AMC Calls for Full Implementation of Jordan’s Principle and End to Systemic Delays
March 14, 2025
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and leadership from First Nations across Manitoba, is calling on the federal government to end its ongoing neglect and systemic failure toward First Nations children. Despite repeated efforts by our First Nations leadership, Canada continues to turn a blind eye. Our voices will not be ignored, dismissed, or silenced.
AMC demands the full and uncompromising implementation of Jordan’s Principle. Every First Nations child is entitled to timely, equitable, and barrier-free access to care and support—without bureaucratic interference or jurisdictional wrangling. No more delays. No more excuses. The rights and lives of our children must come first.
“Jordan’s Principle is not a suggestion. It is not a courtesy. It is a commitment—a legal and moral one,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Canada cannot continue to break this promise while pretending it’s honouring it. Every time a child is denied care, it is a breach of that commitment. It is a betrayal to our Nations. And we will not stand for it.”
That promise is being broken—daily. First Nations children continue to experience unjustifiable delays in accessing critical health, education, and social supports. These delays betray both the spirit and intent of Jordan’s Principle.
“This isn’t a matter of process—it’s a matter of life and dignity,” said Chief Monias. “Let me be clear: if the federal government can’t uphold the basic rights of our children, then it is failing in its most fundamental responsibility. We are not asking for special treatment—we are demanding that Canada do what it is already legally and morally obligated to do. We are done watching our children suffer while governments hide behind red tape and meaningless platitudes. Our children deserve better. Our Nations demand better. And we will not stop until that is delivered.”
“We are witnessing history repeat itself. The same colonial systems that harmed generations before are now rebranded and repackaged—but the impact is the same: harm, denial, and loss,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “We are not here to ask politely anymore. We are here to demand justice, accountability, and action.”
AMC stands firmly with the families and Nations who are courageously speaking out about these harms. These failures are not abstract—they are deeply personal. They are felt in the bodies, spirits, and futures of our children, and they erode the healing and strength of our communities.
AMC calls on all Canadians to understand: the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle is not optional, and it is not an act of goodwill. It is a legal and moral obligation—grounded in human rights, justice, and Treaty law. The health, dignity, and future of First Nations children must never be up for debate. “We will not stop. We will not be quiet. We will defend our children’s rights until they are no longer denied what all children deserve — to be cared for, supported and respected,” concluded Chief Monias.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.