Indigenous children’s rights activist receives Winnipeg’s highest honour
Global News
Mayor Brian Bowman presented Dr. Cindy Blackstock with the key to the city for her work on the 'child first' legal act, Jordan's Principle on Tuesday.
An unwavering advocate for Indigenous children’s rights received the city’s greatest honour on Tuesday.
During a ceremony at City Hall, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, the executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, was honoured for her work on the ‘child first’ legal act, Jordan’s Principle.
The act is named after Jordan River Anderson, a Manitoban five-year-old boy who died in hospital after multiple levels of government couldn’t decide who’d cover his medical bills.
Jordan’s Principle was implemented May 10, 2016, after the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) found the federal government’s practices to be discriminatory.
May 10 has since become Bear Witness Day, which recognizes and creates awareness about the importance of Jordan’s Principle.
“It’s a really big honour,” said Dr. Blackstone. “This is the city where Jordan River Anderson was in hospital at the Health Sciences Centre, where his family really created the legacy of Jordan’s Principle and it’s been a place of so much advocacy.
“Coming here on this day and getting the keys to the city on a day that honours Jordan River Anderson the most is such a great way of honouring his spirit and getting the message out.”
Dr. Blackstone has over 30 years of experience working in child welfare and Indigenous children’s rights. She’s also published several books on topics related to reconciliation, Indigenous theory, First Nations child welfare and Human Rights.