“Jordan could not talk, yet people around the world heard his message. Jordan could not breathe on his own and yet he has given the breath of life to other children. Jordan could not walk but he has taken steps that governments are now just learning to follow.”
Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director First Nations Child & Family Caring Society
Jordan River Anderson was born in 1999 with multiple complex medical needs. In 2001, a hospital-based team decided that Jordan’s needs would best be met in a specialized foster home closer to his home community. However, federal and provincial governments argued over financial responsibility for Jordan’s proposed in-home services.
During these conflicts, Jordan remained in hospital, even though it was not medically necessary for him to be there. Jordan died in 2005 at the age of 5, never having had the opportunity to live in his family’s home.
Jordan’s death ignited a movement to uphold human rights for all First Nations children through the creation of the child-first principle called “Jordan’s Principle.” In 2007, the House of Commons passed Jordan’s Principle in memory of Jordan. It was a commitment that First Nations children would get the products, services and supports they need, when they need them and payments would be worked out later.
Today, Jordan’s Principle is a legal obligation with no end date. It carries forward Jordan’s legacy by ensuring First Nations children can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Jordan’s Principle continues to uphold the child-first approach that began with Jordan’s story and will remain an important commitment to First Nations children and families for generations to come.
Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger
Abenaki director Alanis Obomsawin tells the story of Jordan River Anderson who spent all five years of his short life in hospital while the federal and Manitoba governments argued over who was responsible for his care.
Jordan River Anderson’s story continues to guide the work of putting First Nations children first. Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger shares his story and the legacy carried forward through Jordan’s Principle.