Webinar: Honouring the 20th Anniversary of Jordan’s Principle “Jordan River Anderson – The Messenger”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(K’emk’emelay̓ – Vancouver, BC – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Territory, May 08, 2025). Join Mary Teegee, Joni Conlon and the ICFSD Our Children Our Way Society at a special screening of “Jordan River Anderson – The Messenger” and how Jordan’s Principle came to be on Friday, May 09 from 10am-12pm PDT.
Filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin tells the story of Jordan River Anderson and how his short life initiated a battle for the right of First Nations and Inuit children to receive the same standard of social, health and educational services as the rest of the Canadian population. Although he could never speak or show any emotion, he left a powerful message and legacy of hope and justice.
His life story reflects the unjust and unethical treatment of Indigenous children and inspired those with the strength and love in their hearts and voices to speak on behalf of this child – and to advocate for others who may feel voiceless in a loud and unjust society.
“Jordan River Anderson – The Messenger” was filmed in real time and features advocates Dr. Cindy Blackstock of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, and the late Assembly of First Nations Elder Elmer Courchene of Sagkeeng First Nation.
On April 26, 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ordered Canada to fully implement Jordan’s Principle by May 10, 2016. Nine years later, the Caring Society is still pushing Canada to fully implement Jordan’s Principle.
“Jordan River Anderson – The Messenger” can be viewed on the National Film Board (NFB) website, and ‘Mini-Lessons’ are available on the NFB Educator Network webpage.
Did you know that May 10 is Bear Witness Day? This day shows support for the implementation of Jordan’s Principle. Teddy bears may be associated with children, yet no matter what age we are, we can all connect with memories of being a child, further emphasizing the importance of nurturing children who continue to need support and advocacy.
To register for this webinar, click here for the Zoom link.
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For further comment contact ICFSD Our Children Our Way Society:
- Mary Teegee, Maaxswxw Gibuu, Chairperson, Tel: 250-612-8710
- Joni Conlon, OCOW Executive Director, Tel: 604 803 7371
