Jordan’s Principle

What is Jordan's Principle?

Jordan’s Principle helps children in First Nations communities in need of products, services or support. The goal is to ensure that all First Nations children have access to the public services that they need. These services include education, health, childcare, recreation, culture and language. Jordan’s Principle is a Human Rights principle and a Child First initiative for First Nations children aged 0 to 17 living on or off territory.

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For More Information in Eeyou Istchee

General Inquiries & Applications

18tcr.jordans.principle@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

For information regarding Jordan’s Principle applications in the rest of Canada, click here.

Download the Jordan's Principle Application Forms (PDF)

Download for Individual Applications
Download for Group Applications

Who was Jordan?

Jordan River Anderson was born in Norway House Cree Nation, Manitoba in 1999, with multiple disabilities and stayed in the hospital from birth. When he was 2 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 passed away in the hospital at the age of 5.

In 2007, the House of Commons passed Jordan’s Principle in memory of Jordan. Today, Jordan’s Principle is a legal obligation, which means it has no end date—it will support First Nations children for generations to come.

What Kinds of Services are Covered?*

Health and Social

  • Specialized day camp
  • Respite care
  • Specialist evaluations
  • Medical equipment
  • Training for staff
  • Emergency psychology
  • Mental health services

Education and Daycare

  • Adapted school transport
  • Support worker
  • Tutoring services
  • Assessments
  • Assistive technology

Traditional

  • Land-based healing
  • Elder services
  • Cultural Programs

Jordan’s Principle ensures that all types of services are available for children in need, including culturally appropriate services. Requests are evaluated depending on the case. Contact the Jordan’s Principle Office at the CBHSSJB to find out if your service can be covered.

*If not covered by the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay (CBHSSJB) or the Cree School Board.

Is My Child Eligible for Jordan's Principle?

Current eligibility criteria under Jordan’s Principle are:

  • The child must be aged 0 – 17 years old
  • The child is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act (has a band
    number or is eligible for one)
  •  The child has one parent/guardian who is registered or eligible to be registered under the
    Indian Act
  • The child is recognized as part of Eeyou Istchee
  • The child is living on or off territory
  • Your child does not have to have a disability to be covered under Jordan’s Principle

How Do I Get Started?

If you are part of Eeyou Istchee, DPSS will help you through the Jordan’s Principle application process.

Make sure that you have the all the information and documents ready:

  • Supporting documents from a medical, social or health professional (if needed)
  • Letter of support from a medical, social or health professional 
  • Band number
  • Name of the professional and service that you are requesting
  • Quotation from the professional/service
  • Total estimated costs

How Do I Submit an Application?

  1. Put together a plan and a budget before submitting.  The budget should include all the costs, including things like medical transport, shipping, and taxes
  2. Complete the Jordan’s Principle Application Form (available by contacting Charnelle Kapashesit at 18tcr.jordans.principle@ssss.gouv.qc.ca )
  3. Send the Application Form to 18tcr.jordans.principle@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
  4. Confirmation or denial of your request will be sent to you and Jordan’s Principle Office at the Health Board with the following:
    1. Case number approval (#ISC-QC000)
    2. Services and amount approved
  5. For individual application, it takes 12 to 48 hours to receive an answer. For Group application, it will take up to one week to receive an answer, from Indigenous Services Canada respectively

The CBHSSJB will reimburse you or the community directly.

Keep all invoices and appointment certificates as records for verification.