What is Jordan's Principle?
Jordan's Principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. He was a young Cree boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Jordan was born with multiple disabilities and stayed in the hospital from birth.
When he was 2 years old, doctors said he could move to a special home for his medical needs. However, the federal and provincial governments could not agree on who should pay for his home-based care. Jordan stayed in the hospital until he passed away at the age of 5. In 2007, the House of Commons passed Jordan's Principle to honor Jordan. Jordan’s Principle is a commitment that First Nations children would get the products, services, and supports they need, when they need them. Today, Jordan's Principle is a legal obligation, which has no end date. While programs and initiatives to support it may only exist for short periods of time, Jordan's Principle will always be there. Jordan's Principle will support First Nations children for generations to come. This is the legacy of Jordan River Anderson. Jordan’s Principle is a legal requirement resulting from the Orders of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) and is not a policy or program. For further info see Jordan's Principle (https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca ) |
What is the TCVI-Jordan's Principle Project?
The TCVI Jordan’s Principle Project aims to help cover educational supports & services to children newborn - 12 years 11 months, who reside in our 6 member First Nations communities. This project is to mirror the PUF funding available in the provincial system, so children in the Treaty Six First Nations have the same access to supports and services as non-Indigenous children in the provincial system.
How can the TCVI Jordan’s Principle Early Years Project & Pre-Teen Program help our children?
Children who require additional educational supports may be eligible for funding. Examples include:
- Psycho-educational assessments
- Assistive technologies and electronics
- Each school or programming site will have access to Speech and language services, Occupational Therapy services, Physio-Therapy services where therapists will develop programs specific to the child’s needs.
- Funding for Educational Assistant (EA) support (based on child’s needs)
- Hearing screens
- Psychologist available for counselling
- Summer camps
TCVI Jordan’s Principle Project serves children and youth from one of our
6-member First Nations:
Beaver Lake Cree Nation
Cold Lake First Nations
Frog Lake First Nations
Heart Lake First Nation
Kehewin Cree Nation
Whitefish Lake First Nation #128.
Cold Lake First Nations
Frog Lake First Nations
Heart Lake First Nation
Kehewin Cree Nation
Whitefish Lake First Nation #128.
Eligibility
Children and youth who meet one of the following criteria are eligible for Jordan’s Principle services:
• The child is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act.
• The child has one parent or guardian who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act.
• The child is recognized by their First Nation for the purposes of Jordan's Principle.
• The child is ordinarily resident on reserve.
• The child is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act.
• The child has one parent or guardian who is registered or eligible to be registered under the Indian Act.
• The child is recognized by their First Nation for the purposes of Jordan's Principle.
• The child is ordinarily resident on reserve.
Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc. Jordan’s Principle Service Flow for Children & Youth
STEP 1: Identify a specific child or group of children in need from the 6-member First Nations age newborn – 12 years 11 months.
- Parent/guardian(s)/ CFS Caseworker can request for a child or children in the same family or with the same guardian can apply.
- Jordan’s Principle Liaison (listed below) within the First Nation can assist with the applications from the school, head start and daycare programs by working alongside parents/guardians/caseworkers, teachers, service providers, special education coordinators, appropriate First Nations program personnel, external services, and agencies.
- Provincial School Jordan’s Principle focal point (Aspen View, Lakeland Catholic School Division, Northern Lights Public School Division, and St. Paul Education Regional Division) can assist with the applications from the school by working alongside parents/guardians/CFS caseworkers, teachers, and service providers
- TCVI-Jordan’s Principle Consent form completed and signed by parent/guardian(s)/ CFS Caseworker.
- Referral list below
- Determine services, items, or costs.
- Support Request form filled by Jordan’s Principle Liaison (School, Daycare, Head start) in conjunction with a budget sheet.
- Assessment or if a new referral “Impact Statement” by professional in the child’s circle of care.
STEP 3: Length of time to process a request:
- This is dependent upon the timely receipt of all required information.
- Correlate all documentation needed and submits all completed information to TCVI CEO for review.
Jordan's Principle Team
Please contact the TCVI team (Jordan’s Principle Coordinator or Navigators) for questions on individual eligibility and for more information.
