Sask. police services waive fees to help survivors reclaim their Indigenous names
In recognition of the lasting trauma of those who survived the Indian Residential School system and the Sixties Scoop, Saskatchewan police services are waiving the fees required for people wishing to reclaim their Indigenous names.
The fees were previously associated with the criminal record checks and fingerprints required for a legal name change.
The move supports a resolution by the Canadian Association of Chief’s of Police’s (CACP) and The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s Call to Action #17.
The TRC’s call to action compels all levels of government to allow survivors and their families to reclaim names changed by the residential school system by waiving administrative costs for five years for the revision of documents like birth certificates, passports, driver licenses, health cards, status cards, and social insurance numbers.
“This work involves building trust, fostering positive relationships, and addressing historical tensions between the law enforcement and the communities we serve,” a release from CACP said.
“This policy change is one way we can journey together on a continued path toward reconciliation.”
Award winning journalist and survivor of the Sixties Scoop Betty Ann Adam says she’s in favour of any supports for survivors, but she stressed the need for coordination.
“I think all agencies involved in the name changing process should be talking to each other to coordinate responses to create a seamless, simple and cost-free process for survivors to reclaim their real names,” she told CTV News.
The process for applying for a legal name change in the province of Saskatchewan can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan’s website www.saskatchewan.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.