BC Man and Son Sue Anglican Church Over Residential School Abuse
A shocking legal case has emerged in British Columbia, shedding light on the long-lasting scars of Canada’s residential school system. A 72-year-old Indigenous man and his 56-year-old biological son have filed a lawsuit against the Anglican Church of Canada, alleging a harrowing story of sexual abuse, hidden parenthood, and institutional failure.
According to court documents filed in the B.C. Supreme Court, the father was just 14 years old in 1968 when he was sexually assaulted by a female supervisor at St. Michael’s Indian Residential School in Alert Bay. The traumatic incident allegedly resulted in the conception of his son, who was later adopted by a non-Indigenous family without the father’s knowledge.
Decades later, in 2008, the father settled a previous lawsuit with the church related to the abuse he endured at the residential school. However, the recent discovery of his biological son has reopened old wounds and prompted the pair to take legal action once again.
The son, now 56, only learned about his biological father in recent years through DNA testing. The revelation has been described as a “traumatic reunion” for both parties, forcing them to confront the painful legacy of residential school abuse and its intergenerational impact.
Court documents reveal that the plaintiffs approached the Anglican Church earlier this year, seeking compensation for their suffering. However, the church reportedly dismissed their claims, stating it was “completely absolved” of liability due to the earlier settlement. This response has left the father and son feeling they had no choice but to pursue justice through the courts.
At the time of reporting, the allegations had not been proven in court, and the Anglican Church of Canada had not yet responded to the lawsuit. Lawyers for the plaintiffs and church representatives also declined to comment on the matter.
This case underscores the ongoing struggles of residential school survivors and their families, who continue to seek accountability and healing decades after the schools were closed. It also raises questions about the legal and moral obligations of institutions to address historical injustices.
BC Man and Son Sue Anglican Church Over Residential School Abuse
The residential school in question, St. Michael’s Indian Residential School, was located on Cormorant Island, northeast of Vancouver Island. The school, like many others in Canada’s residential school system, was operated by the Anglican Church of Canada and was intended to assimilate Indigenous children into European-Canadian culture. However, it became a place of profound trauma for many, including the 14-year-old father who was sexually assaulted by a female supervisor in 1968.
The father, now 72, had previously settled a lawsuit with the church in 2008 related to the abuse he suffered at the school. However, the recent discovery of his biological son has brought new dimensions to his trauma. The son, now 56, was conceived as a result of the assault and was later adopted by a non-Indigenous family without the father’s knowledge. This revelation, confirmed through DNA testing, has been described as a “traumatic reunion” for both the father and son.
Court documents reveal that the plaintiffs reached out to the Anglican Church earlier in 2025, seeking compensation for their experiences. However, the church reportedly responded that it considered itself “completely absolved” of any liability because the father’s earlier legal action had already been settled. This response left the father and son feeling they had no choice but to file a new lawsuit to seek damages and pursue closure and healing.
The lawsuit highlights the intergenerational impact of residential school abuse and the ongoing struggles of survivors and their families to seek accountability. It also raises questions about the legal and moral obligations of institutions to address historical injustices, even decades after the fact. At the time of reporting, the allegations had not been proven in court, and the Anglican Church of Canada had not yet submitted a response to the lawsuit.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs and church representatives declined to comment on the matter, leaving many unanswered questions about how the case will unfold. The case serves as a stark reminder of the enduring legacy of Canada’s residential school system and the need for continued reckoning and reconciliation.
Conclusion
The case of the BC man and his son suing the Anglican Church of Canada sheds light on the enduring legacy of Canada’s residential school system and its intergenerational impact. The lawsuit underscores the ongoing struggles of survivors and their families to seek accountability and healing. It also raises critical questions about the legal and moral responsibilities of institutions to address historical injustices, even decades after the fact. As this case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the need for continued reckoning and reconciliation in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was St. Michael’s Indian Residential School located?
St. Michael’s Indian Residential School was located on Cormorant Island, northeast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada.
What happened to the father at the residential school?
The father, then 14 years old, was sexually assaulted by a female supervisor at the school in 1968. This traumatic event led to the conception of his biological son, who was later adopted without his knowledge.
How did the father and son reconnect?
The father and son were reunited through DNA testing, which confirmed their biological relationship. This revelation has been described as a traumatic but significant moment for both.
Why is the Anglican Church of Canada involved in the lawsuit?
The Anglican Church of Canada operated St. Michael’s Indian Residential School and is named in the lawsuit for its role in the residential school system. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation and accountability for the abuse and its intergenerational effects.
What is the current status of the lawsuit?
At the time of reporting, the lawsuit had been filed, but the allegations had not been proven in court. The Anglican Church of Canada had not yet responded to the lawsuit, and the case was ongoing.
What is the broader significance of this case?
This case highlights the long-lasting impact of residential school abuse on survivors and their families. It also raises important questions about the legal and moral obligations of institutions to address historical injustices and provide closure for those affected.
