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 October 16, 2025, the Caring Society filed its monthly update to the Tribunal as part of 2025 CHRT 80.
- On On October 3, 2025, the Tribunal shared an update on the direction of scope.
- In September, Canada and the Caring Society filed their respective monthly updates to the Tribunal as part of 2025 CHRT 80.
- On September 25, 2025, the Caring Society and Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Chippewas of Georgina Island send their letters of position to the Tribunal regarding the Ontario Final Agreement Motion advanced by Canada, Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
- On September 19, 2025, Canada filed its application to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal for judicial review of 2025 CHRT 80.
- On September 3, 2025, the Tribunal released its ruling, 2025 CHRT 87.
- On September 2, 2025, the Tribunal released two rulings, 2025 CHRT 85 and 2025 CHRT 86.
- On August 20, 2025, the Tribunal released its ruling, 2025 CHRT 80, on the National FNCFS long-term reform.
- On August 14, 2025, COO filed its submission to the Tribunal regarding SCO's July 24, 2025, Notice of Motion seeking Interested Party Status on the long-term reform of FNCFS and the Ontario Final Agreement.
- On August 11, 2025, following the Federal Court's finding that the Appeal Decision denying Jordan's Principle supports for two young children is unreasonable, Canada filed a notice of appeal. Canada, COO and NAN also file a further amended joint notice of motion (version 3) regarding the Ontario Final Agreement.
- 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.
- On May 8, 2025, the Parties filed written submissions to the Tribunal regarding interested party status motions on the Ontario-specific Settlement Agreement.
- 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 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.