FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2020 – ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB
First Nation citizens living off reserve are about to receive desperately needed assistance as today in Winnipeg, the Government of Canada announced Indigenous Community Support funding for urban and off-reserve members.
“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization and our 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations are pleased to be receiving funding from the Government of Canada to provide assistance to our urban and off-reserve members,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Our Chiefs have done an incredible job to address this crisis, but the economic environment is challenging, and since the COVID-19 pandemic began SCO-member Chiefs have received numerous requests for support, primarily around food and rent security, so this funding will allow us to respond to this critical need.” added Grand Chief Daniels.
SCO will receive $775,165 of the $8.4 million allocated to 17 organizations in Manitoba. The Government of Canada is distributing a total of $90 million nationally to Indigenous organizations and communities providing services to First Nation people living off-reserve, and Indigenous people in urban areas, to support essential services and to prevent and respond to potential COVID-19 outbreaks.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, people and organizations at all levels have taken action to protect and provide supports to some of the most vulnerable and those in need. In May, the Southern Chief’s Organization (SCO) distributed $200,000 through Tribal Councils to support southern First Nation citizens.
“Child poverty, and poor health and living conditions challenge many First Nation people”, noted Grand Chief Daniels. “The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the stress of everyday living and reduced jobs and the availability of basic necessities. Some children, Elders and families are not getting their most basic needs met, and First Nation citizens in Manitoba experience some of the poorest health outcomes in Canada.”
Today’s funding was announced in a socially distanced event by the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface–Saint Vital on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
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For Media Inquiries:
Vic Savino, Communications Officer, Southern Chiefs’ Organization
Winnipeg Sub-Office: (204) 946-1869 | Email: Vic.Savino@scoinc.mb.ca.
SCO Urban and Off-Reserve COVID-19 Funding – July 21, 2020.pdf
