Government of Canada recognizes Eagle Urban Transition Centre in supporting First Nations children off-reserve through Jordan’s Principle

October 19, 2018 — Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba — Indigenous Services Canada

Working in partnership with First Nations, Indigenous Services Canada is committed to providing children with the supports and services they need, when they need them.

Today, Robert-Falcon Ouellette, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, highlighted the work by Eagle Urban Transition Centre (EUTC) to support off-reserve First Nations children, to help meet their needs under Jordan’s Principle. Since April 1, 2018, EUTC has provided health, social, and educational support to 278 First Nations children living off-reserve in Manitoba.

In 2016, the Government of Canada announced the implementation of Jordan’s Principle across Canada. This funding ensures timely access to necessary products, services and supports that address the needs of First Nations children, regardless of whether they live on- or off-reserve. Since 2016, $134 million in funding has been provided for implementation of Jordan’s Principle in Manitoba.

Thanks to EUTC, Manitoba is the first region in Canada that has a coordinated response to assist off-reserve First Nations children who have needs under Jordan’s Principle. EUTC also provides respite services to caregivers, and acts as an advocate for First Nations children to access other government programs – such as housing, child and family services system supports, and income assistance – that contribute to the wellbeing of First Nations children living off-reserve. By working with other government agencies and Tribal Council, EUTC helps connect people with communities (as families move off and on reserve) by providing a continuity of care.

Quotes

“Substantive equality for First Nations children is about more than fairness. Our commitment in implementing Jordan’s Principle is not based on where a child lives, but rather on ensuring they receive the best possible support. Eagle Urban Transition Centre provides important resources to meet the needs of children living off-reserve in Manitoba, and I encourage caregivers to learn more about their services.”

The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

“In Canada every child should be able to access excellent care. We need to help every child no matter what health issue they are dealing with. Jordan’s Principle is about ensuring that all First Nation children receive the services they need when and where they need them.

For far too long, First Nations families have had to struggle to access services for their children. Jordan River Anderson has helped to change this. We honour Jordan’s life by helping as many children as we can through the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. I commend the staff at the AMC’s EAGLE Urban Transition Centre for the advocacy work they do in support of First Nations children and families on a daily basis.

I also acknowledge the First Nations and Tribal Councils throughout Manitoba for providing advocacy and respite support to ensure children and families have timely access to services.”

Grand Chief Arlen Dumas
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Quick facts

• Jordan’s Principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. He was a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba.
• Jordan’s Principle makes sure all First Nations children can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. It can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs.
• From July 2016 to August 31, 2018, more than 122,000 requests were approved under Jordan’s Principle.
• The Government of Canada has programs to support the needs of First Nations children living on- and off-reserve. For children living on-reserve, these needs are met by their First Nation. For children living off-reserve in Manitoba, Eagle Urban Transition Centre has a range of programs available to meet special needs. In either case, these costs are supported through Indigenous Services Canada.
• Eagle Urban Transition Centre is a division of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Indigenous Services Canada provides funding to Eagle Urban Transition Centre for their Special Needs Advocacy Unit, which works with caregivers and Indigenous Services Canada to evaluate and act on requests that address the needs of First Nations children.
• If a child needs immediate care, please call 911 or your local emergency services number, or visit the nearest health facility. For non-urgent requests for support under Jordan’s Principle, caregivers can call 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453), open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Associated links

• Jordan’s Principle
• Jordan’s Principle representatives
• Eagle Urban Transition Centre

Contacts

Rachel Rappaport
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services
819-934-2796

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
SAC.media.ISC@canada.ca

Melanie Ferris
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
204-956-0610

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