(January 17, 2025 – Ottawa, Unceded Algonquin Territory) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is reaffirming the AFN’s support for the Survivors of St. Anne’s Residential School as they prepare for a virtual court hearing on January 20–24, 2025. The hearing will address Canada’s attempt to dismiss their request for directions from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
“This case is about holding Canada accountable and ensuring Survivors receive the justice they deserve. The Survivors of St. Anne’s Residential School are seeking to hold Canada accountable for its repeated and ongoing failure to meet its disclosure obligations under the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement and are requesting the release of key documents related to their traumatic experiences at St. Anne’s Residential School,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “The Survivors of St. Anne’s Residential School have endured unimaginable harm, and we lift them up for their bravery and strength in seeking truth and justice.”
The Request for Direction (RFD), known as Metatawabin RFD #2, was filed by three St. Anne’s Survivors who assert that Canada’s failure to disclose critical information denied some claimants fair compensation under the Independent Assessment Process (IAP). A 2021 independent review commissioned by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice found that Canada’s failure to disclose critical information significantly affected 11 claims. Despite this injustice, Canada is seeking to have the RFD dismissed on procedural grounds.
“We are deeply concerned by Canada’s attempts to block this critical case on technical grounds,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Survivors have the right to be heard and to seek accountability. Canada must address its past failures and work with Survivors, not against them. We urge Canada to reconsider its approach and allow the case to proceed on its merits, rather than relying on technical arguments to limit or dismiss these claims.”
Interested individuals are invited to attend the virtual hearing in support of St. Anne’s Survivors and their pursuit of justice:
Metatawabin RFD #2 – Fontaine et al. v. Attorney General of Canada et al.
Dates: January 20–24, 2025 , at 10:00 AM ET
Zoom Link: https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63629859925?pwd=I8b2l4gSa3bkEkO2BVfHc71wb9aziu.1
Meeting ID: 636 2985 9925
Passcode: 452032
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Jon Adam Chen
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
343-573-2229 (mobile)
[email protected]