Reconciliation in Action.
A Bold Vision for a Better Future.
SCO’s Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn Project Reimagines Iconic Hudson’s Bay Heritage Building After HBC Governor Makes Historic Gift
A Bold Vision for a New Future
SCO is transforming the iconic Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) heritage building in downtown Winnipeg. SCO has a visionary plan to turn the building into a space for economic and social reconciliation.
The Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project is the largest redevelopment of an historic building in Manitoba. Its revitalization will help to revive Winnipeg’s downtown.
Read more about the project here.
Save the Date: Binasi Economic Development Forum in March 2027
Binasi is back!
SCO and Southern Chiefs’ Economic Development invite you to register for Binasi 2027.
Join us on March 3 and 4, 2027, at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.
The forum will feature presentations, inspiring speakers, a trade show, networking opportunities, and the opportunity to connect, learn, and showcase First Nations economic development.
To register or to sponsor the event, click here.
SCO Honours First Nations Veterans
SCO is honouring First Nations Veterans, sharing their stories, and recognizing their service and sacrifices leading up to Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8 and Remembrance Day on November 11.
Through our First Nations Veterans Program, SCO advocates for First Nations Veterans and helps connect them with support and resources.
Visit and contribute to our Veterans’ Wall of Honour, which recognizes Veterans from SCO’s 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota member Nations.
Visit our Veterans Events page to find events and opportunities to honour those who served.
Learn more about SCO’s work to honour First Nations Veterans.
Interested in events? Visit our events webpage here!
Southern Chiefs' Organization
(opens in a new tab)SCO represents 33 Anishinaabe & Dakota Nations in what is now southern Manitoba https://scoinc.mb.ca/
OPENING OF SCO’S 4TH ANNUAL VETERANS SUMMIT
The 4th Annual First Nations Veterans Summit opens with a pipe and drum performance by the Warriors of the Wing Drum Group and The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums.
#SCOINCMB #SCOVeterans #FirstNations #Lestweforget #summit
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WEARING INDIGENOUS-CRAFTED POPPIES TO HONOUR VETERANS
Did you know? The National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee approves of members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to wear Indigenous-crafted poppies on their lapels as an act of remembrance.
The decision, made in 2025, recognizes the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Veterans and serving members.
Indigenous-crafted poppies can be made using materials such as beads, porcupine quills, sealskin, caribou bone, and other materials.
The Canadian Armed Forces encourages members to purchase these handmade poppies from Indigenous vendors.
As we prepare to honour Veterans on Indigenous Veterans Day, November 8, and Remembrance Day, November 11, SCO encourages everyone to wear a poppy in recognition of the service and sacrifices of First Nations Veterans, past and present.
Learn about SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program: scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-program/
#SCOINCMB #SCOVeterans #FirstNations #RemembranceDay #LestWeForget
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PLAN TO ATTEND: EVENTS HONOURING VETERANS IN MANITOBA
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is compiling a list of events happening in southern Manitoba to honour Veterans as we approach Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8 and Remembrance Day on November 11.
These days are an opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifices of Veterans who have served, and continue to serve, Canada during times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
Visit our website to see the growing list of events honouring First Nations Veterans: scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-events/
Do you know of an event happening in southern Manitoba to honour or support First Nations Veterans? Feel free to share the details in the comments.
You can also send event information to: media@scoinc.mb.ca
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Learn about SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program at: scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-program/
#SCOINCMB #IndigenousVeteransDay #RemembranceDay #FirstNationsVeterans #Manitoba
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WORKING TOGETHER
Today, at the site of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s (SCO) transformative Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project in downtown Winnipeg, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a multi-million-dollar commitment towards ending homelessness in Winnipeg, along with money earmarked for a new substance misuse and mental health centre.
The funding outlined in the federal government’s recently-released budget is part of a $1 billion promise to build new housing and provide other services in the city, including 2000 new transitional and permanent supportive housing units.
SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels; Chief Gordon Bluesky of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation; Chief Tréchelle Bunn of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation; Chief Jason Daniels of Swan Lake First Nation; Chief David Meeches of Long Plain First Nation; Chief Derek Nepinak of Minegoziibe Anishinabe; Chief Don Smoke of Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation; and SCO’s Chief Executive Officer Jolene Mercer were on hand for today’s announcement.
Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman of the Board of True North Sports + Entertainment, also spoke at the event. SCO has partnered with True North Real Estate Development Limited to develop a 15-storey residential tower as part of a historic not-for-profit partnership based on Call to Action #92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Other leaders in attendance included Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew; Winnipeg's Mayor Scott Gillingham; Montreal’s Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada; Brandon’s Mayor Jeff Fawcett; Assembly of First Nations Manitoba Regional Chief Willie Moore; Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee; the Honourable Bernadette Smith, Manitoba’s Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness; the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Canada’s Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs; the Honourable Greg Robertson, Canada’s Minister of Housing and Infrastructure; Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Terry Duguid; Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, Ben Carr; and Winnipeg Jets co-owner, David Thompson.
SCO is delighted to learn of this commitment. It will be an ideal compliment to our Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn initiative in the former Hudson’s Bay building—this historic redevelopment will create homes and cultural spaces for generations to come.
We cannot do this work alone!
SCO is grateful to learn the federal government shares in our vision of making the spirit of downtown Winnipeg visible once again.
To learn more about our Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project, visit: scoinc.mb.ca/wehwehneh-bahgahkinahgohn/
#SCOINCMB #WehwehnehBahgahkinahgohn #Winnipeg #TreatyOne #Manitoba
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THIRTY YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) was proud to take part in the 30th Annual National Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony today in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.
SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program Manager, Justin Woodcock, and Angela Brass, our Unhoused Veterans Coordinator, were honoured to lay a wreath at the Neeginan Centre.
The gathering paid tribute to the courage, service, and sacrifices of Indigenous Veterans.
Miigwetch, pidamaya ye, and thank you to everyone who attended and helped organize this year’s ceremony, including the students of the Aboriginal Community Campus.
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To learn about SCO's First Nations Veterans Program, visit: scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-program/
#SCOINCMB #SCOVeterans #FirstNations #lestweforget #TreatyOne
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Media
SCO represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations in what is now southern Manitoba. Browse our news archive and stay up-to-date on coverage of our work to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance the lives and rights of First Nations peoples.
Programs and Services
SCO works to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance the inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions of Anishinaabe and Dakota citizens, by working in critical areas such as Child and Family Services, Health Transformation, Justice, Water and Environment, Harm Reduction, Jordan’s Principle, Crisis Response, Non-Insured Health Benefits, Status Card and IDs, and First Nations Veterans.
Education
We compiled a comprehensive resource list to help you find financial supports for post-secondary education, including scholarships, bursaries, awards, and the Canada Learning Bond.
You can also access information on residential and day schools, the Sixties Scoop, MMIWG2S+, getting help on government programs and services, anti-racism, as well as information on how to get your benefits, and a curated list to read, watch, and listen!