Bear Witness Day
2025 is the 20th anniversary of Jordan’s Principle.
In 2005, the family of Jordan River Anderson gave the sacred gift of his name to the creation of Jordan’s Principle. Celebrated annually, Bear Witness Day honours Jordan River Anderson and invites people of all ages to "Bear Witness" to ensure Jordan's Principle is fully implemented! Bear Witness Day is celebrated on May 10 because this is an important date in the history of Jordan's Principle at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.
The Tribunal's first non-compliance order called for Canada to fully implement Jordan's Principle by May 10, 2016. Unfortunately, it took several more years and many non-compliance orders (September 2016, May 2017, November 2017, November 2024 and January 2025) against Canada before real progress was made. There is more work to be done.
Jordan's Principle is a child first principle and legal rule that ensures First Nations children receive the services and supports they need, when they need them.
