Indian Boarding Homes Program Claim

Summary of the Settlement

If you were placed in a private home between September 1, 1951 and June 30, 1992 to attend school, you may be eligible for compensation through a Canada-wide class action settlement. This does not include placements for post-secondary education.

Canada has agreed to provide compensation to eligible people (called class members) who were placed in a private home as part of the Indian Boarding Homes Program. All class members are eligible for a payment of $10,000.

Individuals who experienced harm, including physical, sexual, psychological or emotional abuse, neglect or loss of culture, language or family connections may apply for additional compensation for harms suffered. Payments for these claims range from $10,000 to $200,000.

In addition to this compensation, Canada committed $50 million to establish a foundation dedicated to healing, truth and cultural preservation. The Hitgwin! Qaumata Miyopimâtisiwin Foundation (HQMF – Stand Up/Rise, Shine, Live a Good Life Foundation) acknowledges the harm caused by the Indian Boarding Homes Program, while supporting efforts to promote healing, restore transparency and preserve Indigenous languages and cultures for future generations. Click here to learn more about HQMF.

The claims period will close February 22, 2027. Deadlines and updates are posted on the official settlement website: boardinghomesclassaction.com.

Eligibility

To be eligible for compensation, a person must:

• have been placed in a private home:
  • between September 1, 1951 and June 30, 1992, for the purpose of attending school (this does not include placements for post-secondary education, such as college or university); or
  • after June 30, 1992, if Canada was responsible for their placement; and
• have been alive on or after July 24, 2016; and
• submit their claim before February 22, 2027.

More information about eligibility, the claims process and free supports is available at boardinghomesclassaction.com.

Who is included in the settlement?

Every individual identified as a class member for the Indian Boarding Homes Program class action settlement will be eligible for a Category 1 payment of $10,000. This is a single payment to anyone who was placed by Canada in the Indian Boarding Homes Program.

After submitting a Category 1 claim, class members may also apply for compensation for abuse suffered, ranging from $10,000 to $200,000. This is called a Category 2 claim. The compensation paid will depend on the specific harms suffered, such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

FAQs

How do I know if I am eligible to apply for compensation?

An individual may be eligible if:

• they were placed in a private home:
  • between September 1, 1951 and June 30, 1992, for the purpose of attending school (this does not include placements for post-secondary education, such as college or university); or
  • after June 30, 1992, if Canada was responsible for the placement; and
  • alive on or after July 24, 2016.

If the person who lived in the boarding home has passed away, a family member estate executor or heir may be able to submit a claim, depending on the circumstances.

How do I apply for compensation?

Claims forms and step-by-step instructions and help are available on the settlement website: boardinghomesclassaction.com/claim-process/

Choose your claim form category and complete the application following the steps outlined on the form. You can choose to fill out a form online or download the pdf to fill out or request to receive a claim form by mail.

Remember: all claimants must submit a Category 1 form. The Category 2 form is optional and is used to make a claim for abuse experienced while in the Indian Boarding Homes Program.

You can submit your claim:

• By the online claim form at: boardinghomesclassaction.com/claim-process/
• By email to claims@boardinghomesclassaction.com Subject: Indian Boarding Homes Class Action
• By fax to 1.833.912.5047 Subject: Indian Boarding Homes Class Action
• By mail to Indian Boarding Homes Class Action, 18 York Street, Suite 2500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5J 0B2

Do not send original identification documents. If you choose to send your form to the claims administrator through the mail, it is recommended that you use registered mail and obtain a tracking number so you can receive information on your mail’s location.

Do I need a lawyer to submit my claim?

You do not need a lawyer to apply for Category 1 claims. Canada will not pay any lawyer fees for a Category 1 claim.

You may hire a lawyer of your choosing to help you submit your Category 2 claim. Canada will pay your lawyer an amount of 5% (plus tax) of the Category 2 payment you receive. No payment for legal fees will come out of your compensation unless you specifically agree, and the lawyer obtains a court order approving such payment. 

You can reach out to class counsel for this settlement if you have questions about the claim process or how to retain a lawyer:

Klein Lawyers LLP
1385 W 8th Avenue #400
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V9
1.604.874.7171
ibhclassaction@callkleinlawyers.com

Will IRC help me to submit my claim?

IRC cannot fill out or submit your application for you. We also cannot provide you with legal advice on your claim.  We can help connect you with the people who will receive your application. If you need access to a laptop or phone for the application process or want to have someone provide emotional support while you are filling out your application, a community support worker may be able to assist you.

Support Services

Comfort and Emotional Assistance

If reading this information brings up difficult memories or feelings, confidential and culturally appropriate support is available.

Emotional and mental health counselling and crisis support is available to Class Members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Hope for Wellness Hotline at 1.855.242.3310 or online at www.hopeforwellness.ca

Claim Form Support

Phone: 1.888.499.1144

Email: Claims@boardinghomesclassaction.com

Legal Support

Klein Lawyers LLP
Phone: 1.604.874.7171
Email: ibhclassaction@callkleinlawyers.com

For the most up-to-date information, eligibility details and deadlines, visit: boardinghomesclassaction.com

You can also sign up for email updates on the website to receive important notices about the claims process.