Residential Schools

Notice Example

 

The largest, most complex and extraordinary class action in Canada's history involves the settlement of claims of abuse against former students of Canada’s “Residential Schools”.  This multi-billion dollar settlement was designed to benefit the 80,000 living former students and 300,000 or more family members, and that goal was reached.

 

With enormous geographic, cultural, and educational barriers, Hilsoft was faced with the most difficult notice situation for any case in North American history.  The detailed two-phase plan created by Hilsoft involved a massive multi-media notification, along with carefully designed mailings and grass roots efforts to get notices into the hands of former students.  The forms of notices utilized attention-getting and culturally-sensitive images, and voice talent that was translated and produced by Hilsoft into more than 20 aboriginal languages.  

Teaming up with the Assembly of First Nations and other Indian and Inuit organizations, the notice program involved travel and local outreach in reserves and communities in some of the most remote parts of Canada.  A massive TV and radio campaign utilized almost every localized Canadian transmitter, including small aboriginal stations inside the Arctic Circle. Hilsoft Notifications also designed and hosted the court’s website in English, French and Inuktitut.

 

Hilsoft Notifications provided expert analysis and notice adequacy testimony during two phases of notice, and worked closely with the Court Counsel (i.e., the Special Master) to coordinate among the diverse parties during this politically charged matter.  

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