Alberta First Nations sign new agreement to uphold Jordan’s Principle
Eleven First Nations, along with the governments of Canada and Alberta, signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to ensure Indigenous children in our province can access the supports they need, when they need them.
The signing was conducted in Edmonton and included signatory chiefs from First Nations in the Maskwacis area, among them Samson Cree First Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, Montana First Nation, and Ermineskin Cree Nation.
The MOU, which revolves around Jordan’s Principle, is the first of its kind. It will allow the governments of Canada and Alberta, as well as the First Nations Health Consortium, to address gaps and share information so that families receive the appropriate mental health supports, medical equipment, speech therapy, educational supports, and more.
“This trilateral agreement sits at the heart of what Jordan’s Principle is meant to achieve. This ensures that all orders of Government and First Nation partners are working together to support First Nations children and families in getting the supports and services they need, regardless of where they live, and without jurisdictional disputes,” said federal Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott.