Could Jordan's Principle help the child in my care?

Information reviewed September 2026. Eligibility, contacts and service processes can change, so use the linked Mi'kmaq-led or official source when a current rule matters.

Who can be covered?

Current Indigenous Services Canada guidance says a First Nations child under the age of majority in the province where they live can access Jordan's Principle when the child permanently resides in Canada and meets at least one of these criteria:

• the child is registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act;
• the child has a parent or guardian who is registered or entitled to be registered;
• the child is recognized by their First Nation for Jordan's Principle purposes; or
• the child is ordinarily resident on reserve.

A child in care, kinship care or an informal agreement may still meet the ordinary-residence rule in circumstances described by Indigenous Services Canada. If you are unsure, ask rather than assuming the child is ineligible.

Indigenous Services Canada: Submit a Jordan's Principle request

What kinds of needs can be considered?

Requests are child-specific and assessed case by case. Jordan's Principle can address health, social and educational needs and can help coordinate or fund supports when needed for substantively equal access. Current examples include educational assessments, tutoring, assistive technology, specialized transportation and other supports linked to the child's specific needs.

Kinship caregivers should describe the child's need, not just the item.

A request is stronger when it clearly explains what the child needs, what barrier exists, why the proposed product or service addresses that need, and what happens if the support is delayed. Supporting documentation may come from a health professional, educational professional, Elder or Knowledge Keeper depending on the request.

Indigenous Services Canada: Documents needed for a request

Urgent requests have a specific route.

Current federal guidance identifies urgent circumstances such as life-threatening situations, end-of-life or palliative care, suicide risk, physical-safety risk, lack of food or basic necessities, risk of entering child welfare, and caregivers and children fleeing domestic violence. The Jordan's Principle Call Centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but it is not a substitute for 9-1-1 or another emergency service.

Local support can help.

Lennox Island First Nation currently lists a Jordan's Principle Case Manager among its community contacts. Caregivers can use the Lennox Island main contact at 902-831-2711. For Abegweit families, start with Abegweit First Nation, MCPEI or the Atlantic Jordan's Principle contact and ask for the appropriate local coordinator.

• Lennox Island First Nation contacts
• Abegweit First Nation
• Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI

Do not pay first unless you understand the reimbursement rules.

Indigenous Services Canada currently recommends that families not pay for a requested service before approval because a previous approval or a similar request does not guarantee the new expense will be reimbursed. Contact the regional focal point before committing to a major cost when possible.

If a request is denied, there is an appeal process.

Current guidance allows an appeal within one year of the written denial. Additional information can include updated assessments, letters from professionals, Elders or Knowledge Keepers, and information about substantive equality, cultural appropriateness and the child's best interests.