Jordan’s Principle Program Coordinator |
Early Years Navigator (Newborn- 6 years old) |
Pre-Teen Navigator (7-12 years old |
Stephanie Angus Phone: 780-645-4288 ext. 205 |
Rys Ann Whyne Phone: 780-645-4288 ext. 208 |
Keashea John Phone: (780) 645-4288, ext. 210 |
E-mail: [email protected] |
E-mail: [email protected] |
E-mail: [email protected] |
Jordan's Principle Community Liaisons
Beaver Lake First Nation |
Cold Lake First Nation |
Frog Lake First Nation |
Kehewin Cree Nation |
Heart Lake First Nation |
Whitefish Lake First Nation # 128 |
Colleen Anderson |
Kristina Lyren |
Lana MacDonald |
Elissa Gadwa |
Cynthia Quinney-Mason |
April Berard |
Jordan's Principle Elders
Beaver Lake First Nation |
Cold Lake First Nation |
Frog Lake First Nation |
Kehewin Cree Nation |
Heart Lake First Nation |
Whitefish Lake First Nation # 128 |
Louise Adby |
Mary Francis |
Ernest Stanley |
Angelic Gadwa |
Edward Obichon |
Violet Jackson |
Jordan's Principle Focal Point -Provincial School
Aspen View |
Lakeland Catholic School Division |
Northern Lights School Division |
St. Paul Education Regional Division |
Shannon Smith |
Debbie Spila |
Grace Maclellan |
Sha Lyn Tichkowsky |
Partnerships & Initiatives
Indigenous Rookie League (IRL)
TCVI partnered with the Jays Care Foundation Summer (2022) to create a unique inter-generational baseball program to increase physical and mental health outcomes for children and youth, while also promoting healing through innovative points systems, inter-generational connections, and collaboration among the six member First Nations.
The leagues were created to meet the unique goals of each First Nation. Each First Nations received league design support, funding, equipment, jerseys, coach training, and community-based launch support to help the leagues succeed.
In collaboration, the Jays Care Foundation team, TCVI Jordan’s Principle team and First Nation representatives of the six member First Nations started planning the design, vision, point system and goals of the Indigenous Rookie league in March 2022, as the TCVI Indigenous Rookie League is 'bigger than baseball'.
What we heard:
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for all 6 member First Nations and their members. Children and youth have been forced to stay indoors and unable to gather. The hope is that the league will provide an opportunity for children and youth to get moving again and away from the use of technology.
League Goals:
The league will address all aspects of the medicine wheel by working to address:
TCVI partnered with the Jays Care Foundation Summer (2022) to create a unique inter-generational baseball program to increase physical and mental health outcomes for children and youth, while also promoting healing through innovative points systems, inter-generational connections, and collaboration among the six member First Nations.
The leagues were created to meet the unique goals of each First Nation. Each First Nations received league design support, funding, equipment, jerseys, coach training, and community-based launch support to help the leagues succeed.
In collaboration, the Jays Care Foundation team, TCVI Jordan’s Principle team and First Nation representatives of the six member First Nations started planning the design, vision, point system and goals of the Indigenous Rookie league in March 2022, as the TCVI Indigenous Rookie League is 'bigger than baseball'.
What we heard:
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for all 6 member First Nations and their members. Children and youth have been forced to stay indoors and unable to gather. The hope is that the league will provide an opportunity for children and youth to get moving again and away from the use of technology.
League Goals:
The league will address all aspects of the medicine wheel by working to address:
- Support recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 by bringing children and youth of all abilities together to connect positively through play
- Bring communities together to begin building positive relationships across all First Nations.
- Fortify and strengthen connection to culture.
- Provide leadership opportunities for all individuals involved.
What did the league look like?
The IRL was designed for children/youth ages 5 to 10 years old. All 6 First Nations endured one practice & one league game per week. Each team played 6 games. Healthy snacks were provided during every game and a BBQ dinner would follow the league game at the hosting Nation.
