Saskatoon Tribal Council – Important updates for Jordan’s Principle applications
Press Release
Feb 20, 2025
Effective February 10th 2025, Indigenous Services Canada has released updated guidelines for applications to Jordan’s Principle.
In order to implement these changes, Saskatoon Tribal Council staff will not be processing any applications February 20th and 21st. Our intakes will resume Monday February 24th 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience.
If you require further assistance or have any questions please do not hesitate to call 1-833-355-5501.
*Please note the following key updates:
Certain types of request to Jordan’s Principle will no longer be approved based on criteria below. Requests that have not been processed or received yet will be subject to the following:
Any Request Must Show:
1. How the requested product, service or support meets the distinct needs of the First Nation child, and
2. How the child either:
a. experienced gaps or delays in accessing government services, or
b. was denied an existing government service because of their identity as a First Nations child
Requests need to include appropriate supporting documentation from a professional; this documentation must clearly link the requested product, service, or support to the child’s specific needs.
Additionally, ISC has determined that funding for the following items will not be approved unless such funding is required to meet the legal principle of substantive equality:
- Purchase, construction or structural renovations of homes.
- Requests to support sporting events or elite/competitive sport related training, unless they are linked to the specific health, social, or educational needs of the First Nations child.
- International travel, unless it is related to an exceptional medical need of the First Nations child.
- Non-medical supports such as travel costs, non-medical respite care, child care, clothing, furniture and vehicles, unless accompanied by a letter of support from a medical professional. The professional must be able to provide a child-specific recommendation based on their professional designation and their knowledge of the First Nation child’s specific needs.
- School-related requests, unless linked to the specific health, social or educational need of the First Nations child. Supports to school boards off-reserve and private schools will be redirected to provincial school boards, or other existing provincial and federally-funded programs.
- Automatic administrative fees within group requests, including salaries, service fees and overhead costs.
Repeats of Previous Requests:
Each new request will be considered on a case-by-case basis. An existing or previously-approved request does not guarantee a request for new funding will be renewed or approved.
For Parents and Guardians
Information to include with the request for a child:
1.Detailed description of the child’s needs:
- Clearly explain how the requested product, service, or support will address the child’s specific health, social or educational needs.
2. Supporting documentation:
- All requests must be accompanied by a letter of support that demonstrates how the requested product, service or support links directly to the child’s unmet health, social or educational needs.
- Letters of support must be provided by a health professional, educational professional, Elder, or Knowledge Keeper, depending on their expertise as it relates to their ability to determine the unmet needs of the child, and the supports required. They must be within the child’s circle of care.
- For professionals providing a letter of support, this should be made within their scope of practice.
- If you are requesting additional funding to extend services for the child, updated letters of support are required to support the child’s changing needs or to demonstrate a need for continued supports or services.
- Include any relevant assessments or diagnoses.
3. Cost breakdown:
- Provide a clear breakdown of the costs associated with the request.
Common Questions and Answers:
Q: How does ISC define a letter of recommendation by a ‘health professional’?
A: To be recognized as a health professional, individuals must typically complete relevant education, training, and obtain and maintain a license or certification in good standing from the appropriate regulatory body in their province or territory of practice.
The health professional writing a letter of recommendation must be providing child-specific recommendations based on their professional scope of practice, and be within the child or children’s circle of care.
Letters of recommendation are expected to outline the services required for each child and the needs being met through the recommended service.
IHT4
