The Chief Adjudicator

The Chief Adjudicator reports to the Courts and is responsible for the effective implementation and administration of the IAP. The Chief Adjudicator directs the Adjudication function, providing advice to Adjudicators on compliance with the IAP; and the Chief oversees the operations of the Adjudication Secretariat, setting its policies and standards. The Chief prepares annual reports to the Oversight Committee and quarterly reports to the courts. On September 19, 2007, Dan Ish Q.C was appointed Chief Adjudicator.

Message from the Chief Adjudicator
August 11, 2008

As Chief Adjudicator, I am responsible for the effective implementation of the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) as set out in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. As part of these responsibilities, I oversee the functioning of the Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat. I accepted this mandate because I believe that the values of the Independent Assessment Process must include fairness, compassion, commitment, and consistency.

The IAP was developed to provide a non-adversarial adjudication of individual claims of abuse. The process is intended to resolve claims of sexual and serious physical abuse. The IAP allows former students to settle claims in a claimant-centered and culturally appropriate manner. That being said, we strongly recommend and encourage former students to retain legal counsel to assist them through the process.

Finally, I would like to reassure former students that the IAP is an impartial and neutral adjudication process and is committed to the resolution of claims.

Dan Ish,
Chief Adjudicator
Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat

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