Jordan’s Principle
Jordan’s Principle is a child first principle that ensures all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, supports, and services they require when they need them.
THE LEGACY OF JORDAN RIVER ANDERSON
Jordan River Anderson was a First Nations boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. He was born on October 22, 1999 with complex medical needs and remained in the hospital from birth. When he was two years old, doctors said he could move to a specialized home for his medical needs. Since the provincial and federal government could not agree on who would cover the cost of Jordan’s in-home care, he was unnecessarily kept in the hospital for two years. Jordan passed away in February 2005 at the age of five.
In 2007, the House of Commons passed Jordan’s Principle in memory of Jordan River Anderson. Jordan’s Principle is a legal obligation, which means it has no end date. It will support First Nations children to access the services they need for generations to come.
WHAT SERVICES ARE COVERED?
The following list contains some examples of products and services that have been funded by Jordan’s Principle. Each situation is different and all requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Jordan’s Principle covers all public services such as mental health, special education, dental, physical therapy, medical equipment, physiotherapy and more.
In May 2017, the Canadian Human Right Tribunal 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. The following are supports that Jordan’s Principle includes but are not limited to.
NECESSITIES OF LIFE
- Utilities and heating
- Rent
- Emergency accommodations
- Furniture and appliances,
- Food
- Clothing
- School supplies
- Birth certificates
HEALTH
- Mobility aids
- Wheelchair ramps
- Services from Elders
- Assessments and screenings
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Mental health services
SOCIAL
- Social worker
- Land-based activities
- Respite care
- Specialized programs based on cultural beliefs and practices
EDUCATIONAL
- School supplies (if not provided by First Nation)
- Tutoring services
- Teaching assistants
- Psycho-educational assessments
- Assistive technology and electronics
ELIGIBILITY
Jordan’s Principle applies to First Nations children from birth to age of majority in their province/ territory. In Saskatchewan, age of majority is 18. First Nations children meeting any one of the following criteria are eligible for consideration under Jordan’s Principle:
- A child resident who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act
- A child resident on or off reserve who has one parent/ guardian who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act
- A child resident on or off reserve who is recognized by their Nation for the purposes of Jordan’s Principle
- A child who is ordinarily a resident on reserve
Anyone who meets one or more of the eligibility criteria can apply independently or via an authorized representative who can assist the family with the application. Parent/ Guardian must provide consent.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Jordan’s Principle?
Jordan’s Principle makes sure all First Nations children can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. It can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs. The focus of Jordan’s Principle is to help First Nations children’s families navigate a complex health, social and educational system with often highly complex divisions of jurisdictional roles and responsibilities.
Jordan’s Principle:
- Applies to All First Nations children
- Applies to all government services to ensure there are no gaps in government services to First Nations Children.
Who is eligible?
All First Nations children under the age of majority (prior to the child’s 18th birthday in Saskatchewan), regardless of their social status are eligible to apply for products, supports, or services under Jordan’s Principle.
Is there a difference in supports if a child lives on or off-reserve?
Under Jordan’s Principle, a First Nations child is eligible for the same services if they live on or off reserve. A child should see no difference in accessing publicly funded services and supports regardless of where they live.
What services and supports are eligible?
If a First Nations child needs a publicly funded health or social service, or support, that other Canadian children receive, and cannot access it through existing programs in the community then it could be considered under Jordan’s Principle. Some types of services that have been approved are: respite, assessments, standing frames, minor home modifications, transportation to appointments, education supports.
Who do families contact to get access to services and supports?
Families can call the Representatives at Indigenous Services Canada, or one of the Service Coordinators here in our community. Contact the local Jordan’s Principle office here in the Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation and inquire (306) 467-2100.
Who can apply for services under Jordan’s Principle?
Anyone can apply for services under Jordan’s Principle, with parental or guardian permission. A school can apply for support, a Service Coordinator or health professional can apply on behalf of a family, as long as the parent or guardian is giving their consent.
How quickly are applications and/or requests processed under Jordan’s Principle?
Every effort is made to process requests as soon as they are received
What if a First Nations child does not have their status number?
At this time, Jordan’s Principle applies only to First Nations children. If you are unsure how to help a First Nations child that does not have a status number, please contact our local office for directions (306) 467-2100.
Can families appeal decisions under Jordan’s Principle?
Yes, there is an appeal process which families can access.