2026 is the 21st anniversary of Jordan’s Principle:
Jordan’s Principle is a legal rule ensuring First Nations children receive the services and supports they need when they need them. Canada has been ordered by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to fully and properly implement Jordan’s Principle.
Teddy bears were Jordan’s favourite toy. Bear Witness Day honours Jordan River Anderson and his family for the gift of Jordan’s Principle and invites people of all ages to “bear witness” to ensure Jordan’s Principle is fully implemented.
In February 2026, the Senate of Canada passed a motion to recognize May 10 of each and every year as Bear Witness Day to honour Jordan River Anderson and his family and to raise awareness of Jordan’s Principle and the ongoing challenges that First Nations children and their families face to access products, services and supports due to inequities and jurisdictional disputes within and across governments.
It is more important than ever to urge Canada to fully and properly implement Jordan’s Principle in alignment with the Tribunal orders as 2025 changes by Indigenous Services Canada narrowed eligibility criteria and raised concerns for the children and families across Ontario.
The AECEO Guiding Committee on Truth and Reconciliation invites you to participate in Bear Witness Day by signing our e-action in support of Jordan's Principle (if you haven't done so already). Here is a link to the e-action: https://www.aeceo.ca/jordans_principle
More ways that you can support and participate in Bear Witness Day are available though First Nations Child & Family Caring Society:
- Read and share the Bear Witness Day Info Sheet with your peers and community members
- Host a Teddy Bear Tea Party and share and post your Teddy Bear Tea Party photos on social media using the hashtags #JordansPrinciple and #BearWitnessDay.
- Write a letter or send a postcard to your federal elected official or the Prime Minister to call for the full implementation of Jordan's Principle and carry out the Spirit Bear Plan.
- Read or Watch Spirit Bear and Children Make History.
For details and more ideas: