francis was a reporter with CKLB from January 2019 to March 2023. In his time with CKLB, he had the immense pleasure and honour of learning about northern Indigenous cultures.