I Am a Witness: Human Rights Case

The I Am a Witness campaign invites people to learn about the case on First Nations child welfare and Jordan's Principle and to decide for themselves whether or not they think there is discrimination against First Nations children and youth. 

Visit the Tribunal Timeline and Documents for the latest on the case.

In the spotlight:

  • On March 30, 2026 the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (Tribunal) issued a letter-decision on the Ontario Final Agreement (OFA), granting the moving parties' joint motion with the understanding and interpretation, and the guidance set out in the Tribunal's findings, orders and reasons to follow in its decision.
  • On March 23, 2026 the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (Tribunal) issued a letter-decision granting in part the National Children's Chiefs Commission's (NCCC) Interested Party Status Motion, with reasons to follow.
  • On March 3, 2026 the National Children's Chiefs Commission (NCCC) filed its amended Motion of Notice to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal seeking Interested Party Status following the Tribunal's instructions.
  • On February 23, 2026 the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal issued its orders, 2026 CHRT 14 granting in part the interest party status to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Southern Chiefs' Organization and Our Children Our Way.

  • On February 2, 2026, the Caring Society released its written submission to the Tribunal regarding the motion to approve the Ontario Final Settlement Agreement on long-term reform of the FNCFS Program. The Caring Society released a public statement regarding these matters. Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Chippewas of Georgina Island also filed their joint written submission and book of authorities to the Tribunal.

     

  • On January 29, 2026, the Caring Society filed its update to the Tribunal regarding the implementation of 2025 CHRT 80.

 

  • On January 27, 2026, the Tribunal shared the Case Management Conference Call (CMCC) meeting summary that took place on January 21, 2026.

 

  • On December 22, 2025, the Caring Society, with the support of the National Children's Chiefs Commission and the Assembly of First Nations, filed the Loving Justice National Plan to end Canada’s discrimination in First Nations Child and Family Services (outside of Ontario) with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal pursuant to 2025 CHRT 80. Canada also filed its national plan to end its discrimination in First Nations Child and Family Services

     

  • On December 15, 2025, the Federal Court of Appeal issued its orders regarding the Appeal Decision denying Jordan's Principle supports for two young children, ultimately finding it to be unreasonable.

 

  • On On October 3, 2025, the Tribunal shared an update on the direction of scope.
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Spirit Bear Poster

On January 26, 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found that Canada discriminates against First Nations children in its provision of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and by failing to implement Jordan's Principle. The Tribunal ruling was a victory not only for First Nations kids, but for all people in Canada who believe in love and fairness. But kids still need your help—here's what you can do:
 

  1. Read about the ruling and find out what it means:
  2. Read about the Spirit Bear Plan. 
     
  3. Write to the Prime Minister or your Member of Parliament for immediate implementation of the Spirit Bear Plan to end inequalities in public services for First Nations children youth, and families (sample letter here).
     
  4. Follow @CaringSociety and @SpiritBear on Bluesky and Facebook and repost updates.

 

The Caring Society gratefully acknowledges the generous legal support of:

David Taylor and Kiana Saint-Macary, Conway Baxter Wilson LLP/s.r.l.

Sarah Clarke and Robin McLeod, Clarke Child & Family Law

 

To submit a request for services through Jordan's Principle, call the Jordan's Principle 24-hour Call Centre: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453) or visit canada.ca/jordans-principle.