Assembly of First Nations Continues to Advocate to Protect Interests of IRS Students, BC Supreme Court hearings continue this week

OTTAWA, May 7, 2012 /CNW/ - As part of the Assembly of First Nations' advocacy for the protection of rights and interests of all former Indian residential school students, AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today expressed continued support to the Blood Tribe, and all former students impacted by the Blott & Company and Associates investigation, further urging that compensation is delivered fairly and efficiently as outlined in the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA).

"I, together with First Nation leadership across Canada, stand with the Blood Tribe and all former residential school students in their efforts to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of Independent Assessment Process claimants," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.  "We look forward to the resumption of hearings this week and will continue to advocate for the protection of the rights and interests of all former residential school students and the over-arching principles of healing and reconciliation."

Brought forward by Blood Tribe Chief Charles Weaselhead with the support of AFN, the British Columbia Supreme Court heard this week the findings of a five-month court-ordered investigation into alleged wrong-doing by Calgary-based law firm Blott & Co. and Associates representing many residential school claimants.

On behalf of AFN, legal counsel Kathleen Mahoney presented arguments that Blott and Co. and their associates breached the Financial Administration Act and the IRSSA, violating the spirit and intent of healing and reconciliation and negatively impacting IAP claimants.  The investigation found Blott and Co, which currently has 4,100 clients seeking compensation for abuse, has not yet registered 1,400 of the claims.  The deadline for IAP claims is September 19, 2012.

The hearing is scheduled to resume May 9. 

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN and National Chief Atleo on Twitter @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms and @NCAtleo. 

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or e-mail [email protected]

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-292-0857 or e-mail [email protected]