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Key points
- Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
- Member of the Gitxsan Nation and professor at McGill University
- 2023 World Children's Prize recipient, voted on by children around the world
- Reappointed Chancellor of NOSM University in October 2026
Cindy Blackstock has spent much of her career asking a simple question: why should a First Nations child get less than any other child in Canada? As Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, she has pushed that question all the way through the courts and into classrooms across the country. In October 2026, NOSM University’s Board of Governors announced she will serve another term as Chancellor, a fitting moment to look at a life spent in service of children.
Roots and training
Blackstock is a member of the Gitxsan Nation and was born in Burns Lake, British Columbia. She trained as a social worker and kept studying: a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia, a master’s in management from McGill University, a master’s in children’s law and policy from Loyola University Chicago, and a PhD in social work from the University of Toronto. Today she is also a professor at McGill’s School of Social Work.
A human rights case for First Nations children
In 2007, the Caring Society and the Assembly of First Nations filed a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. They argued that Canada was discriminating against First Nations children by underfunding child welfare services on reserve. The federal government challenged the case at several stages and lost.
On January 26, 2016, the tribunal ruled that the underfunding of child and family services, and the failure to properly apply Jordan’s Principle, discriminated against First Nations children on the grounds of race and national or ethnic origin.
Jordan’s Principle and Spirit Bear
Jordan’s Principle is meant to make sure First Nations children can get government services on the same terms as other children, without delays caused by disputes over who pays. The tribunal ordered Canada to apply it.
The Caring Society also found a gentle way to bring young people into the conversation. Spirit Bear, gifted to the organization by Carrier Sekani Family Services in 2008, represents the children affected by the case. The bear attends every tribunal hearing and plays a central role in the Caring Society’s reconciliation education for children and youth.
Honours, and a second term at NOSM University
Blackstock has received more than 50 awards. She was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019, received Amnesty International’s Person of Conscience Award in 2017, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In 2023 she received the World Children’s Prize, which is voted on by children around the world. In 2025, Children First Canada named her one of ten Champions for Children.
She became NOSM University’s first Chancellor in 2022. On her reappointment, she said:
“Meaningful change happens when we work together in the service of others.”
Follow her work
The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society shares its campaigns, including Jordan’s Principle, Shannen’s Dream and I Am a Witness, along with events like Have a Heart Day and Bear Witness Day. You can become a member, volunteer, request a presentation or follow the Caring Society on Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Questions and answers
Who is Cindy Blackstock?
Cindy Blackstock is a member of the Gitxsan Nation, a social worker and professor at McGill University, and Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. She is known for her advocacy for First Nations children's rights.
What was the human rights case she is known for?
In 2007 the Caring Society and the Assembly of First Nations filed a complaint saying Canada underfunded child welfare for First Nations children on reserve. In January 2016 the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found that this underfunding, and the failure to apply Jordan's Principle, was discriminatory.
Who is Spirit Bear?
Spirit Bear is a bear gifted to the Caring Society by Carrier Sekani Family Services in 2008. It represents the First Nations children affected by the tribunal case, attends hearings, and helps teach children and young people about reconciliation.
