Jordan's principle
Putting First Nations Children First
Jordan’s Principle is a child-first and needs-based legal requirement created to ensure that First Nations children can access the public services and supports they need without experiencing delays, denials or disruptions because of jurisdictional disputes.
A child’s needs come before questions about who should pay.
When a First Nations child needs health, social or educational care and assistance, the first government contacted is responsible for ensuring the service is provided. Questions about payment or jurisdiction are addressed afterward.
What is Jordan’s Principle?
Jordan’s Principle was born from the tragedy of Jordan River Anderson and exists to ensure First Nations children receive equitable access to services when they need them.
Identify the Child’s Need
A First Nations child from newborn to 18 years of age may require health, social, educational or other public services and supports.
Provide the Service
The child should receive the required service without unnecessary delay, denial or disruption related to their status as a First Nations citizen.
Resolve Jurisdiction Later
Any disagreement between governments or departments regarding responsibility or payment is resolved after the child’s immediate needs have been addressed.
Preventing delays and denials of essential services
Historically, disputes between governments and departments have resulted in First Nations children experiencing delays or denials when accessing necessary services.
Jordan’s Principle ensures that if a child has an identified need, that need is addressed first. Any jurisdictional or financial disputes are dealt with afterward so that the child is not caught in the middle.
Anishinabek Nation Jordan’s Principle Navigators
The Anishinabek Nation began developing its own Jordan’s Principle initiative in February 2018 through its Jordan’s Principle Navigators.
Promote Awareness
Navigators help families, communities and service providers understand Jordan’s Principle and the supports available to First Nations children.
Support Requests
Navigators can assist children and families in submitting requests for assistance or submit requests on their behalf.
Connect Families to Services
Navigators can help connect children and families with appropriate service providers and available community supports.
Navigate the Application Process
Navigators work with community Jordan’s Principle workers, families and service providers to help move applications forward while keeping the child’s needs as the priority.
Jordan’s Principle Contacts
For more information or to book a presentation for an Anishinabek Nation community, contact a Jordan’s Principle Navigator.
The child’s needs always come first. Jordan’s Principle helps ensure that First Nations children and families are supported in accessing the care, services and assistance they need without being affected by jurisdictional disputes.