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 August 4, 2026 parties filed their submissions following Member Marchildon, July 23, 2026 proposal to complete the OFA decision on own and whether the parties consented to this approach, with any objections supported by relevant case law and considered through a human rights and administrative law lens.
- On July 31, 2026, in a submission to CHRT Chairperson Khurana, Member Marchildon opposed Canada's, July 28, 2026 request for a new three-member panel and asked to continue adjudicating the case, either alone or with two newly appointed members, to preserve continuity and avoid delays.
On July 28, 2026, Canada wrote to the Tribunal Chairperson, requesting two members be added to reconstitute a 3-member panel.
- On July 16, 2026, First Nations-in-Assembly passed the following Resolutions relating to child and family services:
- On June 4, 2026, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal issued its ruling, 2026 CHRT 56, granting in part, the National Children's Chiefs Commission's (NCCC) Interested Party Status Motion. This full decision follows the Tribunal's earlier letter decision issued in March 2026.
- On May 25, 2026, the Tribunal issued its ruling, 2026 CHRT 50, regarding the FNQLHSSC-AFNQL's joint motion.
- On April 29, 2026 Canada submitted a notice of application for Judicial review of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal's letter decision, concerning the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA), granting the moving parties' joint motion with the understanding, interpretation, and the guidance set out in the Tribunal’s findings, orders, and reasons to follow in its decision on this joint motion.
- On December 22, 2025, the Caring Society, with the support of the National Children's Chiefs Commission and the Assembly of First Nations, filed the Loving Justice National Plan to end Canada’s discrimination in First Nations Child and Family Services (outside of Ontario) with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal pursuant to 2025 CHRT 80. Canada also filed its national plan to end its discrimination in First Nations Child and Family Services
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 Bluesky 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 and Robin McLeod, 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.