The Quebec Superior Court has authorized a class-action lawsuit on behalf of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children who experienced abuse under the province’s youth protection services since 1950.
The lawsuit names the Quebec government, its healthcare agency Santé Québec, and 16 university and integrated health-and-social service centres. It also includes the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services and the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
The class covers all Indigenous individuals placed in youth protection centres after October 1, 1950, who suffered sexual abuse, physical restraint with or without mechanical devices such as straitjackets, shackles, or handcuffs, or were subjected to chemical restraints, including medication.
It also includes those who endured solitary confinement, discriminatory treatment based on Indigenous identity, unnecessary medical or dental procedures, or denial of education.
The lawsuit is specific to youth protection schools and centres, reception and rehabilitation centres, and three group homes in Inukjuak, Puvirnituq, and Kuujjuaq (Saturvik) in Nunavik. It does not cover hospitals, other group homes, or foster families.
Lead plaintiff Harry Dandy, of Kebaowek First Nation, alleges he suffered routine physical abuse and derogatory treatment at Temiskaming Indian Day School No. 19 in the late 1950s. Branded a “savage” by teachers and priests, he faced beatings and was punished for attempting to escape.
At age 13, police gave Dandy’s parents the choice of returning him to TDS or sending him to Shawbridge Boys’ Farm and Training School, a youth-detention centre outside Montreal.
The class-action suit seeks justice and accountability for decades of abuse inflicted on Indigenous children in Quebec’s youth protection system.