East Division |
West Division |
Cold Lake First Nation |
Beaver Lake Cree Nation |
Frog Lake First Nation |
Heart Lake First Nation |
Kehewin Cree Nation |
Whitefish Lake First Nations #128 |
Each First Nation coach attended training at Kehewin Cree Nation, Kinokasihk Kiskinohamatikamik School. The training was provided by the Jays Care Foundation representatives. The training was for one day. Each coach was provided with a training manual that included:
Indigenous Rookie League Highlights
Indigenous Rookie League End of Season Tournament
The IRL season ended with a tournament that was held on August 20, 2022. Each participant was awarded with a medal and a certificate from the Jays Care Foundation. The tournament started with a prayer, acknowledgement from leadership and TCVI CEO. The tournament was a success with each child/youth/team playing baseball, they all enjoyed a BBQ lunch, and ended with a medal ceremony to acknowledge all children and youth. The league would not be a success without these young baseball players.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc. would like to thank all who were involved in making the Indigenous Rookie League a success.
To the TCVI six-member First Nation Leadership,
Thank you, for your guidance, leadership, and consideration for the best interest of the child. For allowing TCVI to establish the league within your respective First Nations and for supporting each program under TCVI. For attending practices/ league games and the end of season tournament. It is great when we see you attend these activities on your First Nations. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the Elders & Knowledge keepers,
Thank you for showing up to each league game and opening the league games with prayer for each team to play safely on the field and arrive to and from the First Nations to play ball and praying over the food. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the Coaches,
Thank you for showing up at each practice and league game. You all showed up to teach these children the game of baseball and to be kind to each other. You showed incredible patience with each athlete throughout the season. Thank you for the time, dedication, and heart you gave to coaching them, and motivating each athlete and inspiring them to work hard.
You all became a powerful role model in each of these children’s lives and made a difference in the lives of so many others. I hope you know how much TCVI appreciates you. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the Parents/guardians behind the athletes,
Thank you for your strength, dedication, and sacrifice for the hours that you spent in the car/bus driving to practices and league games. For giving up your evenings during the weekdays to attend practices and games. For cheering on your child/children. For your patience when practice/games ran long. For participating in the last inning of the game to play ball, your child also saw you having fun on the field. For encouraging your athlete to keep going when they needed that extra push and for trusting your athletes with coaches and your athlete themselves.
Through sports, YOU are providing your children with incredible life lessons that will serve them well throughout the rest of their lives. Win or lose, they are building character directly because of your support and efforts. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the Spectators,
Thank you for showing up for your family, friends, and First Nation members and for cheering on the teams that were present. Thank you for helping with cooking the BBQ dinners to fuel the teams after a long baseball game. Your energy was amazing! Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the athletes of the Indigenous Rookie League,
Thank you to all the athletes who showed up. Without you this league would not have been a success. You all came to play at each practice, game and at the end of season tournament. It was great to see you all having fun and making memories this summer. Our hope is you enjoyed baseball and hope to see you next season. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the First Nation Representatives,
This has been an incredible journey. We thank each of you for your assistance and support in this journey we embarked on. We want to thank you all for showing up to each meeting and bringing your ideas, questions, and concerns to the table. We want to thank you for taking time out of your work, school, and family lives/schedules to be the voice of your First Nations communities. It being our first time partnering with the Jays Care Foundation- Indigenous Rookie League, we created a successful league. It taught us so much on what we need to do better. Thank you for your feedback and we hope we can continue to work together next season. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the Jays Care Foundation representatives,
Thank you for reaching out to TCVI with this great opportunity to partner with the Jays Care Foundation. This partnership has brought TCVI six member First Nations a summer program children, youth, families, and First Nation members will never forget. Thank you for listening to each person who was sitting on the zoom meetings to discuss how we wanted the league to be presented in each First Nation. Thanks for coming into each First Nation to get children and youth excited for the Indigenous Rookie League. Hiy-hiy/ Masi Cho for your generous support. We look forward to our continued partnership for years to come!
To the TCVI Jordan’s Principle team and IRL Coordinator,
We have always believed that the people we work with are what makes this job worthwhile, and you all proved us right! We are proud to work with a team full of ambitious people who continue to deliver excellent results. Hiy- hiy & Masi Cho, you all are the best!
