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Japanese Canadians knock residential school solution

Calgary Herald

Saturday, April 24, 2004
Page A8

The National Association of Japanese Canadians has urged the federal government to correct flaws in its alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process to compensate survivors of abuse at aboriginal residential schools.

In an address Friday at the Four Worlds ceremony in Winnipeg , NAJC president Keiko Miki, who successfully negotiated a settlement with the feds in 1988 for their wrongful treatment during the Second World War, criticized the ADR process as inadequate.

"The process ignores the historical irresponsibility of the church and state, including the fiduciary relationship issue between Canada and First Nations peoples, and the pervasive losses for victims of mental, physical, emotional health, cultural teachings and aboriginal languages, et cetera," said Miki.

"The fallout will continue on from generation to generation unless victims and their families are satisfied that a fair and just settlement has been reached."

The two-page letter has been forwarded to Denis Coderre , minister responsible for the Office of Indian Residential Schools Resolution; Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Andrew Mitchell; Justice Minister Irwin Cotler and Prime Minister Paul Martin.

Federal government officials involved in the issue could not be reached for comment.

(c) The Calgary Herald 2004

Related: Winnipeg Free Press, April 24, 2004