This document demonstrates how, if the Canadian government had acted on evidence‑based, First Nations‑led solutions to address severe inequities in First Nations children’s services when they were clearly identified decades ago, First Nations children would not have lost their lives, families, and childhoods—and Canada would not now be paying $23.4 billion in compensation for preventable harm.

On February 5, 2026, the Canadian Senate passed a motion recognizing May 10 each year as Bear Witness Day, a national day of action to honour Jordan River Anderson and his family and to call for the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle, the legal rule ensuring First Nations children receive the services and supports they need, when they need them.