Jordan River Anderson

October 22, 1999 – February 2, 2005

Jordan's Story 

Jordan River Anderson was a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation, Manitoba. Born in 1999 with complex medical needs that could not be treated on-reserve, he spent more than two years in a hospital before doctors agreed that he could leave to be cared for in a family home. However, because of jurisdictional disputes within and between the federal and provincial governments over who would pay for his in-home care, Jordan died in the hospital at the age of five years old. He never spent a day in a family home. 

Jordan's Principle

In response to this tragedy, Jordan's Principle was created. It is a child first principle calling on the government of first contact to ensure First Nation children can access public services on the same terms as other children. In December 2007, Motion-296 in support of Jordan's Principle passed unanimously in the House of Commons. Jordan's Principle makes sure all First Nation children living in Canada can access the products, services, and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a range of health, social, and educational needs.

For more information about Jordan’s Principle at the LRSD, please email Billy Nepinak: billy.nepinak@scoinc.mb.ca