Denisiqi Services Society: “Bear Witness Day” Parade and Picnic in Williams Lake

May 09, 2025. Denisiqi Services Society honoured the life of Jordan River Anderson with a parade followed by a picnic in the park in Williams Lake on Friday, May 9. Celebrated annually throughout Canada, Bear Witness Day honours Jordan River Anderson and invites people of all ages to “Bear Witness” to ensure Jordan’s Principle is fully implemented. Bear Witness Day is celebrated on May 10 because this is an important date in the history of Jordan’s Principle at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

Denisiqi’s Executive Director Christa Smith with Jordan’s Principle coordinators Hayley Guichon and Cynthia Dick pictured in the centre.

The principle, named in memory of 5-year old Jordan River Anderson, is a legal requirement ensuring First Nations children receive the services and supports they need at the time they need them. The complaint of Canada’s breach on the human rights of Indigenous children was first filed in 2007 by the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (FNCFCS).

To learn more about the latest information on Jordan’s Principle, visit the I am a Witness: Tribunal Timeline & Documents webpage on the Caring Society’s website that chronicles the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case on inequitable funding for First Nations child welfare, which the Tribunal ruled amounts to discrimination. 

Visit The Williams Lake Tribune to see more pictures and videos of “Bear Witness Day” in Williams Lake.