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 June 4, the Caring Society filed its written submission to the Tribunal regarding COO and NAN's joint motion on the Ontario-specific Settlement Agreement. The NCCC and AFN also submitted letters to the Tribunal on the matter.
- Know your rights under Jordan's Principle: Webinar video and resources
- On May 23, 2025, the Tribunal provided a ruling (2025 CHRT 8) regarding the schedule variation on the Ontario-specific Settlement Agreement.
- On May 8, 2025, the Parties filed written submissions to the Tribunal regarding interested party status motions on the Ontario-specific Settlement Agreement.
- On April 15, 2025, ten First Nations and First Nations organizations filed their notice of motion for Interested Party Status on the Ontario-specific Final Settlement Agreement on First Nations Child and Family Services and respective submissions to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.
- The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC)
- The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations
- The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN)
- The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN)
- Mi’gmaq Child and Family Services of New Brunswick
- Neqotkuk (Tobique) First Nation
- Our Children Our Way (OCOW)
- Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Chippewas of Georgina Island
- Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta
- Ugpi’ganjig First Nation
- On March 24, 2025, the Caring Society and AFN submitted letter submissions to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal on positions on the long-term reform of FNCFS and Jordan's Principle.
- On March 7, 2025, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Chiefs of Ontario filed a joint motion to the Tribunal regarding the Final Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Ontario (the “Ontario Final Agreement”) and the Trilateral Agreement in Respect of Reforming the 1965 Agreement.
- On February 20, 2025, the Caring Society's released a statement on federal government allegations of misuse of Jordan's Principle.
On January 29, 2025, the Tribunal issued its full decision with reasons on the Caring Society's non-compliance motion and Canada's cross-motion on Jordan's Principle.
- On January 14, 2025, the Caring Society filed a Notice of Motion to the regarding Canada’s breach of the Tribunal’s consultation orders in relation to ending Canada’s discrimination and preventing its recurrence.
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:
- Read about the ruling and find out what it means:
- Read the ruling
- Read the information sheet.
- Read about the Spirit Bear Plan.
- 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).
- Follow @CaringSociety and @SpiritBear on Twitter and Facebook and repost updates.
The Caring Society gratefully acknowledges the generous legal support of:
David Taylor and Kiana Saint-Macary, Conway Baxter Wilson LLP/s.r.l.
Sarah Clarke, Clarke Child & Family Law
To submit a request for services through Jordan's Principle, call the Jordan's Principle 24-hour Call Centre: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453) or visit canada.ca/jordans-principle.
- For more information on Jordan's Principle, please visit JordansPrinciple.ca.