by Philippa Pictou, Health Director, Pictou Landing

Pictou Landing held a community celebration on April 20, 2013 upon winning the landmark case upholding Jordan’s Principle, ordering the Federal government to reimburse the band for Jeremy’s care and allowing him to remain in the community.

Cindy Blackstock, executive director of the First Nation Caring Society and Paul Champ, lawyer for Pictou Landing and Maurina Beadle came from Ottawa for the event.

The joy was palpable as Jeremy smiled and danced in his wheelchair to the drumming. We were honoured to have three drum groups come, East Boyz, Eastern Eagle and the All Nations Drummers.

Cindy Blackstock presented Maurina Beadle with the Queen’s Jubilee Award that she received for her dedication to the Jordan’s Principle and devotion to caring for Jeremy.

Cindy and Paul both spoke about the significance of winning for the community and for all First Nations children across the country.

Maurina, Cindy, Paul and Philippa were all honoured for their work on the case, and the Residential School survivors honoured Jeremy with a dream catcher.

Doreen Bernard and Mary Hatfield spoke of the importance of keeping our children in our communities and never allowing them to be forced into institutions again.

Dennis Francis was officially presented with a special tricycle that the community had rallied around to fund raise for him. He came up to the microphone to receive it thanking everybody.

The celebration ended with food and a Jordan’s Principle cake.

Tags: All Nations Drummers, Cindy Blackstock, Dennis Francis, Doreen Bernard, East Boyz, Eastern Eagle, First Nation Caring Society, Jeremy Meawasige, Jordan’s Principle, Mary Hatfield, Maurina Beadle, Paul Champ, Philippa Pictou, Pictou Landing, Queen’s Jubilee Award, residential school survivors