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Residential School Settlement

The Four Pillars Society

Gottfriedson v. His Majesty the King in Right of Canada
(Court File No. T1542-12)

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Message from the First Directors
Our Mission

The Band Reparations Class Action

The Band Reparations Class Action is a lawsuit brought against the Government of Canada by representative plaintiff First Nations Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and Shíshálh Nation, with the support of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee).

The lawsuit is for the collective harm suffered by indigenous communities, in regards to the damages inflicted by Indian Residential Schools. The lawsuit is specifically due to the collective harm of lost language, culture, heritage, and well-being in Indigenous communities throughout Canada, not about specific harms suffered by individual survivors who attended Indian Residential Schools.

Settlement Agreement
Head Office

102B-1979 Okanagan Highway
Westbank, BC V4T 3A4

Who We Are

The Four Pillars Society

The Four Pillars Society manages and distributes a $2.8 billion settlement from the Government of Canada to the 325 Band Class members who signed on to the class action lawsuit. The settlement fund focuses on building the culture, heritage, and well-being of Indigenous communities.

About Us

Band Class Members

325 Bands are part of the class action lawsuit; click here to see the full list of class members. 

The opt-in period is now closed, and it is no longer possible to join the lawsuit.

The First Nations that are part of the lawsuit are:

Province / Territory
PE
Indian Band/ FN
Lennox Island Band
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
PE
Indian Band/ FN
Abegweit FN
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
NS
Indian Band/ FN
Sipekne`katik Band
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
NB
Indian Band/ FN
Tobique First Nation
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
NB
Indian Band/ FN
Oromocto
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
NB
Indian Band/ FN
Kingsclear First Nation
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
NB
Indian Band/ FN
Indian Island
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
NB
Indian Band/ FN
Fort Folly
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
NB
Indian Band/ FN
Eel River Bar First Nation
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
NB
Indian Band/ FN
Eel Ground First Nation
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
NB
Indian Band/ FN
Elsipogtog First Nation, formerly Big Cove Band, formerly Richibucto Tribe of Indians (#003)
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
The Crees of Waskaganish FN
Residential School(s)
Bishop Horden Hall (Moose Fort, Moose Factory)
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Whapmagoostui FN
Residential School(s)
Federal Hostels at Great Whale River
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan
Residential School(s)
Pointe Bleue
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation
Residential School(s)
La Tuque
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Odanak
Residential School(s)
Shingwauk
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Nation anishnabe du Lac Simon
Residential School(s)
Amos
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach
Residential School(s)
La Tuque
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Long Point FN
Residential School(s)
Amos
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Kebaowek First Nation
Residential School(s)
Spanish Boys’ School (Charles Garnier, St. Joseph’s); Spanish Girls’ School (St. Joseph’s, St. Peter’s, St. Anne’s)
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Kanesatake Mohawk
Residential School(s)
Shingwauk
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Listuguj Mi`gmaq Government
Residential School(s)
Shubenacadie
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani Utenam
Residential School(s)
Sept-Îles
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Nation Huronne-Wendat
Residential School(s)
La Tuque
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Cree Nation of Wemindji
Residential School(s)
Fort George (Anglican)
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Cree Nation of Waswanipi
Residential School(s)
Mohawk Institute; La Tuque
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Cree Nation of Nemaska
Residential School(s)
Bishop Horden Hall (Moose Fort, Moose Factory); Shingwauk; La Tuque
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Cree Nation of Mistissini
Residential School(s)
La Tuque; Mistassini Hostels (September 1, 1971 to June 30, 1978)
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Cree Nation of Chisasibi
Residential School(s)
Fort George (Anglican); Fort George (Roman Catholic)
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Les Innu De Ekuanitshit
Residential School(s)
Sept-Îles
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Communaute Ancinapek de Kitcisakik
Residential School(s)
Amos
Province / Territory
QC
Indian Band/ FN
Abénakis de Wôlinak
Residential School(s)
Sept-Îles
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Whitesand First Nation
Residential School(s)
Fort Frances (St. Margaret’s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Whitefish River First Nation
Residential School(s)
Spanish Boys’ School (Charles Garnier, St. Joseph’s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Weenusk First Nation
Residential School(s)
St. Anne`s (Fort Albany)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Residential School(s)
Spanish Boys’ School (Charles Garnier, St. Joseph’s); Spanish Girls’ School (St. Joseph’s, St. Peter’s, St. Anne’s);
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Wauzhushk Onigum Nation (Rat Portage) #153
Residential School(s)
St. Mary`s (Kenora, St. Anthony`s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Wahgoshig First Nation
Residential School(s)
Mohawk Institute
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
Residential School(s)
St. Mary`s (Kenora, St. Anthony’s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Temagami FN
Residential School(s)
Shingwauk
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Taykwa Tagamou Nation
Residential School(s)
St. Anne`s (Fort Albany)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Sheguiandah FN
Residential School(s)
Shingwauk; Spanish Boys’ School (Charles Garnier, St. Joseph’s); Spanish Girls’ School (St. Joseph’s, St. Peter’s, St. Anne’s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Sachigo Lake FN
Residential School(s)
Poplar Hill
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Pikangikum FN
Residential School(s)
Poplar Hill
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Oneida Nation the Thames
Residential School(s)
Mount Elgin (Muncey, St. Thomas)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Ojibways of Onigaming
Residential School(s)
St. Mary`s (Kenora, St. Anthony’s); Fort Frances (St. Margaret`s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation
