Assembly of First Nations Chief RoseAnne Archibald said on Saturday that any federal compensation paid to Indigenous children removed from their homes would be recognition of the damage done, but would not repair the damage done.
However, it would be a sign to her that the government is on the path to this goal and that it will end discrimination against First Nations children.
The government has filed a notice that it plans to appeal a Federal Court decision upholding orders for Ottawa to pay compensation to children, but the parties agreed to start talks on Monday in hopes of reach a financial settlement outside of the court.
The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found that Ottawa had discriminated against First Nations children by knowingly underfunding child and family services for those living on reserves.
Chief Archibald could not discuss specific details about the impending talks, which are expected to continue until December, but did not challenge the court ruling that the children were eligible for $ 40,000 in federal compensation.
In a joint statement made on Friday after the appeal was filed, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller and Justice Minister David Lametti announced that the parties “Agreed to stay the litigation” on the court decision.