Nadleh Whut'en Indian Band [Lejac School]

In May 1992, the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation submitted a claim to Canada respecting the erection and operation of Lejac Residential School. The claim was rejected in September 1995. The First Nation made a supplementary submission in February 1997, but, with no response received by June 2002, the First Nation asked the Commission to conduct an inquiry. The request was accepted in December 2002.

At a planning conference in March 2003 it was agreed that both parties would undertake extensive research, and on the basis of it the First Nation would resubmit a revised claim for review by Canada. Canada also agreed to conduct further research on residential school policy in British Columbia. This research was undertaken and completed by December 2003, and the First Nation made a revised submission in March 2004, accompanied by its own additional research. In a subsequent conference call, Canada agreed to obtain further documentation required by the First Nation to finalize its claim submission and to begin reviewing the completed portion of the submission. On receipt of the additional documentation, the revised submission will be submitted to Canada for full review. The revised claim was submitted in September 2004, and in December, Canada completed its confirming research. The First Nation reviewed this research and provided further comments in May 2005.

Canada is currently reviewing the First Nation’s submissions. A possible joint project to review the material is being contemplated.