Jordan's Principle

On October 22, Jordan River Anderson should be celebrating his 25th birthday; instead, those left behind will give thought to the loss of his life and promise. RETSD asks everyone to take a moment to pause and reflect in Jordan’s memory that day.

Jordan was a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation who was born in 1999 with multiple disabilities and stayed in the hospital from birth. At the age of two, doctors said Jordan could move to a special home that would address his medical needs; however, the provincial and federal governments could not agree as to who should pay for his care. As a result, Jordan remained in the hospital until he passed away at the age of five. 

This led to a push for change, so that jurisdictional disputes would no longer prevent First Nations children from receiving the care to which they are entitled, and in 2007, with unanimous support, the Government of Canada passed Jordan’s Principle in his memory. It is a child-first, needs-based initiative intended to ensure First Nations children get the products, services, and supports they need, when they need them, without denials, delays, or disruptions. 

During the 2023–24 school year, RETSD added the role of Jordan’s Principle co-ordinator to our staff, a position that is fully funded by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. The staff member in this role works with educators and families to access the educational programs and services to which the families are entitled, in order to increase educational success for First Nations children. Funding can also address the potential needs of First Nations 2SLGBTQQIA+ children and youth, as well as those with disabilities.

RETSD believes this initiative will help our division to better walk the path of Truth and Reconciliation.