Impacts of Jordan’s Principle on First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Families

Indigenous Studies
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Indigenous Studies
Question 1a
Positive Impacts
Jordan's principle has significantly increased access to healthcare for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis families. It ensures that First Nations children have the same access to healthcare as their non-Indigenous counterparts (Bezanson, 2018). This has helped to reduce health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and allowed for improved overall health outcomes for Indigenous children.
Jordan's principle has also helped to create greater awareness and understanding of Indigenous children and families unique needs (Bezanson, 2018). It has helped to shine a light on the systemic inequities that Indigenous communities face and helped to bring about policy changes that will benefit Indigenous peoples.
Negative Impacts
Jordan's principle has led to increased bureaucracy, as governments must take extra steps to ensure that indigenous children and families are provided with equitable services (Blackstock et al., 2020). It has led to delays in accessing services and added financial costs.
Jordan's principle has also led to a decrease in funding for non-Indigenous children's services. The government has had to divert resources to ensure indigenous children have equal access to services. It has put a strain on non-Indigenous services and has reduced access to necessary healthcare for all children.
Question 1b
Cindy Blackstock is a First Nations leader and an advocate for human rights. She is the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. Additionally, she is the founder and director of the Equity and Well-Being Institute (Metallic, 2018). She is best known for her advocacy and work for First Nations children and families. Blackstock was instrumental in creating and developing Jordan's Principle, a policy that ensures equitable access to services and support for First Nations children living on reserve (Obomsawin, 2020). Blackstock was also the lead plaintiff in a human rights tribunal case against the Canadian government, which led to a ruling showing the government's discriminatory funding for First Nations children (Metallic, 2018). This tribunal case eventually led to the passage of the Canadian Human Rights Act, which improved access to health care and education for First Nations children.
Question 2
The law/act has protected First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children, youth, and families in several ways. Here are three examples:
The Indian Act
The Indian Act, passed in 1876, is a primary piece of legislation that governs the rights and obligations of First Nations people in Canada. It sets out the rules for registering as an Indian and accessing benefits and services provided by the federal government. Despite criticism for its discriminatory and paternalistic provisions, the Act has been used to protect the rights of First Nations people. For instance, it recognizes the inherent right to self-government and provides for reserves and other lands awarded to First Nations people for their exclusive use. The Act also ensures Indigenous people have access to health and education services and recognizes rights to l...