News

On May 10, students, staff, and faculty at the Schulich School of Law gathered in Weldon's foyer at 10:15 a.m. for a fun photo shoot with teddy bears for a serious and important cause: the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada's "Bear Witness Day" to raise awarness of and show support for Jordan’s Principle.

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's 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

Professor Naiomi Metallic, the Chancellor's Chair in Aboriginal Law and Policy, explained to the group in Weldon's foyer that First Nations children and families living on reserve and in the Territories receive public services funded by the federal government. Since Confederation, these services have fallen significantly short of what other Canadians recieve. 

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. The goal of Jordan's Principle and the Spirit Bear Plan is to end inequalities in public services for First Nations children, youth, and families.