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:

• For more information on Federal Court Hearings on June14-18, 2021, including where to register to watch the hearings, read this information sheet.
• Read the T-1621-19 and T-1559-20: AGC v FNCFCSC et al - Memorandums of Fact and Law submitted May 12, 2021 here.
• Mashkiwenmi-daa Noojimowin: Let’s Have Strong Minds for the Healing is the first report of the First Nations Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect. Read the report here. 
• For more information on compensation for First Nations children and families, visit fnchildcompensation.ca/
• Tribunal issues a ruling confirming four categories of eligibility for Jordan's Principle (2020 CHRT 36). These categories ensure that First Nations children living off-reserve without Indian Act status but who are recognized by their Nations can access Jordan's Principle. Read the Caring Society Information sheet on the ruling here.
• Check out this video series from the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Democracy in partnership with the Caring Society
  • Cindy Blackstock on First Nations Child and Family Services
  • Cindy Blackstock and Helaina Gaspard in conversation
  • Call for Questions
  • Kevin Page on how programs get approved in government
  • Kevin Page on budgeting for wellbeing
  • Dr. Helaina Gaspard on performance budgeting 
  • Dr. Helaina Gaspard (in French)
  • Cindy Blackstock and Helaina Gaspard on the importance of evidence-based funding 

Don't miss:

• Child Welfare and Pandemics (literature scan)
• Models for First Nations Child & Family Service Delivery in Canada (info sheet)
• First Nations Child and Family Service Agency Funding Changes per the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (including information on Jordan's Principle)

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 David Wilson, Conway Baxter Wilson LLP/s.r.l.

Sarah Clarke, Clarke Child & Family Law

Shelby Thomas

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.