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
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to announce its project to transform the iconic Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) heritage building in downtown Winnipeg. Working closely with HBC and our federal, provincial, and municipal Treaty partners, SCO has developed a visionary plan that will turn the building into a space for economic and social reconciliation.
The multi-million dollar project will create social and economic opportunity, revitalizing the HBC building while preserving its important heritage and helping to revive Winnipeg’s downtown core.
Read more about the SCO HBC Building Project here.
Every Child Matters
SCO has launched a month of reflection and commemration, and our third annual “Every Child Matters” Truth and Reconciliation campaign.
SCO’s ‘Every Child Matters’ multi-media campaign will be visible on billboards and transit signs in Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Dauphin, Selkirk, and Morden. The message will also be reflected on all SCO social media streams, our website, and in traditional media advertising.
“Today and every day, I call on all Manitobans and Canadians to learn the truth about the little ones who never came home and what Survivors endured,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “My sincere hope is that this campaign will help build a solid foundation for reconciliation and understanding between all cultures as we continue a collective path to healing.”
SCO Encourages You to Vote on October 3!
SCO is encouraging southern First Nation citizens to get involved in the democratic process and to cast their ballots in advance polls or on election day October 3, 2023.
Get more information about how to vote in the provincial election.
We are sharing information about:
- Advance voting
- Voting on election day, October 3
- Absentee voting: How to vote if you are away from home between now until October 3
- Homebound voting
- Identification and voting
Visit our webpage here to learn more!
Grand Chief
Jerry Daniels
Jerry Daniels is Grand Chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), representing 34 Anishnaabe and Dakota communities in southern Manitoba. In January of 2020, he was acclaimed for a second term, the first time a Grand Chief has run unopposed in SCO’s history.
Media
SCO represents 34 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.
Community
Want news and updates from our communities? Looking for in-depth information and discussion on issues important to the lives of First Nation peoples? Interested in meeting our staff and finding out what they do as part of SCO? We cover all this and more in our community-focused newsletter.
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+, anti-racism, and Treaty Rights, as well as information on how to Get Your Benefits! and a curated list to read, watch and listen!
Southern Chiefs' Organization
SCO represents 34 Anishinaabe & Dakota Nations in what is now southern Manitoba https://scoinc.mb.ca/
A LOOK BACK: ROSEAU RIVER ANNUAL POW WOW
Today, the citizens of the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation are celebrating their Treaty day!
Members can pick up their Treaty payment at the Government Office today, September 22, until 4 pm.
Representatives from the Southern Chiefs’ Organization enjoyed attending the annual pow wow earlier this summer.
Our Grand Chief Jerry Daniels was honoured to dance at the Roseau River pow wow in honour of his late kookoo, Isabel Daniels.
Enjoy a look back at some of the guests, vendors, and dancers wearing their beautiful regalia.
#SCOINCMB #SCOYOUTH #roseauriveranishinabefirstnation #roseauriver #firstnation #TreatyDay #treaty #HonourTheTreaties #anishinaabe #manitoba
SUPPORT HARM REDUCTION ON OUR NATIONS
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is seeking a compassionate person to fill the role of Harm Reduction Educator Specialist.
In this position, you will assist in developing and delivering a comprehensive, culturally relevant education and awareness campaign focused on reducing the harm associated with substance use.
The Harm Reduction Educator Specialist will also administer a granting program for southern First Nations to support land-based substance addictions recovery.
Apply by 4:30 pm on October 5, 2023.
For more information or to apply for this exciting opportunity, visit: scoinc.mb.ca/harm-reduction-educator-specialist/
#SCOINCMB #SCOYouth #harmreduction #addictionsrecovery #hiring #careers #careers #jobs #opportunities #FirstNation #Indigenous #Treaty1 #TreatyOne #Winnipeg #Manitoba
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION WEEK IN BRANDON
Join events happening in Brandon, Manitoba for Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 26 to October 1! All are welcome and each event is free to attend.
Note: All events will be on the grounds of the Riverbank Discovery Centre, except the flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday at City Hall. See the graphic for more details.
Tuesday, September 26
7 am to 8:30 pm: Sunrise ceremony, lighting of the Sacred Fire, flag raising, and teachings throughout the day
Wednesday, September 27
6:30 pm: Learn about “The Land as a Teacher”
Thursday, September 28
6:30 pm: Orange shirt story time and conversation with Survivors along with Two Eyed Seeing, Drone and Tech & Traditional Wisdom
Friday, September 29
6:30 pm: Learn about traditional foods and medicine
Saturday, September 30
10 am to 5 pm: Teachings, walk, food, and refreshments throughout the day
Sunday, October 1
10 am to 2 pm: Blanket exercise and closing ceremony, including#manitoba
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization has a web page sharing information about events taking place for Truth and Reconciliation in September 2023.
See the list here: scoinc.mb.ca/2023nationaldayfortruthandreconciliation/
**If your First Nation is hosting an event that is not yet listed, feel free to share your event poster in the comments and/or email information to: media@scoinc.mb.ca
#SCOINCMB #TruthAndReconciliation #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #healing #learning #education #Brandon #Manitoba
ENGAGING YOUTH
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s (SCO) Justice Department played host to a lively and important gathering geared towards our young citizens earlier this week.
Elders, staff, and youth from our Nations took part in our first-ever Youth Justice Forum in Winnipeg.
Participants were reminded of sacred teachings and then reflected on them as they shared their own experiences within the current colonial justice systems.
Elders Gloria Lalman, Donna Pratt, and Laura Pratt shared their wisdom and helped guide the way to lively discussions.
SCO is committed to supporting justice through traditional systems of governance and law. Together, we will reduce the overrepresentation of our citizens within the Canadian criminal justice system.
We want to commend our Youth Justice Coordinator Dylan Peyachew, Acting Justice Director Wes Courchene, and everyone who played a role in making this important meeting come to life. We hope this is just the beginning as we use justice as a way to restore health and balance within our communities.
You can read much more about SCO’s justice initiatives at: scoinc.mb.ca/justice-and-rights/
#SCOINCMB #SCOYouth #Anishinaabe #Dakota #justice #restorativejustice #youth #FirstNation #FirstNations #sacredteaching #learning #sharing #TreatyOne #Manitoba
Attended . I felt uncomfortable at this event and ended up leaving early .. mainly because of all the photos being taken. Was all the pictures being taken of literally everything just to make this post on social media ? Seems disingenuous & like a photo op for social media. Disappointing.
TRANSFORMING HEALTH FOR SOUTHERN FIRST NATIONS
As the Health Transformation team at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) continues their work in establishing a health authority, staff came together at FortWhyte Alive earlier this week to meet one another and discuss their projects.
Staff did a team-building activity and shared information about their efforts within the 34 southern SCO First Nations. Recent work includes interviews about racism in health care, collecting data on what health resources exist in each First Nation, and delivering surveys to youth to find out what SCO could do to support them in pursuing a career in healthcare.
As one team member said, “The goal is getting First Nation communities what they need.”
SCO is grateful for our team’s collaboration and hard work in laying the foundation for our very own health authority.
#SCOINCMB #SCOYouth #SCOHealth #HealthTransformation #FirstNations #FirstNation #health #wellness #Manitoba
