Basic Rights

How can First Nations kids access Jordan’s Principle?

Indigenous Basic Rights

Last Reviewed:

June, 2024

Reviewed By:

JES Legal Specialist

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BIG IDEA

First Nations kids and their caregivers can apply to Jordan’s Principle to get the products, services and support they need when they need them.

Jordan’s Principle

In 2016, Jordan’s Principle became a legal responsibility of the government to provide funding for health, social, and educational services for all First Nations youth. This could look like mobility aids, mental health services, or transportation to school.

Get help

Visit Canada.ca/Jordans-Principle or call the Jordan’s Principle Call Centre at 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453) to get started. It’s available 24/7.

Who is eligible?

A kid in BC under 19 years old can access Jordan's Principle, if they permanently live in Canada and if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act
  • has one parent or guardian who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act
  • is recognized by their nation for the purposes of Jordan's Principle
  • is ordinarily resident on reserve

What kind of support is offered?

Your situation is unique so the support available depends a lot on what you need. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs of First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth. This could include:

  • Speech therapy
  • Educational supports
  • Medical equipment
  • Mental health services
  • More!

How can I apply?

A request for more help, funding, or access to products and support can be done by parents, guardians, or even yourself (if you are 16 or older). You can call the Jordan’s Principle Call Centre at 1-855-JP-CHILD.

Get help

Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinators in BC help you navigate the supports that are available to your child in BC, and help you submit a Jordan’s Principle request. Find the Service Coordinator in your region using the directory.

What does it cost?

There is no fee for First Nations children to access Jordan’s Principle. Regional service coordinators will help you with a request for free.

Dig Deeper

Infographic: How to Access Services and Supports Through Jordan's Principle (2023)

About Jordan River Anderson

Jordan River Anderson was a First Nations child from the Norway House Cree Nation who was born with multiple disabilities. Jordan had to stay in the hospital for his entire life because of a lack of funding from the provincial and federal government. His “Indian status” meant that the provincial and federal government were in dispute over who would fund his medical care. If there was enough funding, Jordan would have been able to get care at home and live with his family. Jordan passed away in the hospital at the age of 5, and his death sparked a movement to uphold the human rights of First Nations children.