I Am a Witness: Human Rights Case

The I Am a Witness campaign invites people to learn about the case on First Nations child welfare and Jordan's Principle and to decide for themselves whether or not they think there is discrimination against First Nations children and youth. 

Visit the Tribunal Timeline and Documents for the latest on the case.

In the spotlight:

  • On April 8, 2024, the Parties to the case submitted letters to the Tribunal in response to AFN's adjournment request. 

 

  • On April 5, 2024, AFN submitted an adjournment request to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal as part of the Caring Society's non-compliance motion on Jordan's Principle.

 

  • Read Indigenous Services Canada's report showing the reported Jordan's Principle backlogs across regions as of March 27, 2024.

 

  • Read the latest report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy, First Nations not affiliated to a First Nations child and family (FNCFS) services agency: Defining a baseline. Please note: this is an interim version pending the completion of a publication version.

 

  • Read AFN's amended affidavit submitted to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal on March 22, 2024 following the Caring Society's non-compliance motion on Jordan's Principle.

 

  • Read Canada's affidavits and notice of cross motion submitted to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal on March 15, 2024 following the Caring Society's non-compliance motion on Jordan's Principle.

 

 

  • On February 9, 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously affirmed that Bill C-92 is constitutionally valid in whole. 

 

  • On February 6, 2024 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal released the motion schedule related to the non-compliance motion related to Jordan's Principle that the Caring Society filed on December 12, 2023. 

 

  • On February 2, 2024, the Supreme Court announced that it will deliver its judgment on the Quebec Court of Appeal's challenging of the constitutionality of Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth, and families on February 9, 2024. 

 

  • On January 12, 2024, Caring Society filed two affidavits with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal as part of our December 12, 2023, non-compliance motion regarding Jordan's Principle.

 

 

  • On December 12, 2023, the Caring Society filed a Notice of Motion to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal regarding Canada's non-compliance with the Tribunal orders on Jordan's Principle.
  • 2021 CHRT 41 ordered Canada to fund the planning, purchase, and construction of capital assets for First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan's Principle. Check out our latest information sheets and infographics, based on this order and Indigenous Services Canada's Capital Guide. 
  • Our latest information sheet provides information on the next steps following the Federal Court's approval of the revised Final Settlement Agreement on compensation.
  • On October 24, 2023, the Federal Court approved the $23.4B Compensation Agreement for First Nations kids harmed by Canada's discriminatory approach to child welfare and Jordan's Principle. 
  • On September 26, 2023, the Tribunal released its ruling providing detailed reasonings following the July 26, 2023 Letter-Decision finding that the revised Final Settlement Agreement on compensation satisfies its compensation orders. 
  • On July 26, 2023, the Tribunal provided a letter-decision with reasons to follow approving the revised Final Settlement Agreement on compensation.
  • Check out our latest information sheet series about the revised Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) on compensation. These information sheets provide details about each of the classes included in the revised FSA, as well as the supports available to class members. 
  • On April 3, 2023, the AFN and the Caring Society announced a revised Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) on compensation valued at over $23 Billion for the approximately 300,000 First Nations children, youth and families who experienced discrimination due to Canada’s flawed approaches to First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) and Jordan’s Principle.
    • Read the joint press release.
    • Review the infographic that explains how key issues in the previous class action FSA are resolved in the revised FSA.

 

Don't miss:

 

On January 26, 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found that Canada discriminates against First Nations children in its provision of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and by failing to implement Jordan's Principle. The Tribunal ruling was a victory not only for First Nations kids, but for all people in Canada who believe in love and fairness. But kids still need your help—here's what you can do:
 

  1. Read about the ruling and find out what it means.
    ​
  2. Read about the Spirit Bear Plan.
     
  3. Write to the Prime Minister or your Member of Parliament for immediate implementation of the Spirit Bear Plan to end inequalities in public services for First Nations children youth, and families (sample letter here).
     
  4. Follow @Caringsociety and @SpiritBear on Twitter and Facebook and repost updates.

 

The Caring Society gratefully acknowledges the generous legal support of:

David Taylor and Kevin Droz, Conway Baxter Wilson LLP/s.r.l.

Sarah Clarke, Clarke Child & Family Law

 

To report a Jordan's Principle case, call: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453)
Or visit canada.ca/jordans-principle. If you have any difficulties accessing services through Jordan's Principle, please contact your provincial child advocate or ombudsperson or the 24-hour Jordan's Principle line.

Read More