Joint Call for Immediate Action to Protect First Nations Children to Respond to Escalating Jordan’s Principle Funding Crisis
December 13, 2024
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) and Anishininew Okimawin (AO) stand united in calling for urgent action to address the federal government’s management of Jordan’s Principle funding. Canada’s recent decision to halt funding to First Nations has caused an escalating crisis that profoundly harms First Nations children, youth, and families in Manitoba. Together, we reaffirm our collective strength and commitment to ensuring Canada upholds its obligations under Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) rulings.
There is a crisis regarding Jordan’s Principle funding that has led to alarming service denials and delays. In Manitoba, the backlog is currently at 6000 applications, with 2000 to 3000 marked as urgent; 140,000 on the National level, with 20,000 marked as urgent.
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has centralized decision-making in Ottawa, bypassing First Nations Leadership. The result is that the needs and rights of First Nations children are not being met which has created devastating consequences for families across Manitoba.
ISC’s recent directives have introduced unsustainable approval processes and denied funding for essential services, including:
- Medical transportation and care: Delays in approving urgent medical needs.
- Educational supports: Denial of critical resources for children with unique learning requirements.
- Culturally relevant programs: Refusal to fund healing programs and traditional activities essential to mental and emotional well-being.
AMC Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy said,”Canada’s unilateral approach to Jordan’s Principle has brought us to this crisis point. As families prepare for the holiday season, First Nations children are left without the essential services and support they desperately need. Restoring critical services and respecting First Nations sovereignty is the bare minimum.”
The abrupt termination of the “Back-to-Basics” approach and ISC’s delay in reimbursing prior expenditures is putting First Nations children at risk. These harmful policies impose confusion, frustration, and unnecessary suffering on families already navigating systemic barriers.
The AMC, MKO, SCO and AO categorically reject Canada’s approach, which ignores First Nations sovereignty and fails to prioritize the well-being of First Nations children, further exacerbating the inequities Jordan’s Principle was meant to address.
“Canada’s backlog on Jordan’s Principle is not merely an administrative issue—it is a clear violation of Jordan’s Principle, a disregard for the lives of our children, and a failure to uphold their rights. This crisis, created by the Government of Canada, must come to an end. Southern First Nations demand immediate and decisive action to resolve this injustice and deliver justice for our children,” said SCO Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean.
The AMC, MKO, SCO and AO demand immediate action to end this crisis.
AO Acting Grand Chief Dino Flett said, “The CHRT has found that Canada discriminates against First Nations children and, through its orders, has clearly outlined Canada’s legal obligations to First Nations children. When Canada disregards these orders, it has a devastating impact on children of Anishininew Okimawin and all First Nations children. We can not stand idly by. The Anishininew Okimawin is united in our commitment to take bold, collective action to demand that the federal government take immediate and meaningful steps. The well-being of our children is non-negotiable, and it must be the federal government’s top priority.”
AMC Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy said, “Jordan River Anderson’s legacy is a principle to protect First Nations children. ISC’s recent directives, coupled with significant communication barriers at the Manitoba Region of ISC, are unacceptable. Canada must uphold its legal obligations, and First Nations in Manitoba must be prepared to seek justice for our children and hold the federal government accountable. The AMC will hold an emergency Chiefs-in-Assembly on December 18, 2024, to seek direction from the Chiefs on how to collectively address this crisis.”
MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee said, “This is a watershed moment. The federal government must comply with its obligations or face unified and unwavering resistance from First Nations. We will not stand for any discrimination against our children. MKO demands immediate action to rectify this crisis and uphold the rights of First Nations children in Manitoba.”
In unity, the AMC, MKO, SCO, and AO stand resolute in advocating for the rights, dignity, and future of First Nations children and families. As a result of Canada’s discrimination, funding for Jordan’s Principle orders made by the CHRT must be prioritized in the federal budget. Canada cannot neglect the CHRT orders due to other budget constraints. Together, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to justice, sovereignty, and the prosperity of our Nations. Our children are the heart of our Nations, and we will not rest until their rights are honoured, their needs are met, and Canada upholds its promises with integrity and action.
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For more information, please contact:
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Southern Chiefs’ Organizations
Anisininew Okimawin
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak