“Jordan’s Principle is a Child First Principle named in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations Child from Norway House. Born with complex medical needs, Jordan spent over two-years unnecessarily in the hospital because the provincial and federal governments could not agree on who should pay for his at-home care. Jordan died in the hospital after never having spent a day in his family home.”
-Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director, Caring Society.
Jordan's Principle ensures all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have.
>>> Download our info pamphlet
SERDC's Off-Reserve Program: Who is Covered?
On November 25, 2020, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) released a ruling about Jordan's Principle eligibility. A child under the age of majority in their province or territory of residence can access Jordan's Principle if they permanently reside in Canada and meet one of the following criteria:
- is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act
- has one parent or guardian who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act
- is recognized by their nation for the purposes of Jordan's Principle
- was ordinarily resident on reserve immediately prior to accessing Jordan's Principle
- normally lives on reserve even if the child or one of the members of their household (such as a sibling, parent, extended family living with child) may have been required to spend some time away temporarily from the community to access services such as health care or education where there are no other comparable services available in the community
- is a dependent of a family that maintains a primary residence on reserve returns to live on reserve with parents, guardians or caregivers during the year, even if they live elsewhere while attending school or to receive medical care or other services
What is funded?
Each child's situation is unique. Please confirm coverage in advance with your regional focal point for Jordan's Principle. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have.
Manitoba focal point for Jordan's Principle contact info:
204-391-6083
jordansprinciplembprincipedejordan@sac-isc.gc.ca
Our Intake Process
Each referral form received by SERDC Jordan’s Principle off-reserve program is collected from via fax and/or generic e-mail sent from a medical doctor’s office, social worker, public/private school, traditional teacher etc.
To ensure we collect imperative and accurate information, our intake coordinator connects with families through home visits, phone calls and e-mail. After the intake process, each child/youth is assigned a SERDC Jordan’s Principle case manager that best suits the child‘s needs for further case management.
>>> Download our intake form HERE
SERDC Jordan’s Principle Intake is available 5 days a week, 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday
Mindy Brooker:
Telephone: 431-977-0832
Fax : 431-997-0852
Email: serdcjordansprinciple@serdc.mb.ca
225 Masters Ave, West St. Paul, MB
FNIHB intake: Available 24 hours, 7 days a week
Jordan's Principle Call Centre: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453)
telephone: 1-866-553-0554
STAFF
Richard Dumas, Tribal Jordan's Principle Manager
Tanya LaPratt, Administrative Assistant
Nicole Strocen, Off-Reserve Case Manager
Lauren Edwards, Off-Reserve Case Manager
Madison Cole, Off-Reserve Case Manager
Erin Skene, Off-Reserve Case Manager
Melanie White, Off-Reserve Case Manager
Nikeesha Williams, Off-Reserve Case Manager
Jenna Holowachuk, Off-Reserve Case & Respite Manager
Kaitlyn Yurick, Nurse Practitioner
Curtis Garson, Recreation/Land Base Coordinator
Mindy Brooker, Intake Coordinator
Trevor Anderson, Driver
Cree-Anne Pattie Chastellaine, Respite Worker
A legal rule
In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) determined the Government of Canada's approach to services for First Nations children was discriminatory. One way we are addressing this is through a renewed approach to Jordan's Principle.
Since the ruling, the CHRT has issued a number of follow-up orders about Jordan's Principle. In May 2017, the CHRT ordered that the needs of each individual child must be considered, to ensure the following is taken into account under Jordan's Principle:
- substantive equality
- providing culturally appropriate services
- safeguarding the best interests of the child
This means giving extra help when it is needed so First Nations children have an equal chance to thrive.
Jordan’s Principle is a national initiative that seeks to ensure children who are First Nations have access to supports they may need. Although it is not to duplicate services, it applies to any type of need to any First Nations child regardless of where they live. In the words of Dr. Cindy Blackstock of the Caring Society, it is every First Nations child…everywhere. In Manitoba, and only in Manitoba, there are community-based teams in nearly every First Nation across the province. Jordan’s Principle programming applies to children between the ages 0 and 18 years old. Jordan’s Principle is about ensuring that the rights of First Nations children are not being violated. It is to make sure that, at a minimum, First Nations children have access to the same supports as other children. It also means that education, health, mental wellness, child and family services work hand-in-hand to make sure the needs of the child are met.
To read the third non-compliance order from the Human Rights Tribunal visit this link.