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 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.

• On December 20, 2022, the Tribunal released an order which provides the full reasoning for its October 25 letter-decision on the Compensation Final Settlement Agreement. 
  • Read 2022 CHRT 41. 
  • Read the Caring Society's information sheet.

• On November 23, 2022, Canada and the AFN filed notice of applications for judicial review of the Tribunal's letter-decision on the class action Final Settlement Agreement.
  • Read Canada's notice of application for judicial review.
  • Read the AFN's notice of application for judicial review.
  • Read the Caring Society's statement in response.
  • Read the Caring Society's briefing.
     
• On October 25, 2022, the Tribunal provided a letter-decision with reasons to follow on the Compensation Final Settlement Agreement.
  • Read the Tribunal's letter-decision.
  • Read the Caring Society's statement on the letter-decision.
  • Read the Caring Society's briefing on the letter-decision.

     

• For more information on compensation for First Nations children and families, visit fnchildcompensation.ca. 

Don't miss:

• Getting Started on Prevention Services Infographic
   
• 2020 Canadian Federal, Provincial and Territorial Prevention Legislation Review
   
• 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.