Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) celebrates the Senate’s recent adoption of a motion to officially recognize May 10 of each year as Bear Witness Day. This National Day of Action honours the legacy of Jordan River Anderson and his family, while reaffirming the federal government’s legal obligation to fully implement Jordan’s Principle.

Introduced by Senator Brian Francis, the motion highlights the ongoing barriers First Nations children and families face in accessing essential health, social, and educational services due to jurisdictional disputes and administrative delays. During the Senate debate, Jordan River Anderson’s story was shared, underscoring the systemic failures that continue to have real and lasting consequences for children and families.

The adoption of Bear Witness Day represents an important step toward renewed accountability and public awareness. Reinforcing that Jordan’s Principle exists to ensure First Nations children receive the services they need, when they need them, without delay or denial.

This motion directly aligns with SAC’s ongoing advocacy efforts. Communication health services are essential health services, not optional, and delays or denials in access can have lifelong consequences for children’s development, education, and well-being. SAC has consistently raised concerns about administrative barriers within Jordan’s Principle that disproportionately affect access to communication health services for First Nations children. The recognition of Bear Witness Day is a positive step forward in highlighting these systemic issues and the critical need for timely action.

SAC thanks Senator Francis and all Senators who supported this motion for their leadership in affirming that Jordan’s Principle is not a discretionary program, but a binding legal and human rights obligation.