Jordan’s Principle: Manitoba First Nation leaders demand Ottawa address funding crisis

In an effort to spark urgent calls for action, First Nation leaders came together to call on the federal government to address the Jordan’s Principle funding crisis, which they say have left thousands of children without access to critical services.

BACKGROUND: Manitoba First Nations calling out feds for management of Jordan’s Principle funding

“We feel that there’s almost a deliberate attempt here to eliminate the Indian, much like they did with residential schools,” said Chief E.J. Fontaine with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization.

“The government creates these policies, and it seems like they’re set up to fail. Still today, our children and youth are dying on the street,” added Clinton Keeper, the Chief of Little Grand Rapids.

Leaders from key First Nations say Canada’s recent funding halt is a devastating blow to First Nations children and families, adding it has caused widespread delays and denials for essential services, leaving thousands in limbo. They claim the backlog in Manitoba alone now sits at over 6,000 applications, with up to 3,000 marked as urgent.

“We’re always questioned on what needs to be done in our community,” said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy. “Well we provide that, but we certainly don’t get help. We get questioned and told ‘no more funding until you do a report.’”

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Leaders in attendance said funding delays are impacting areas such as medical transportation, educational supports, and culturally relevant programs.

“We need the funding to get it going, so stop meddling around doing reviews when you’re the ones at fault here,” said David Monias, Chief of the Nation for Pimicikamak Okimawin. “It’s your system breaking down, not ours.”

Leaders say they won’t rest until the federal government prioritizes funding and upholds its promise to First Nations children and families.

Angela Levasseur, the Chief of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, says leaders are calling on Indigenous Services Canada “to honour your duty and obligations as treaty partners, but also to ensure there are no longer delays and backlogs in Jordan’s Principle.”

Jordan’s Principle confirmed that growing demand is causing delays in Manitoba, but say efforts are underway to improve response times. However they did not say when or if more funding would be coming.