Jordan’s Principle

WHAT IS JORDAN’S PRINCIPLE?

Jordan’s Principle is a child first principle named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. Jordan was 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 a family home. 

Jordan’s Principle makes sure all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Supports are provided on the basis of substantive equality, best interests of the child, culturally relevant service provision, and account for distinct community circumstances. When services are requested, the government of first contact pays for the service and can resolve any jurisdictional or payment disputes later. 

Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have.

 

 

A LEGAL RULE

In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) determined the Government of Canada’s approach to services for First Nations children was discriminatory. One way we are addressing this is through a renewed approach to Jordan’s Principle.

Since the ruling, the CHRT has issued a number of follow-up orders about Jordan’s Principle. In May 2017, the CHRT ordered that the needs of each individual child must be considered, to ensure the following is taken into account under Jordan’s Principle:

• substantive equality
• providing culturally appropriate services
• safeguarding the best interests of the child

This means giving extra help when it is needed so First Nations children have an equal chance to thrive.

 

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Jordan’s Principle supports children who need help right away and are making long-term changes for the future, such as through reforming child and family services.

For the long-term, we are working to build better structures and funding models. These will make sure First Nations children living in Canada get the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. To do this, we are working closely with:

• provinces
• territories
• First Nations partners
• service organizations

Since 2016, the Government has committed $3.5 billion toward meeting the needs of First Nations children through Jordan’s Principle.

Local service coordinators (like the Akwesasne office) have been hired in communities across Canada. They can help families who:

• have questions about Jordan’s Principle
• would like to submit a request for products, services or supports under Jordan’s Principle

Jordan’s Principle funds these coordinators, who are staffed by:

• local tribal councils
• First Nations communities
• regional health authorities
• First Nations non-governmental organizations, etc.

There is also staff across the country dedicated full-time to Jordan’s Principle. They work closely with the local coordinators to make sure all requests are processed as quickly as possible.

 

CONTACT US

Phone:	613-575-2341 ext. 2650
Email:	jordansprinciple@akwesasne.ca
Address:	31 Hilltop Drive Kana:takon (St. Regis), Quebec H0M 1A0