The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government is hosting a community event in Dawson City, Yukon, on May 9, 2026, to observe Bear Witness Day. The gathering will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Front Street Farmer’s Market, offering residents a chance to participate in cultural activities and learning.
Bear Witness Day is typically held annually on May 10 to honour Jordan River Anderson, a five-year-old from Norway House Cree Nation who passed away in 2005. The day serves as a national call to action for the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle, a legal rule ensuring First Nations children receive the health and social services they need without delays caused by disputes between different levels of government.
This year’s observance carries extra significance as 2026 marks the 21st anniversary of Jordan’s Principle. Furthermore, the Canadian Senate passed a motion on February 5, 2026, that formally recognized May 10 as Bear Witness Day across the country.
The event highlights the symbol of Spirit Bear, the mascot created by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society to represent Jordan’s Principle. The symbol was chosen because a teddy bear was a favourite toy of Jordan River Anderson, who the principle is named after.
