FOR RELEASE May 10, 2018
First Nations in the Yukon can now receive assistance from the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) in accessing services for children and youth. CYFN is the service coordinator for Jordan’s Principle in the Yukon, helping make sure First Nations children and youth across the territory receive services they need without disruptions, delay, or discrimination.
Today’s launch coincides with “Bear Witness Day” led by Dr. Cindy Blackstock of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. It is intended to educate and raise awareness about Jordan’s Principle.
Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle named in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Jordan, who was born with complex medical needs, spent more than two years unnecessarily in hospital while the province and the federal government argued over who should pay for his at-home care. Jordan died in hospital in 2005 at the age of five, never having spent a day in his family home.
Quote:
“Jordan’s Principle ensures our children and youth receive the services they need in a timely manner. This includes education, social supports, recreation, culture and language, health and medical services. CYFN is pleased to be implementing this important principle on behalf of Yukon First Nations.”
CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Quick facts:
- The Council of Yukon First Nations has visited Dawson City and Mayo, and will tour all Yukon First Nations communities, to inform First Nations about Jordan’s Principle and how to access the fund.
- CYFN’s Jordan’s Principle service coordinator can be reached toll free at 1-833-393-9200. Link: cyfn.ca/services/jordansprinicple
- In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found Canada was racially discriminating against First Nations children and their families by failing to provide equitable services, including the proper implementation of Jordan’s Principle. The Tribunal ordered the federal government to fully implement Jordan’sPrinciple by May 10, 2016.
- jordansprinciple.ca
Contact:
Juliann Fraser
Communications Advisor
Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9200 ext 9223
juliann.fraser@nullcyfn.net