Jordan's Principle
Jordan's Principle was developed to eliminate health inequities for Indigenous children by reducing health care delays. Jordan's Principle ensures the accessibility of services, such as medical or mental health supports, without discrimination. Jordan's Principle is available for all Indigenous children, regardless of whether they live on or off-reserve.
This principle was created in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child from Norway Cree House Nation in Manitoba. Jordan River Anderson was born with a rare muscular disorder that causes facial paralysis, known as Carey Fineman Ziter syndrome, which could not be treated on-reserve and he had to spend his entire life in a hospital. When Jordan was two years old, doctors had approved a plan to move him into special housing. However, the federal and provincial governments could not decide who would pay for the cost of his home-care treatment and Jordan waited in the hospital for over two years to resolve the funding dispute. At the age of five, Jordan passed away without ever going home.
Jordan's Principle was created in honour of Jordan River Anderson, who spent his entire life in a hospital due to a rare muscular disorder. This website provides more information regarding the background behind the creation of this principle. There is also a referral form, known as the Mi'kmaq Family Support Referral, which is included. This form can be filled out and submitted for families to receive child-centred support and help navigate systems and coordinate services.
This link leads to Jordan's Principle Handbook, which talks about what the principle covers, and addresses common questions about the principle. There is also the list of service coordinators, and their contact information, in every Canadian region for any inquiries about the principle itself.
In this video, Monica Hemeon who is the Jordan's Principle Coordinator for Nishnawbe Aski Nation provides substantial information about who is eligible to apply for the principle. She also talks about the steps required to apply and some of the services that are provided through the principle.
Bernadette Sumner, a mother from Waywayseecappo First Nation in Manitoba, shares how Jordan's Principle has helped provide services that have made life easier for her family. Her son Keanu was born with achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder. She comments on how Jordan's Principle has enabled her to access services that were difficult to acquire before.
Jordan's Principle is a national program that has a high application rate. The high rate of applications raises significant concerns because it demonstrates the government's failure in providing equitable services to First Nations children. The author of this article questions whether Jordan's Principle is just another 'band-aid' solution for all the Indigenous children.