JORDAN’S PRINCIPLE

What is Jordan’s Principle and what is its goal?

Jordan’s Principle is a child-first and needs-based legal requirement born from the tragedy of Jordan River Anderson. Its goal is to make sure First Nations children from ages newborn to 18 can access all public services without experiencing any service denials, delays, or disruptions related to their status as First Nations citizens.

It means if a child needs health, social, and educational care and assistance, they will receive it and it will be paid for by the first government contacted under Jordan’s Principle. The issue of who will pay for it will be for later discussion.

Historically, government and department disputes have resulted in delays or denials of services to First Nations children. Jordan’s Principle ensures that if a child has a need, it will be met, and any disputes will be dealt with afterward.

The Anishinabek Nation and Jordan’s Principle Navigators

The Anishinabek Nation began development of its own Jordan’s Principle initiative in February 2018 through its newly appointed Jordan’s Principle Navigators. The Navigators main premise is twofold: first, the Navigators promote Jordan’s Principle to families, communities, and service providers, encouraging children with unmet needs and their families to secure access to needed services and supports, and second, to submit requests for assistance either with, or on behalf of these children and families.

Jordan’s Principle Navigators can also assist by connecting children and families to service providers, to work with community Jordan’s Principle workers and to assist them with identified children and families in their communities, and to facilitate or “navigate” the application process for all parties involved, ensuring the child’s needs are always prioritized.

For more information, or to book a presentation for your Anishinabek Nation community, contact:

Christian Hebert at (705) 497-9127 ext. 2306 and at christian.hebert@anishinabek.ca

Marina Plain at (519) 328-0942 and at marina.plain@anishinabek.ca