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 30, the Assembly of First Nations, class action parties and the Government of Canada reached a Final Settlement Agreement for compensation. You can read the Caring Society's response to the FSA and our preliminary analysis information sheet. 
• On March 24, the Tribunal ordered Canada to fund at actual cost post-majority care to youth ageing out of care and young adults who were formerly in care up to and including age 25 and assess the resources required to extend Jordan's Principle supports to young adults past the age of majority (2022 CHRT 8). Read the information sheet here. 
• On December 31, 2021, negotiations between the Parties reached an Agreement in Principle (AIP) that sets out a non-binding plan for Canada to satisfy the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders to cease its discriminatory conduct and prevent its recurrence in the provision of child and family services and Jordan's Principle. You can read a series of information sheets on the Long-Term AIP and Compensation AIP here:
  • AIP on Long-Term Reform Information Sheet
  • AIP on Compensation Information Sheet
  • Things to Consider 
• On October 29, Canada made an appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal on 2019 CHRT 39. Find our statement here. Visit the timeline for all documents related to this appeal. 
• The Caring Society has created information sheets on C-92 funding. See Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. 
• 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/

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.