Jordan’s Principle is a child first initiative 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 home care. Jordan died in the hospital at the age of five years old, never having spent a day in his family home.
In 2007, the House of Commons endorsed Jordan’s Principle in memory of Jordan. It was a commitment that First Nations children would get the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Payments would be worked out later. Jordan’s Principle is a legal obligation, which means it has no end date. While programs and initiatives to support it may change over time, Jordan’s Principle will always be there. Jordan’s Principle will support First Nations children for generations to come.
This is the legacy of Jordan River Anderson.
What is Jordan’s Principle?
Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle meant to prevent all First Nations children from being denied essential services.
- Applies to all First Nations children living on or off reserve
- To children and youth between the ages of 0-19 years old
- To a single child or group of children
Did You Know…
The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has released a ruling on the eligibility of First Nations children under Jordan’s Principle. First Nations children eligible to receive services through Jordan’s Principle now includes:
- A child who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act;
- A child who has one parent/guardian who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act;
- A child who is recognized by their Nation for the purposes of Jordan’s Principle; or
- The child is ordinarily a resident on reserve.
The Services & Supports that have been covered fall under these categories:
- Health
- Social
- Education
- Cultural
Jordan’s Principle Staff
Wolastoq Region – Tobique, Woodstock & Madawaska
Located in the Lower level of the Tobique Employment Training Center
13094 Route 105, Tobique First Nation, NB E7H 3Y4
Office: (506) 273-9214
Trisha Sappier
Service Coordinator
Michelle Daigle
Case Coordinator
New Employee (Coming Soon)
Case Coordinator