With information from First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada

Jordan’s Principle aims to make sure First Nations children can access all public services in a way that is reflective of their distinct cultural needs, takes full account of the historical disadvantage linked to colonization, and without experiencing any service denials, delays or disruptions related to their First Nations status.

Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle named in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Born with complex medical needs, Jordan spent more than two years unnecessarily in hospital while the Province of Manitoba and the federal government argued over who should pay for his at home care. Jordan died in the hospital at the age of five years old, never having spent a day in his family home. Jordan’s Principle aims to make sure First Nations children can access all public services in a way that is reflective of their distinct cultural needs, takes full account of the historical disadvantage linked to colonization, and without experiencing any service denials, delays or disruptions related to their First Nations status.

It has been 11 years since Jordan’s Principle was unanimously passed in the House of Commons, and two years since the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ordered the federal government to fully implement Jordan’s Principle by May 10, 2016.

In May 2017, the Tribunal issued a third non-compliance order finding Canada’s approach to Jordan’s Principle to be unlawful and discriminatory.

While some progress has been made in the last year, more needs to be done to ensure First Nations children get the help they need, when they need it.

Show your support and “Bear Witness” to Jordan’s Principle Implementation by bringing your bears to daycare, school or work on May 10th. Host a Jordan’s Principle “bear birthday party,” coffee break or lunch to learn more about Jordan’s Principle and to honour Jordan River Anderson!

Find out more about Jordan’s Principle and don’t forget to tweet and post your photos using the hashtags #JordansPrinciple and #BearWitnessDay

Bear Witness Day information card – click here to download!

Spirit Bear’s book about the Tribunal case is now available! Order your copy of Spirit Bear and Children Make History here.

Links:

• Tribunal order on Jordan’s Principle (2017 CHRT 14)
• Summary of Tribunal’s orders on Jordan’s Principle