Indigenous Services Canada Housing and Jordan's Principle

The First Nations On-Reserve Housing Program helps support First Nations in providing more and better quality housing in their communities.

Jordan's Principle is a human rights principle largely defined by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to make sure that First Nations children do not face gaps or delays in accessing government services and are not denied government services because of their identity as First Nations children.

First Nations in all provinces and Yukon that receive annual housing funding allocations through ISC's 1996 On-Reserve Housing Policy do not need to apply. Applicants located in British Columbia are eligible under the BC Housing Support Program.

There is no fee for First Nations children to access Jordan's Principle.

The fund helps First Nations get loans from financial institutions and build, buy or renovate a house on reserve lands.

Between July 2016 and September 30, 2025, more than 10.05 million products, services and supports were approved under Jordan's Principle. These included:

• speech therapy
• educational supports
• medical equipment
• mental health services

ISC does not cover the full cost of housing. First Nations communities and their residents are also expected to secure funding from other sources for their housing needs including shelter charges and private sector loans.

Do not call Jordan's Principle as we are not able to provide emergency services.

To apply to the BC Housing Support Program, please contact the ISC British Columbia regional office at 1-800-567-9604 or 604-775-5100 and ask to speak to the housing officer assigned to your community.

Regional focal points and service coordinators will help you submit a request for free.