In a recent tribunal hearing, it was disclosed that federal funding for educational support for First Nations children in Ontario under Jordan’s Principle has been drastically reduced from $122.1 million to $1.2 million between 2024 and 2025. This significant decrease, which occurred after Indigenous Services Canada introduced a new operational bulletin limiting eligible services, represents a 100-fold drop in funding levels.
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation presented these statistics as evidence in their case at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, where they accuse the government of chronically underfunding on-reserve schools in the province. Chief Margaret Sault of Mississaugas of the Credit expressed profound shock at the funding cuts, highlighting the ongoing struggle of First Nations communities to advance despite facing setbacks.
The First Nation argues that Canada’s education funding model, initially introduced as a temporary measure in 2019-20 but never replaced, is inadequate, racially discriminatory, and perpetuates the historical injustices suffered by children in residential schools. The ongoing tribunal hearing, which commenced in October last year, aims to address these pressing issues.
According to Chief Sault, the current funding approach falls short of providing the necessary resources for on-reserve schools, forcing Indigenous children with special needs to seek education off-reserve. Jordan’s Principle, a legal principle ensuring timely access to essential services for First Nations children, is being cited as a critical mechanism that is failing to meet the needs of Indigenous youth.
The decrease in approved funding requests under Jordan’s Principle is indicative of the challenges faced by First Nations children in accessing crucial educational support. Legal representation for Mississaugas of the Credit, Kent Elson, emphasized that the evident disparity in educational funding underscores the systemic neglect of Indigenous children’s educational rights.
Recent data reveals a stark decline in approved applications and funding amounts under Jordan’s Principle in Ontario, signaling a concerning trend. The tribunal also noted a significant decrease in the approval rate for education requests following the implementation of new operating procedures.
Elson criticized Canada’s argument regarding jurisdiction, highlighting the government’s stance on funding matters as a barrier to addressing the systemic underfunding of on-reserve schools. Despite Canada’s denial of underfunding, concerns persist about the lack of legal authority to rectify discriminatory practices in education funding for First Nations children.
Indigenous Services Canada refrained from commenting on the ongoing case, citing its presence before the tribunal. The department reiterated its commitment to supporting First Nations students’ unique needs while striving to provide education funding comparable to provincial systems.
The tribunal hearing continues to examine the complexities of Jordan’s Principle and the broader implications of education funding disparities for First Nations communities.