Residential School(s)
Fort Frances (St. Margaret’s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Nipissing First Nation
Residential School(s)
Spanish Boys’ School (Charles Garnier, St. Joseph’s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Naotkamegwanning FN
Residential School(s)
Cecilia Jeffrey (Kenora, Shoal Lake); Fort Frances (St. Margaret`s); McIntosh (Kenora); St. Mary`s (Kenora, St. Anthony`s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Naicatchewenin FN
Residential School(s)
Fort Frances (St. Margaret`s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Munsee-Delaware Nation
Residential School(s)
Mount Elgin (Muncey, St. Thomas)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
Residential School(s)
Mohawk Institute
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Moose Cree FN
Residential School(s)
Bishop Horden Hall (Moose Fort, Moose Factory)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
MoCreebec Eeyoud Council of the Cree
Residential School(s)
Bishop Horden Hall (Moose Fort, Moose Factory)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
Residential School(s)
Mohawk Institute
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Residential School(s)
Mohawk Institute
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Mississauga First Nation
Residential School(s)
Spanish Girls’ School (St. Joseph’s, St. Peter’s, St. Anne’s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
M’Chigeeng FN
Residential School(s)
Spanish Boys’ School (Charles Garnier, St. Joseph’s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Lac Seul First Nation
Residential School(s)
Cecilia Jeffrey (Kenora, Shoal Lake); Pelican Lake (Pelican Falls)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
Residential School(s)
Pelican Lake (Pelican Falls); Cecilia Jeffrey (Kenora, Shoal Lake); Poplar Hill
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Kashechewan FN
Residential School(s)
St. Anne`s (Fort Albany)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Grassy Narrows FN
Residential School(s)
McIntosh (Kenora)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Ginoogaming FN
Residential School(s)
St. Joseph’s/Fort William
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Fort Severn FN
Residential School(s)
Pelican Lake (Pelican Falls)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Fort William FN
Residential School(s)
St. Joseph’s/Fort William
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Fort Albany FN
Residential School(s)
St. Anne`s (Fort Albany)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Delaware Nation (Moravian of the Thames)
Residential School(s)
Mohawk Institute; Mount. Elgin (Muncey, St. Thomas); Shingwauk
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Curve Lake FN
Residential School(s)
Mohawk Institute
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Couchiching FN
Residential School(s)
Fort Frances (St. Margaret’s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Constance Lake First Nation
Residential School(s)
St. Anne`s (Fort Albany)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Chippewas of Rama First Nation
Residential School(s)
Mohawk Institute
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation (formerly Kettle Point First Nation and Stony Point First Nation)
Residential School(s)
Mount Elgin (Muncey, St. Thomas); Mohawk Institute
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Chippewas of the Thames FN
Residential School(s)
Mount Elgin (Muncey, St. Thomas)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Chapleau Cree FN
Residential School(s)
Chapleau (St. John`s); Shingwauk
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Cat Lake FN
Residential School(s)
Pelican Lake (Pelican Falls)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Caldwell First Nation
Residential School(s)
Mount Elgin (Muncey, St. Thomas)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Big Grassy River First Nation
Residential School(s)
Cecilia Jeffrey (Kenora, Shoal Lake)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Aroland FN
Residential School(s)
McIntosh (Kenora)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Animakee Wa Zhing #37
Residential School(s)
Cecilia Jeffrey (Kenora, Shoal Lake)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Alderville FN
Residential School(s)
Mount Elgin (Muncey, St. Thomas)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Aamjiwnaang FN Chippewas of Sarnia
Residential School(s)
Spanish Girls’ School (St. Joseph’s, St. Peter’s, St. Anne’s)
Province / Territory
ON
Indian Band/ FN
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
Residential School(s)
Mohawk Institute; Spanish Boys’ School (Charles Garnier, St. Joseph’s)
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
York Factory FN
Residential School(s)
Dauphin (replaced McKay)
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Waywayseecappo FN
Residential School(s)
Birtle
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve #292
Residential School(s)
Pine Creek (Campeville)
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Tataskweyak Cree Nation
Residential School(s)
Dauphin (replaced McKay)
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Swan Lake FN
Residential School(s)
Portage la Prairie
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
St. Theresa Point FN
Residential School(s)
Assiniboia (Winnipeg)
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Sioux Valley Dakota Nation
Residential School(s)
Brandon
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Sandy Bay Ojibway FN
Residential School(s)
Portage la Prairie; Sandy Bay
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Roseau River Anishinabe FN
Residential School(s)
Fort Alexander (Pine Falls); Birtle; Portage la Prairie; Lebret (Qu’Appelle, Whitecalf, St. Paul’s High School)
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Pine Creek FN
Residential School(s)
Pine Creek (Campeville)
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Poplar River FN
Residential School(s)
Norway House, Cross Lake (St. Joseph’s, Norway House); Guy Hill (Clearwater, the Pas, formerly Sturgeon Landing, SK)
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Pinaymootang First Nation
Residential School(s)
Birtle
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation
Residential School(s)
Guy Hill (Clearwater, the Pas, formerly Sturgeon Landing, SK)
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Norway House Cree Nation
Residential School(s)
Notre Dame Hostel (Norway House Catholic, Jack River
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Residential School(s)
McKay (The Pas, replaced by Dauphin)
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Misipawistik Cree Nation
Residential School(s)
Brandon
Province / Territory
MB
Indian Band/ FN
Mathias Colomb Cree Nation
Residential School(s)
Sturgeon Landing (replaced by Guy Hill, MB); Guy Hill (Clearwater, the Pas, formerly Sturgeon Landing, SK)
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The Four Pillars Society
Copyright © 2024 Four Pillars Society, All rights reserved.

