The Canadian government has reached an agreement in principle with survivors of a the Île-à-la-Crosse Boarding School —about 475 kilometres north of Saskatoon.

The settlement could see up to $27 million dollars paid to survivors and a $10-million fund for projects that address healing, education, language and culture.

The Île-à-la-Crosse Boarding School (ILEX) Steering Committee filed a lawsuit against the federal and provincial governments three years ago.  Survivors say they suffered abuse at the school, which operated for more than 100 years until it burned down in the 1970’s.

“We went through hell just to get an education. We went through abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse and loneliness just to get an education…no person should be treated like that…it affects the children too,” said Survivor and Elder Emile Janvier.

The Survivors and the Government of Canada are now working on drafting the final, formal Settlement Agreement. Once that happens the claims process will be expedited and accessible and the Trust for the Legacy Fund will be led by ILEX Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors. Claims of physical or sexual abuse aren’t included in the Agreement in Principle with Canada. Survivors now pursue those in court with Saskatchewan.

(Photo-credit Metis Nation of Saskatchewan- ILEX Boarding School Survivors gather at the Sakitawak Events Centre to listen to details of the Agreement in Principle with Canada, March 3, 2025)