Manitoba Inuit Association

Inuit Child First Initiative - Jordan's Principle

Jordan's Principle / Inuit Child First Initiative ensures that all Inuit / First Nation children have access to the essential government-funded health, social and educational products, services and supports they need, when they need them.

Who is eligible?

All Inuit children, no matter where they live in Canada.
Must be recognized by an Inuit land claim organization.
Under the age of Majority (0-18)

Brochure

Funder: Indigenous Services Canada

Legacy of Jordan River Anderson

Jordan was born in 1999 with multiple disabilities and stayed in the hospital from birth. When he was 2 years old, doctors said he could move to a special home for his medical needs. However, the federal and provincial governments could not agree on who should pay for his home-based care. Jordan stayed in the hospital until he passed away at the age of 5.

In 2007, the House of Commons passed Jordan's Principle in memory of Jordan. It was a commitment that Inuit / First Nations children would get the products, services and supports they need, when they need them.

Today, Jordan's Principle is a legal obligation, which means it has no end date.

While programs and initiatives to support it may only exist for short periods of time, Jordan's Principle will always be there. Jordan's Principle will support Inuit / First Nations children for generations to come.

What is covered?

Some examples of what could be funded include:

Social:

Land-based activities
Specialized camps
Language programming
Cultural resources
Country food programs

Health:

Cultural services from Elders
Wheelchair ramps
Mental health counseling
Assessments & Screening
Medical supplies & equipment

Educational:

Tutoring services
Educational assistants
Specialized school transportation
Assistive technologies and home school supplies

What information you may need to provide when applying?

Child's date of birth, contact and address
Child & Parent beneficiary number
A statement from parent or guardian illustrating financial hardship
Summary of child's history and unique needs
List of product, service or support needed and an estimated cost
List how will the service/items you are requesting, addresses your child's needs
A letter of support with a description of how the product/service requested will be of benefit for the child.