Jordan's Principle Tutoring
Jordan's Principle can pay for tutoring for a First Nations child when the tutoring meets a need that child has. Indigenous Services Canada decides each request.
By Lance Boer, RISE Alberni ·
Can Jordan's Principle Pay for Tutoring?
It can. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) lists tutoring among the supports it has funded through Jordan's Principle for First Nations children, who in BC can apply until they turn 19. ISC decides each request on its own. It asks for a letter of support linking the tutoring to your child's specific need, and a cost breakdown.
Who Can Apply?
A First Nations child under 19 who lives in Canada can apply if any one of these is true:
- Your child is registered, or eligible to be registered, under the Indian Act.
- One parent or guardian is registered, or eligible to be registered.
- Your child's Nation recognizes them for Jordan's Principle.
- Your child usually lives on reserve.
Not sure whether your child is registered? The NTC Indian Registration Administrator serves Tseshaht, Hupačasath, and other Nations.
How Do We Apply?
1. Get a letter of support
It comes from someone who knows your child: a teacher or school counsellor, a doctor or other health professional, an Elder, or a Knowledge Keeper. It should say what your child is struggling with and how tutoring would help. If your child has an IEP or a student support plan, include it.
2. Get a cost breakdown
K-12 tutoring in Port Alberni with RISE is $60 a session, or $55 each when you prepay for two or more. Tell us how many sessions you have in mind and we'll write out the cost breakdown ISC asks for.
3. Fill in the request form
ISC's individual and family request form is a PDF that won't open on a phone. For help with it, call the BCANDS Provincial Jordan's Principle Program at 1-888-815-5511, extension 203, or ask your Nation's office or the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council who handles Jordan's Principle requests locally.
4. Send it to ISC
Email the form and the letter to ISC's BC office at principedejordancb-bcjordansprinciple@sac-isc.gc.ca. Questions go to the BC office at 778-951-0716, weekdays 8:00 to 4:00, or to 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453), open 24 hours a day.
5. Wait for a yes before paying
ISC recommends not paying for services until your request is approved. Once it is, ISC can pay RISE directly or pay you back.
What to Know Before You Apply
- Since February 2025, each request has to show that your child faced a gap or delay in getting a government service, or was denied one, because they are a First Nations child.
- School-related requests have to link to your child's own need. Requests for supports that an off-reserve school board or private school would normally provide go to the school board instead.
- A past approval doesn't guarantee a new one.
- ISC says high demand has put it behind on requests.
- The current funding runs to March 31, 2027.
What Families Ask
Do we have to live on reserve?
No. Living on reserve is one way to qualify. A child who is registered or eligible under the Indian Act, or whose parent is, can apply from anywhere in Canada.
Can my child start tutoring before ISC decides?
Yes, at the regular rate, paid by you. ISC recommends not paying for services before approval, so plan on covering any sessions before the yes yourself.
How long does a decision take?
ISC has been ordered to decide urgent requests within 12 hours and others within 48 hours of getting everything it needs. ISC also says high demand has put it behind, so expect longer.
What if ISC says no?
You have one year from the decision to appeal. ISC aims to review an appeal within 30 business days.
Is RISE part of Jordan's Principle?
No. RISE is a tutoring provider. Indigenous Services Canada decides every request, and we can't approve one or promise an answer.
Sources: Indigenous Services Canada, Submit a Jordan's Principle request and the February 2025 operational bulletin; the February 2026 funding announcement; and BCANDS. Checked September 23, 2026.