Jordan's Principle aims to eliminate service inequities and delays for First Nations' children. The principle is named after Jordan River Anderson, a Norway House Cree Nation child who spent his life in hospital while caught in an intergovernmental funding dispute over in-home medical care. Jordan's Principle became a legal requirement in 2016, stemming from a ruling of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.
SJASD is one of approximately 12 school divisions in Manitoba to partner with the Southern Chief's Organization to offer Jordan's Principle services to First Nations students.
Who is eligible in SJASD?
Jordan's Principle services are available to Indigenous, treaty status SJASD youth who would benefit from additional supports in education and/or medical needs. Students must have a treaty number of their own or through their parent.
What supports are available?
While SJASD continues to support student needs in the classroom, Jordan's Principle can help First Nations' families access additional supports for their child outside of traditional classroom services that can impact student learning. Supports can include funds for tutoring, in school activities, therapy, psychological assessments, school fees, educational devices, medical devices such as walkers or wheelchairs, and more.
How can families access these services?
Jordan's Principle funding is provided by Indigenous Services Canada.
SJASD, in partnership with the Southern Chiefs' Organization, maintains a Jordan's Principle Coordinator that works out of two offices, one at SCO and one at SJASD, to assist families with applications for federal funding, case conferencing, advocacy, and collaborating with service providers.
For more information, or to inquire into potential funding opportunities, families are encouraged to contact SJASD's Jordan's Principle Coordinator at jpsjasd@scoinc.mb.ca.
