What is Jordan’s Principle?
Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle that aims to eliminate service inequities and delays for First Nations children. Jordan’s Principle states that any public service ordinarily available to all other children must be made available to First Nations children without delay or denial.
Jordan’s Principle is named in honour of Jordan River Anderson, a young First Nations boy from Norway House Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. Jordan was born in 1999 with multiple disabilities and stayed in the hospital from birth. When he was two years old, doctors said he could move to a special home for his medical needs. However, the federal and provincial governments could not agree on who should pay for his home-based care. Jordan stayed in the hospital until he passed away at age 5.
In 2007, the House of Commons passed Jordan’s Principle in memory of Jordan. It was a commitment that First Nations children would get the products, services and support they need, when they need them. Today, Jordan’s Principle is a legal obligation, which means it has no end date with Jordan’s Principle supporting First Nations children for generations to come.
Jordan’s Principle and BCANDS
*Note – BCANDS Provincial Jordan’s Principle Coordinator support is available to eligible children with or without disabilities across British Columbia.
BCANDS Jordan’s Principle Coordinator support is available to eligible children, including those with disabilities, based on the following criteria:
- First Nations children from birth to age of majority (prior to 19th birthday in British Columbia), that are registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act
- Children who have one parent or guardian who are registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act;
- Is an ordinary resident within a First Nation and has been recognized by the Nation for the purposes of Jordan’s Principle (non-status)
- Is recognized by the Nation for the purpose of Jordan’s Principle (non-status)
What might be covered under Jordan’s principle?
All types of supports and services may be eligible under Jordan’s Principle funding, and include but are not limited to:
Health and Social
Specialized day camp Home modifications (to ensure safety and well-being of child) Respite care Oral Health (Additional dental coverages & Orthodontics) Specialist evaluations
Medical equipment
Training for staff
Emergency psychology
Mental health services
Education and Day-care
Adapted school transport
Support work Education Assistants Tutoring services
Assessments
Assistive technology
Traditional Land-based healing
Elder services
Cultural programs
The BCANDS Jordan’s Principle Program ensures that all types of services are available for children in need, including culturally appropriate services.
Jordan’s Principle Resources
Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger (Video)
Jordan’s Principle: Session with BCANDS Provincial Coordinator Raylene McCreath
Jordan’s Principle Documents / Forms
BCANDS Jordan’s Principle Request Form
Consent Form for Authorized Representation
Contacts:
Raylene McCreath – BCANDS Provincial Coordinator Telephone: (250) 381 7303 – ext. 201 Toll Free: 1-888-815-5511 – ext. 201 Confidential Fax: (250) 381 7312 email: jordansprinciple@bcands.bc.ca
Krissy Miiller – BCANDS Jordan’s Principle ARC Program Telephone: (250) 381 7303 – ext. 217 Toll Free: 1-888-815-5511 – ext. 217 Confidential Fax: (250) 381 7312 email: arcjp@bcands.bc.ca
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* The Jordan’s Principle Coordinator can be reached Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm