I Am a Witness: Human Rights Case

The I Am a Witness campaign invites people to learn about the case on First Nations child welfare and Jordan's Principle and to decide for themselves whether or not they think there is discrimination against First Nations children and youth. 

Visit the Tribunal Timeline and Documents for the latest on the case.

In the spotlight:

  • On June 7, 2024, the Caring Society filed its reply factum for the Jordan's Principle non-compliance motion.

 

  • On May 24, 2024, Canada submitted its factum on the Caring Society's non-compliance motion on Jordan's Principle. 

 

  • On May 17, 2024, the Assembly of First Nations submitted its factum on the Caring Society's non-compliance motion on Jordan's Principle. 

 

  • On May 10, 2024, the Canadian Human Rights Commission submitted their factum for the Jordan's Principle non-compliance motion. COO submitted a letter reply to the Caring Society’s April 19 written submissions and on the non-compliance motion and cross-motion. 

 

  • UPDATED (May 2024): Read the Caring Society's positions on the long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. 

 

  • UPDATED (May 2024): Read our information sheet on the Caring Society's non-compliance motion v. Canada on Jordan's Principle. 

 

  • On April 19, 2024, the Caring Society submitted its factum for the Jordan's Principle non-compliance motion. 

 

  • On April 19, 2024, the Caring Society filed its motion material regarding the Class Action Compensation Distribution Protocol to the Federal Court.

 

  • On April 12, 2024, Canada provided the requested information sought by the Caring Society during cross-examinations on April 2-3, 2024 for the Jordan's Principle non-compliance motion.

 

  • On April 8, 2024, the Parties to the case submitted letters to the Tribunal in response to AFN's adjournment request. 

 

 

  • Read the latest report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy, First Nations not affiliated to a First Nations child and family (FNCFS) services agency: Defining a baseline. 
Read More
Spirit Bear Poster

On January 26, 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found that Canada discriminates against First Nations children in its provision of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and by failing to implement Jordan's Principle. The Tribunal ruling was a victory not only for First Nations kids, but for all people in Canada who believe in love and fairness. But kids still need your help—here's what you can do:
 

  1. Read about the ruling and find out what it means:
  2. Read about the Spirit Bear Plan. 
     
  3. Write to the Prime Minister or your Member of Parliament for immediate implementation of the Spirit Bear Plan to end inequalities in public services for First Nations children youth, and families (sample letter here).
     
  4. Follow @CaringSociety and @SpiritBear on Twitter and Facebook and repost updates.

 

The Caring Society gratefully acknowledges the generous legal support of:

David Taylor and Kevin Droz, Conway Baxter Wilson LLP/s.r.l.

Sarah Clarke, Clarke Child & Family Law

 

To submit a request for services through Jordan's Principle, call the Jordan's Principle 24-hour Call Centre: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453) or visit canada.ca/jordans-principle.