Federal program still available to help First Nations children access services
Organizers are hoping to get the word out about a federal funding program in place to help Indigenous children access services.
About 140 people attended an information session on the initiative, known as Jordan’s Principle, Thursday in North Battleford. The Jordan’s Principle program helps ensure First Nations children have better access to health care and other services. Event facilitator Sherry Jimmy said the information session was meant to raise awareness about the initiative.
“The Jordan’s Principle initiative is designed to ensure First Nation children don’t experience gaps in health, education or social areas,” Jimmy said. “It’s to create substantive equality with non-First Nation children.”
According to Jordan’s Principle, First Nations children often wait for services they urgently require or are denied services available to other children, including mental health, speech therapy, healthcare, and education.