Aboriginal day students deserve compensation too: former student

Aboriginal students who suffered abuse at church-run day schools on reserves say they should receive the same compensation as those who attended Indian residential schools.

Joyce Gehue attended a Catholic-run school on the Indian Brook First Nation in Nova Scotia in the '50s and '60s, from the age of seven to 17.

She said the nuns at the school beat her and her fellow classmates.

"I got hit once on the hands and I had a long time getting over that because the doctor thought the hands were broken," she told CBC News.

"I saw a lot of kids being hit with fists from the sisters. We had a lot of strappings, and at times with pointers. I got hit on top of the head, and I had a lot of psychological problems."

Gehue said her school experience is similar to those who were forced to attend the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School and that she applied for compensation under the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement.

"Although we didn't spend the nights there, we were part of that whole system," she said, "And if you approve it for that one, then you should approve it for the day students."

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, day students like Gehue don't qualify for a cheque.

However, a spokesperson for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs said day students who suffered sexual or serious physical abuse may be considered for compensation.

The Assembly of First Nations will consider lobbying the federal government to extend compensation to day students. A motion will be presented at the group's annual general assembly in Quebec City this week.