May 10 is Bear Witness Day, an annual observance dedicated to Jordan's Principle. The principle is a simple, powerful commitment: ensuring that First Nations children receive the services and supports they need—when they need them. It’s about putting children’s needs first, above all jurisdictional disputes and bureaucratic barriers.

Jordan’s Principle was established in memory of Jordan River Anderson. Today we pause to honour Jordan, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba who was denied the chance to grow up surrounded by his family because of bureaucratic failures. Born with complex medical needs, Jordan spent his entire life in a hospital while the federal and provincial governments argued over who should pay for his care. Jordan passed away in 2005 at the age of five, never having the chance to live in a loving home.

An ongoing fight for justice

In January 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal determined the Government of Canada's approach to services for First Nations children was discriminatory.  The Tribunal ordered the government to “take measures to immediately implement the full meaning and scope of Jordan's Principle.” Since then, the Tribunal has had to issue more than 20 additional orders, many of them due to the government’s failure to adequately implement the principle.

But the work is far from over. Too many First Nations children continue to face unfair delays or outright denial of essential care and services. This is unacceptable. Bear Witness Day is a call to action for all of us to push for real, systemic change.

At CEIU, we stand firmly with Indigenous communities and remain committed to advocating for the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle. This fight is about justice, dignity, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves equal access to care, support, and opportunity.

Show your support

Here’s how you can support this vital cause:

• Educate Yourself & Others: To learn more about Jordan River Anderson and why Jordan's Principle is so important, read or watch Spirit Bear and Children Make History.
  
  
• “Bear Witness”: Follow Spirit Bear and take part in activities such as hosting a Teddy Bear Tea Party and sharing photos on social media using the hashtags #JordansPrinciple and #BearWitnessDay.
  
  
• Take Action: Write a letter to your federal elected official to implement the Spirit Bear Plan. 
  
  
• Access Jordan’s Principle Support: If you know a First Nations child in need of services, direct their family to the Jordan’s Principle Call Centre at 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453) or visit ISC’s website https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca  to learn about available supports.