2 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
The Jordan’s Principle team takes strides for Brokenhead
T he memory of a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation lives on through a child-first principle named in his honour. Jordan’s Principle aims to ensure all First Nations children have access to the supports they need when they need them. Whether it’s health, education or social services, First Nations children are entitled to consistent and equitable access. Jordan River Anderson was born in 1999 with complex health needs so he remained in the hospital. When he was two years old, Jordan was deemed healthy enough to return to his home community, explained Pamela Kent, director of Jordan’s Principle and prevention for Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. “Because of his complex needs, continuous care was needed and the two sets of government would not decide on who was going to pay for that medical care,” she said. “Unfortunately, that happened for another three years and Jordan River Anderson stayed in hospital until he passed away. He never returned to his community. He never got to spend a day with his family in his own home.” It’s a significant task to end that discrimination, Kent added. “Children are children. All children should matter. And for us to have to fight Canada to support our children is very heartbreaking,” she said. “Our children are going to be our leaders and our future change-makers. To get to that place, they need to be thriving. They need to be supported. They need to feel equal in Canada.”
Pamela Kent, Director of Jordan’s Principle standing with Gordon Bluesky, Chief of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. PHOTOS BY DARCY FINLEY
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