Thank you, for your guidance, leadership, and consideration for the best interest of the child. For allowing TCVI to establish the league within your respective First Nations and for supporting each program under TCVI. For attending practices/ league games and the end of season tournament. It is great when we see you attend these activities on your First Nations. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the Elders & Knowledge keepers,
Thank you for showing up to each league game and opening the league games with prayer for each team to play safely on the field and arrive to and from the First Nations to play ball and praying over the food. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the Coaches,
Thank you for showing up at each practice and league game. You all showed up to teach these children the game of baseball and to be kind to each other. You showed incredible patience with each athlete throughout the season. Thank you for the time, dedication, and heart you gave to coaching them, and motivating each athlete and inspiring them to work hard.
You all became a powerful role model in each of these children’s lives and made a difference in the lives of so many others. I hope you know how much TCVI appreciates you. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the Parents/guardians behind the athletes,
Thank you for your strength, dedication, and sacrifice for the hours that you spent in the car/bus driving to practices and league games. For giving up your evenings during the weekdays to attend practices and games. For cheering on your child/children. For your patience when practice/games ran long. For participating in the last inning of the game to play ball, your child also saw you having fun on the field. For encouraging your athlete to keep going when they needed that extra push and for trusting your athletes with coaches and your athlete themselves.
Through sports, YOU are providing your children with incredible life lessons that will serve them well throughout the rest of their lives. Win or lose, they are building character directly because of your support and efforts. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the Spectators,
Thank you for showing up for your family, friends, and First Nation members and for cheering on the teams that were present. Thank you for helping with cooking the BBQ dinners to fuel the teams after a long baseball game. Your energy was amazing! Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the athletes of the Indigenous Rookie League,
Thank you to all the athletes who showed up. Without you this league would not have been a success. You all came to play at each practice, game and at the end of season tournament. It was great to see you all having fun and making memories this summer. Our hope is you enjoyed baseball and hope to see you next season. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the First Nation Representatives,
This has been an incredible journey. We thank each of you for your assistance and support in this journey we embarked on. We want to thank you all for showing up to each meeting and bringing your ideas, questions, and concerns to the table. We want to thank you for taking time out of your work, school, and family lives/schedules to be the voice of your First Nations communities. It being our first time partnering with the Jays Care Foundation- Indigenous Rookie League, we created a successful league. It taught us so much on what we need to do better. Thank you for your feedback and we hope we can continue to work together next season. Hiy-hiy and Masi Cho
To the Jays Care Foundation representatives,
Thank you for reaching out to TCVI with this great opportunity to partner with the Jays Care Foundation. This partnership has brought TCVI six member First Nations a summer program children, youth, families, and First Nation members will never forget. Thank you for listening to each person who was sitting on the zoom meetings to discuss how we wanted the league to be presented in each First Nation. Thanks for coming into each First Nation to get children and youth excited for the Indigenous Rookie League. Hiy-hiy/ Masi Cho for your generous support. We look forward to our continued partnership for years to come!
To the TCVI Jordan’s Principle team and IRL Coordinator,
We have always believed that the people we work with are what makes this job worthwhile, and you all proved us right! We are proud to work with a team full of ambitious people who continue to deliver excellent results. Hiy- hiy & Masi Cho, you all are the best!
What is THE Bounce Back INITIATIVE?
The Bounce Back Initiative, which launched in 2021, is designed to support Indigenous partners of Jays Care Foundation as they work to bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19. The funding made available through this initiative can support existing or new recovery efforts that aim to address food insecurity and create opportunities for community members and families to safely gather. This initiative has been made possible because of generous support from the Sprott Foundation.
BEYOND 3:30
In March 2020, the announcement of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 and related restrictions limited many aspects of daily life such as physical health programs across Canada.
TCVI’s six-member First Nation leaders took action to protect their communities by developing initiatives and policies to protect public health and safety measures to support physical distancing. One example to reduce the spread of COVID 19 was temporary closure of facilities including: schools, gyms, Pow Wow grounds, and recreation centers. The temporary limitations to in-person learning have reduced accessibility for children and youth to benefit from physical education, after-school sports programs, and other extracurricular activities. These restrictions further included postponing or canceling major recreational events such as, league games, tournaments, competitions, and Pow Wows. These temporary closures and restrictions facilitated in reducing the spread of COVID-19 within the First Nations.
