For Immediate Release: February 28, 2025 OHSWEKEN, ON – Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is implementing changes to operating procedures related to processing requests under Jordan’s Principle. The Six Nations of the Grand River Jordan’s Principle Team will no longer be able to offer emergency funding (for shelter, clothing, food and more) as we have not received a decision on emergency funds for 2024/25. While we are no longer able to provide financial support for pending applications until they are approved by ISC, we are still able to support approved individual applications.

We have summarized key points from the ISC Jordan’s Principle Operational Bulletin below:

Information about Requests:

Each new request will be considered on a case-by-case basis. An existing or previously approved request does not guarantee that a request for new funding will be renewed or approved.

Requests must show:

1. How does the requested product, service, or support meet the distinct needs of the First Nations child,
2. How the child either:
   1. experienced gaps or delays in accessing government services or
   2. was denied an existing government service because of their identity as a First Nations child.    

The following items will not be approved unless such funding is required by substantive equality*:

• Purchase, construction, or structural renovations of homes.
• Requests to support sporting events or elite/competitive sport-related training unless linked to the specific health, social, or educational needs of the First Nations child.
• International travel, unless 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.

For Parents and Guardians:

Information to include with the request for a child:

• 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.
• 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.
  1. Letters of support must be provided by a health professional, educational professional, or 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.
  2. For professionals providing a letter of support, this should be made within their scope of practice.
  3. 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.
  4. Include any relevant assessments or diagnoses.
• Cost breakdown: Provide a clear breakdown of the costs associated with the request.

Further information about the changes to operating procedures and an FAQ can be found at the ISC website, https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1739222520301/1739222546551. If you have any questions regarding your file, please contact your Six Nations Jordan’s Principle Navigator or the Child and Youth Health Office at 519-445-4983. You can also reach out to the Jordan’s Principle Hotline at 1 (855) 572-4453, or contact the Ontario Region Jordan’s Principle Focal Point at (613) 618-1833 or 1 (833) 442-2429.

Media Contact Information: INDIGENOUS SERVICES CANADA (ISC) ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO JORDAN’S PRINCIPLE OPERATING PROCEDURES
Caitlin Court, Communications Coordinator, (519) 751-6148
1695 Chiefswood Road, P.O. Box 5000, Ohsweken Ontario N0A 1M0