Message from the First Directors

It starts with community, which starts with the parent and child. The journey to the establishment of The Four Pillars Society (The FPS) began specifically with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and shíshálh Nation communities and families.

This particular journey was about finding some level of redress to the systemic colonial efforts to disrupt the languages, cultures, wellness fundamental to our communities and the disavowing of our Aboriginal heritage. With the additional support of the Grand Council of the Crees Eeyou Istchee (GCCEI) the steps taken resulted in the signing of a settlement agreement mid-January 2023. As other communities signed on to be included in those settlement resources (by September of 2022) development of a much broader administrative framework became necessary. This Strategic Plan sets out the next steps of this particular journey which started back in 2012.

The federal transfer of settlement monies occurred in June of 2023. We, the First Directors, were able to invest the funds only after developing bylaws, organizing federal transfer agreements, and reviewing investment partnerships. The FPS is now established to empower a twenty-year administrative venture. We have worked over the past year to ensure the capacity to; attract high-value knowledgeable directorship & executive management and, prioritize fiscal accountability and security of the $2.8+ billion.

During The FPS first strategic planning session the values most subscribed to were Respect, Fairness, and Transparency & Accountability. With that in mind we respectfully submit to the Band Class Settlement agreement members our, and your, first strategic plan. We recognized in the planning session that the first couple of years will be to further ensure the operating policies are developed and refined. We appreciate that empowering communities that have existed, changed and grown for thousands of years is a dynamic exercise and look forward to your future representative input. We thank you in advance for joining us in this collaborative journey.

Our people have chosen to claim their identity and dignity from years of trauma inflicted on them, their identity, language, culture, wellbeing and heritage and we are honoured to serve our people to implement the Band Reparation Class Action Settlement.

Shane Gottfriedson – The FPS First Director appointee Tk’emlúps (Chair)
Roderick Pachano – The FPS First Director appointee GCCEI (Vice-chair)
Sherry Boudreau – The FPS First Director appointee shíshálh (Treasurer/Secretary)