Jordan’s Principle backlogs add financial strain to First Nation communities: Manitoba Chiefs

First Nations leaders in Manitoba are urging the federal government to address a growing backlog of requests under Jordan’s Principle, which ensures Indigenous children have access to health, social, and educational services. The delay in approvals is forcing communities to cover the costs out of pocket, putting additional financial strain on already limited resources and jeopardizing other essential programs. Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy highlighted that many communities are running deficits as they try to meet the needs of their families without full funding.

Jordan’s Principle, named after Jordan River Anderson, ensures that First Nations children receive services first, with jurisdictional issues resolved later. However, the backlog has stalled projects in communities, like those represented by the Keewatin Tribal Council, which previously paid $7 million out of pocket for these services. The federal government has yet to fully reimburse them, and other communities are also waiting for millions in funding.

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has ordered Canada to address the backlog, which is causing delays in urgent requests, sometimes taking up to a month to review instead of the required 24 hours. Cindy Blackstock of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society criticized the federal government for creating the backlog and failing to prioritize the issue.