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. Working closely with HBC and our federal, provincial, and municipal Treaty partners, SCO has developed 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.
SCO First Nations Veterans Summit
SCO is hosting the fourth annual First Nations Veterans Summit on November 7, 2026, in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.
This year’s theme is “Serving the Unseen,” focusing on issues that do not always receive enough attention in the Veteran community.
The gathering is open to First Nations Veterans, currently serving Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP Veterans, families and caregivers, and Veteran service organizations.
Learn more and register here.
Save the Date: Binasi Economic Development Forum on March 3 & 4, 2027
Binasi is back!
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (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.
Interested in events? Visit our events webpage here!
SCO NEWS
Southern Chiefs' Organization
(opens in a new tab)SCO represents 33 Anishinaabe & Dakota Nations in what is now southern Manitoba https://scoinc.mb.ca/
ROCK THE VOTE: QUESTIONS THAT MATTER TO FIRST NATIONS
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) attended the Winnipeg Mayoral Candidates Forum in Treaty One Territory to ask questions and listen to how candidates plan to address issues affecting First Nations citizens.
One key issue was regarding how the City of Winnipeg responds to people experiencing mental health crises, substance use challenges, and homelessness.
The city has identified more than 10,000 police, fire, and paramedic calls each year that may be better addressed through community-based supports.
Grand Chief Daniels asked the candidates:
“How will you ensure First Nations people experiencing a crisis can access culturally safe supports grounded in our knowledge, traditional healing, and trauma-informed care, rather than relying primarily on emergency services?”
Participants discussed options such as involving Elders, sending mental health professionals instead of police to respond to some crises, and strengthening partnerships between First Nations organizations and the city to address the root causes of these challenges.
All 12 mayoral candidates attended the forum, alongside First Nations leadership, citizens, and members of the public.
Grand Chief Daniels and Chief EJ Fontaine of Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation, representing Treaty One Nations Inc., took part in the event—the two leaders are encouraging First Nations citizens to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
Your vote matters. Know the candidates, ask questions, and rock the vote!
Here’s a look back at the forum.
Learn more: www.winnipeg.ca/city-governance/wards-elections/2026-election
#SCOINCMB #rockthevote #MayoralCandidatesForum #Winnipeg #TreatyOne
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
SCO MARKS CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is marking another milestone in the transformation of the former Hudson’s Bay Company building as the tower crane at Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn has completed the work it was required to perform.
Work to dismantle the crane started on October 15, 2026, and was completed yesterday on October 20, 2026.
The previously closed north bound lane on Memorial Boulevard is now open.
The crane’s removal marks the completion of its role in construction and reflects the progress being made to bring new life to this landmark building in downtown Winnipeg. Construction will continue as work moves forward on the project.
“Every milestone at Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn brings us closer to realizing our vision for a place where our citizens can live, work, access services, and celebrate our cultures,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.
“The tower crane has served its purpose, and its removal is a visible sign of the work accomplished. We are proud of the workers and partners helping us to build a stronger future for our Nations and contribute to the renewal of downtown Winnipeg.”
Read our full statement on the crane removal at: scoinc.mb.ca/crane-removal/
#SCOINCMB #WehwehnehBahgahkinahgohn #economicreconciliation #FirstNations #Winnipeg
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
SCO HIRING MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM MEMBER: APPLY BY OCTOBER 22
The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is seeking a Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) Member.
The MCRT Members work to support southern First Nation citizens and communities by focusing on crisis intervention and mental health and substance misuse navigation while benefiting from southern Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and culturally appropriate mental health and wellness service providers.
As qualified, trauma-informed professionals, they will be trained for rapid response and case coordination services to ensure clients have after care plans and ongoing support.
SCO offers competitive compensation, along with a strong pension and benefits package, and a positive work environment.
Apply for this opportunity by Thursday, October 22, 2026.
To learn more about the position, visit: scoinc.mb.ca/mobile-crisis-response-team-member/
#SCOINCMB #SCOYouth #FirstNations #childwelfare #careers
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
SCO STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH EISHIA HUDSON’S FAMILY
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) stands in solidarity with the family of the late Eishia Hudson of Berens River First Nation following the conclusion of the inquest hearings into her death.
The 8-and-a-half-month inquest ended on October 15, 2026, marking an important point in the pursuit of answers and accountability for Eishia and her family.
“Eishia’s family deserves answers, and her life must never be forgotten. The conclusion of these hearings is not the end in this pursuit of justice. We must listen to First Nations families, hold systems accountable, and take meaningful action to address the root causes of violence against our women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse relatives. We owe it to Eishia and to future generations to do better,” says Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.
To read our full statement, visit: scoinc.mb.ca/solidarity-with-eishia-hudsons-family/
#SCOINCMB #SCOYouth #MMIWG2S+ #FirstNations #BerensRiverFirstNation
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
SCO STANDS WITH THOSE IMPACTED BY THE TRAGEDY IN WAINWRIGHT, ALBERTA
Trigger warning: If you find this video upsetting, you can reach out to the Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
They offer free, confidential, short-term psychological support and mental health counselling to all Veterans, former RCMP members, their families, and caregivers.
***
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) grieves the tragic passing of those we have lost as a result of a tragedy at the Canadian Forces Base in Wainwright, Alberta on the weekend.
SCO sends strength to the service members who were injured and who are fighting to heal.
Watch this video to hear from Veterans in southern Manitoba, who are also members of the SCO staff team.
Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, their loved ones, and everyone who has been impacted by this heartbreaking situation.
#SCOINCMB #CAF #CFB #Wainwright #SCOVeterans
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
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!