Teaching Jordan’s Principle in the Classroom: Spirit Bear’s Story

Teaching Jordan’s Principle in the Classroom: Spirit Bear’s Story

 In Classroom Practice

“Jordan could not talk, yet people around the world heard his message. Jordan could not breathe on his own and yet he has given the breath of life to other children. Jordan could not walk but he has taken steps that governments are now just learning to follow.”
—Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director, First Nations Child & Family Caring Society

You may have heard of Jordan’s Principle in education settings or in the media. As educators, we play an important role in helping students understand fairness and equity. Teaching Jordan’s Principle in the classroom is one way we can support this learning. Jordan’s Principle is a child-first legal rule that ensures First Nations and Inuit children receive the same public services and supports as other Canadian children without delay or denial.

In this post, we explore the history and significance of Jordan’s Principle, as well as strategies for creating meaningful student learning experiences in the classroom.

Understanding Jordan’s Principle in the Classroom

To understand Jordan’s Principle, we must start with the story of Jordan River Anderson. Jordan River Anderson was a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. He was born in 1999 with multiple complex disabilities and stayed in the hospital from birth. In 2001, his medical team decided that Jordan’s needs would be best met in a specialized foster home closer to his home community. However, the federal and provincial governments argued over financial responsibility for this proposed at-home care. This disagreement meant that Jordan had to spend the next two years living in a hospital, even though it wasn’t medically necessary. Sadly, Jordan passed away at the age of five before he ever got the chance to live in a home.

Unfortunately, Jordan’s story wasn’t uncommon. Many First Nations and Inuit children have not had the same access to essential services as other Canadian children because different levels of government fund different services for First Nations children, especially those living on-reserve. However, his passing started a movement to protect the rights of all First Nations children. In 2007, the House of Commons established Jordan’s Principle in honour of Jordan River Anderson. 

What is Jordan’s Principle?

Jordan’s Principle is a commitment that centres the well-being and needs of First Nations and Inuit children by ensuring they get the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Health, social, and educational services are covered to meet the child’s needs without waiting for governments to decide who pays. Jordan’s Principle applies to all First Nations and Inuit children regardless of where they live.

Why Teaching Jordan’s Principle in the Classroom Matters

As educators, it’s important that we understand Jordan’s Principle. As frontline workers, educators are in a position to recognize students who are experiencing academic, social, emotional, or health-related challenges. 

Educators who understand these resources can guide First Nations students and families to the right support for their needs. As an educator, you can act as a frontline advocate to help bridge a child’s needs with the proper supports, ensuring no child gets left behind. 

Ensuring No Child is Left Behind 

Jordan’s Principle is all about fairness—ensuring every First Nations child receives the support they need. However, ensuring fairness requires more than policy. It takes awareness, action, and people standing up to make a real difference—that’s where Spirit Bear comes in. 

Since 2008, a plush bear called “Spirit Bear” has come to symbolize the fight for equality in Indigenous child welfare. It was initially given to Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, by the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council in British Columbia. Blackstock later took the bear to Ottawa, where her organization was advocating for Indigenous children through a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal complaint.

In support of Jordan’s Principle, Spirit Bear symbolizes the 165,000 First Nations children affected by the First Nations child welfare case at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. He also represents the many other children who have learned about the case and participated in peaceful efforts to support reconciliation and fairness. Spirit Bear is more than a symbol. He represents justice for First Nations children, strength, protection, and standing up for what is right. Spirit Bear helps teach children about equity and reconciliation through books, videos, podcasts, and classroom resources. 

Here are some educator-friendly resources to learn from Spirit Bear: 

By sharing Spirit Bear’s messages, we can all help ensure no child is left behind. 

Spirit Bear’s Birthday and Bear Witness Day

Bear Witness Day and Spirit Bear’s birthday are celebrated annually on May 10. This day pays tribute to Jordan River Anderson and encourages people of all ages to stand up and ensure Jordan’s Principle is fully upheld and implemented. This day also encourages discussions about fairness, advocacy, and how children can make a difference. Spirit Bear’s birthday is a perfect opportunity to teach children about equity, advocacy, and taking action.

Ways to recognize Spirit Bear’s birthday in schools:

  • Lead storytelling and discussions about Jordan’s Principle.
  • Encourage creative projects like drawing Spirit Bear and writing about fairness.
  • Host a Teddy Bear Day to bring recognition to Spirit Bear.
  • For younger students, read the book Spirit Bear and Children Make History or watch the video. A lesson plan for the book and film is also available for educators to use. 
  • Listen to the Spirit Bear Podcast for knowledge sharing on First Nations well-being and reconciliation. 

Conclusion 

Teaching Jordan’s Principle in the classroom helps students understand fairness, justice, and reconciliation. Start today! Read a book, watch a documentary, listen to a podcast, or plan an activity that empowers students to take action in the spirit of justice and reconciliation.

Engaging with Indigenous Communities in the Classroom: 5 Tips for EducatorsClassroom Practice, Decolonizing and Indigenizing Your Teaching