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 December 10, 2024, per the Tribunal's November 21, 2024 summary ruling, Canada reported on ISC's backlogs of Jordan's Principle requests and ISC's plan to resolve the backlog.
- On November 21, 2024, the Tribunal issued a summary ruling with reasons to follow regarding the Caring Society's non-compliance motion and Canada's cross-motion on Jordan's Principle.
- On August 29, 2024, Canada submitted its reply factum as part of the Jordan's Principle non-compliance motion.
- UPDATED (September 2024): Read our information sheet on the Caring Society's non-compliance motion v. Canada on Jordan's Principle.
- On August 8, 2024 the Caring Society submitted its responding written submissions on Canada's cross-motion and in response to the First Nations Leadership Council's factum to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal as part of the Jordan's Principle non-compliance motion.
- On August 2, 2024, the Tribunal granted the First Nations Leadership Council Interested Party status, with some limitations.
- On July 30, 2024, the Tribunal ruled on Canada's confidentiality motion with respect to its March affidavits.
- On July 30, 2024, AFN, the CHRC, COO, and NAN filed written submissions to the Tribunal regarding Canada's cross-motion and the First Nations Leadership Council's submissions.
- On July 16, 2024, the First Nations Leadership Council (Interested Party) filed their written submissions to the Tribunal as part of the Jordan's Principle non-compliance motion.
- On July 11, 2024, AFN, COO, NAN and Canada released the Draft Child and Family Services Final Settlement Agreement. The Caring Society put together several informational resources.
- NEW (July 2024): Read our summary of the legal actions taken related to the Tribunal case for First Nations kids:
- UPDATED (June 2024): Read the Caring Society's positions on the long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
- Read the latest report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy, First Nations not affiliated to a First Nations child and family (FNCFS) services agency: Defining a baseline.
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 Kevin Droz, 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.