In 2019, Attawapiskat First Nation Education Authority submitted a three year Mental Wellness Group Project proposal to Indigenous Services Canada for Jordan’s Principle mental health group funding. AFNEA was successful in securing funding and integrated a Community and School-based Mental Health and Wellness Initiative, called, the AFNEA Wellness Initiative. The project utilizes its funding to provide mental health support services, cultural land-based programming, and community development for the schools and community. The funding for year 1 was approved in August of 2019. The funding for years 2 and 3 were approved on March 31, 2020.

Jordan’s Principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. He was a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Jordan’s Principle funding ensures all First Nations children can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. This can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs. The AFNEA Wellness Initiative works to provide mental health services, community-development, and culturally-based activities, that are community identified, to promote health and wellness for children and youth.