Due to COVID-19, many children and youth within the six member First Nations were not able to participate in any extracurricular activities. There are families that do not have the resources available to provide healthy snacks to their children who are involved in extracurricular activities. Therefore, The Bounce Back Funds will ensure that healthy foods are available for the after-school extracurricular activities. The children will then have the energy to participate fully and reach their full potential in the extracurricular activities. Healthy bodies help create healthy minds!
TCVI’s six-member First Nation leaders took action to protect their communities by developing initiatives and policies to protect public health and safety measures to support physical distancing. One example to reduce the spread of COVID 19 was temporary closure of facilities including: schools, gyms, Pow Wow grounds, and recreation centers. The temporary limitations to in-person learning have reduced accessibility for children and youth to benefit from physical education, after-school sports programs, and other extracurricular activities. These restrictions further included postponing or canceling major recreational events such as, league games, tournaments, competitions, and Pow Wows. These temporary closures and restrictions facilitated in reducing the spread of COVID-19 within the First Nations.
Due to COVID-19, many children and youth within the six member First Nations were not able to participate in any extracurricular activities. There are families that do not have the resources available to provide healthy snacks to their children who are involved in extracurricular activities. Therefore, The Bounce Back Funds will ensure that healthy foods are available for the after-school extracurricular activities. The children will then have the energy to participate fully and reach their full potential in the extracurricular activities. Healthy bodies help create healthy minds!
THANK YOU, JAYS CARE FOUNDATION & the SPROTT Foundation!
On behalf of Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc., we value our partnership with the Jay’s Care Foundation. This initiative will help so many children and youth with healthy after school snacks.
Summer Camps
July-August 2021
Speech and Language Summer Camps build speech, language, pre-literacy, and social communication skills by embedding camp themes and goal areas into various play-based activities. Activities include stories, rhymes, free play, games, crafts, and movement. Children also practiced their fine and gross motor skills. Our registered Speech-Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist along with licensed teachers lead our summer camps each day!
The summer day camp included many different aspects of child development, including meeting the children’s physical needs by providing transportation, meals, and outdoor playtime. We incorporated speech and language learning through developing routines, following directions, as well as interacting with their peers and participating in structured activities such as story and craft time. Children also used fine motor skills while participating in activities such as, play dough, medicine picking, berry picking, cooking, fishing, and messy sensory play.
Our Summer Programming was well received, and many children attended.
The summer day camp included many different aspects of child development, including meeting the children’s physical needs by providing transportation, meals, and outdoor playtime. We incorporated speech and language learning through developing routines, following directions, as well as interacting with their peers and participating in structured activities such as story and craft time. Children also used fine motor skills while participating in activities such as, play dough, medicine picking, berry picking, cooking, fishing, and messy sensory play.
Our Summer Programming was well received, and many children attended.
“Awesome program for children.!”
“Both of my children came home happy & excited to talk about their day, they enjoyed themselves, Hiy-Hiy.”
“They had fun, a good experience and a lot of learning.”
“Had fun, kept them from staying home and enjoyed the company of other kids.”
“He enjoyed the camp; he enjoyed the activities plus he saw his friends which made camp more fun.”
“Both of my children came home happy & excited to talk about their day, they enjoyed themselves, Hiy-Hiy.”
“They had fun, a good experience and a lot of learning.”
“Had fun, kept them from staying home and enjoyed the company of other kids.”
“He enjoyed the camp; he enjoyed the activities plus he saw his friends which made camp more fun.”
Thank you to the six member First Nations for providing a space for our summer day camps.
Beaver Lake Cree Nation New Hall
Cold Lake First Nations Head Start
Frog Lake First Nations CNES School
Heart Lake First Nation Kohls School
Kehewin Cree Nation KCEC School
Whitefish Lake First Nation No. 128 Pakan Junior High and Elementary School
Date modified:
05/01/2023
05/01/2023