Pictured above: Fuzzy Nor’Westers showed their support this year by placing a teddy bear in the windows of their homes, to commemorate the 14th year of Jordan’s Principle.

The North West Company staff and their bear-like companions took a solemn moment by their windows on May 10 to pay their respects to the late Jordan River Anderson. With his legacy in mind, person and bear alike reflected on what Jordan’s life means for Canadian children today, on what is known as Bear Witness Day.

Jordan, of Norway House Cree Nation, MB, had complex medical needs and died in the hospital at age five, after the provincial and federal governments couldn’t agree on who should pay for his home care. Canada’s House of Commons passed Jordan’s Principle in his memory in 2007, as a child-first legal commitment that meant First Nations children would get the products, services and supports they need, when they need them, and payments would be worked out later.

Pictured above: Nor’Westers and their families also hung around with their favourite bears and stuffed animals at home to support Bear Witness Day.

This year, in recognition of Jordan’s Principle, Nor’Westers placed a teddy bear in front of the window of their house to show their support. Some of them also hung out with their bears or favourite stuffed animal throughout the day to draw attention to the day's significance. To learn more, please visit jordansprinciple.ca