Jordan’s Principle: Supporting First Nations children living off reserve in Manitoba
October 19, 2018
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Treaty One Territory, MB – Today Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Robert Falcon-Ouellette, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre, announced $1,187,715 in funding for 2018-2019. The funds support Jordan’s Principle for First Nations children living off reserve.
The AMC is administering the funds for programming, a project coordinator, and respite workers. Programming support delivered to off-reserve residents includes dental, medical appointments, therapy programs, and respite support to families with children ages 0 to 21.
Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. Jordan was a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Born with complex medical needs, Jordan spent more than two years unnecessarily in hospital while the Province of Manitoba and the federal government argued over who should pay for his care at home. Jordan died in the hospital at the age of five, never having spent a day in his family home.
“Jordan’s story is tragic. He should have received the care that was his Treaty right. Children are at the center of our communities and they deserve the best,” said Grand Chief Arlen Dumas. “It really shouldn’t matter what health issue a child is living with. Jordan’s Principle is a law that works to support First Nations children in accessing the services they need.”
Jordan’s Principle for children living off reserve is delivered through the AMC’s EAGLE Urban Transition Centre (EUTC) in Winnipeg. It supports families in caring for their children in a way that promotes family unity and community strength. The Centre provides individualized support services through a tri-level delivery model that is child-centered, family focused, and community-based. The EUTC coordinates and directly funds all off-reserve short-term respite and other activities in partnership with off-reserve Tribal Council case managers.
“First Nations families have struggled to access services for their children for far too long,” stated Grand Chief Arlen Dumas. “Jordan River Anderson is an inspiration and we honour him at the AMC by helping as many children as we can. Our staff put their hearts into advocating for First Nations children and families every day. I acknowledge the First Nations and Tribal Councils throughout Manitoba for providing advocacy and respite support to ensure children and families have timely access to services.”
First Nations families living off reserve in Manitoba can access Jordan’s Principle through the EUTC by calling 1.844.622.4433 or emailing jordansprinciple@manitobachiefs.com.