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.
End Legislated Discrimination
SCO is calling on Members of Parliament (MPs) to end the second-generation cut-off in The Indian Act.
The second-generation cut-off is discriminatory. It prevents many First Nations people with status from passing entitlement on to their children and grandchildren.
Southern First Nations have the inherent right and authority to determine our own citizenship and eligibility for registration.
MPs have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to correct this injustice.
Attend SCO’s Brandon Clinic
Do you live in the Westman area and need help accessing SCO services?
SCO is hosting an in-person clinic in Brandon to help you connect with support from a range of SCO programs.
Join us on February 18 and 19, from 9 am to 4 pm, at the Brandon Friendship Centre.
For more information, click here.
Interested in events? Visit our events webpage here!
SCO NEWS
Southern Chiefs' Organization
SCO represents 33 Anishinaabe & Dakota Nations in what is now southern Manitoba https://scoinc.mb.ca/
ABOVE AND BEYOND
When the Chief of Bloodvein River First Nation established checkpoints into the community last year, the goal was to stop drugs and alcohol from entering the Nation, along with deterring illegal hunting.
But according to Chief Lisa Young, the dedicated employees working at the checkpoints have been going WAY above and beyond their regular duties to help serve their fellow citizens, especially with the opening of the winter road system.
Members of the checkpoint team have recently pulled numerous drivers out of the ditch; assisted a pedestrian in distress who was on the verge of freezing to death; and even helped a family with transporting a deceased loved one to a funeral service.
Pictured here are 5 of 12 team members who are providing vital round-the-clock service to their Nation.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is grateful to Chief Young for the shout-out. We are pleased to join her in saluting the hard-working checkpoint squad who are doing what they can to enhance the safety and well-being of everyone they meet.
#SCOINCMB #SCOChangemakers #BloodveinRiverFirstNation #Bloodvein #checkpoint #safety #FNSO #MFNPS #community #service #TreatyFive #Manitoba
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SCO IS HIRING A RESTORATIVE HEALING ADVOCATE: APPLY BY FEB. 12
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is seeking a Restorative Healing Advocate.
The Restorative Healing Advocate works closely with victims whose criminal charges have been diverted through restorative justice.
This may include people who are impacted by intimate partner violence and/or family violence.
This role helps empower victims through a trauma-informed, victim-centred approach, offering wrap-around support services and culturally holistic programming.
The Advocate may also provide support and advocacy outside of the diversion process by assisting victims as they navigate the criminal justice system, including attending court, parole board hearings, or mediations.
This position is based in Winnipeg and requires travel to various SCO member First Nations.
SCO offers competitive compensation, an excellent pension and benefits package, and a positive work environment.
Apply for this opportunity by Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Find full details on our website: scoinc.mb.ca/restorative-healing-advocate/
#SCOINCMB #SCOCareers #SCOJustice #RestorativeHealing #treatyone #winnipeg #manitoba
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JOIN SCO AT THE ANNUAL WOMEN’S MEMORIAL MARCH IN WINNIPEG ON FEB. 14
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) invites you to walk with us at the Annual Women’s Memorial March of Manitoba.
This event honours and remembers missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse peoples (MMIWG2S+).
It is also a time to gather in support of impacted families and Survivors.
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 2 pm
Location: Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory (starting location to be announced)
The loss of our loved ones continues to affect our Nations. Coming together helps keep their memories alive and strengthens our call for change.
SCO is proud to support this march and to stand with families and community members.
We remain committed to safety, healing, and justice for First Nations.
Learn about SCO’s MMIWG2S+ Support Program on our website at: scoinc.mb.ca/mmiwg2s-support-program/
#SCOINCMB #MMIWG #MMIWG2S+ #honour #remember #love #TreatyOne #Winnipeg #Manitoba
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RETURN, REBURIAL, RESPECT…
… That formed the discussion at a recent important community gathering in the Skownan First Nation.
Led by Knowledge Keeper Joseph Maud and Anishinaabemowin translator Ken Catcheway, meeting attendees heard from representatives from the University of Manitoba (UM) about the Bringing Our Ancestors Home Initiative.
The university’s leadership held an official apology ceremony last year after it was learned that the school’s anthropology department has human remains and artifacts from Skownan.
Those remains were taken from their resting places in 1974.
Under the advice of the university’s Elders Circle, those ancestors are now being housed in a private and dignified way at the UM until they can finally make their way home.
This meeting gave community members the opportunity to provide input and share knowledge to assist in the repatriation of the ancestors in a respectful and culturally appropriate way.
The goal is to bring them home this year.
Reconciliation is happening and evolving in many ways across this land we now all share.
Today the Southern Chiefs’ Organization highlights the efforts of the UM for pursuing this effort in a lasting and meaningful way.
#SCOINCMB #SCOElders #SkownanFirstNation #Skownan #SKO #UM #UniversityofManitoba #ancestors #remains #anthropology #RRRC #reconciliation #artifacts #TreatyTwo #Manitoba
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WATCH “OPEN THE DOOR:” NEW MUSIC VIDEO BY FRANCES SINCLAIR-KASPICK
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to share "Open the Door," an Indigenous disABILITY music video co-produced and co-written by Frances Sinclair-Kaspick of Peguis First Nation.
"Open the Door" celebrates Indigenous people living with disABILITIES and shares a powerful message of inclusion, understanding, and opportunity.
Frances, who recently celebrated her 70th birthday, wrote the lyrics and helped bring the song and video to life through her vision and lived experience.
The music video invites viewers to open their minds and hearts, and to support greater access to education, employment, social connection, spiritual gatherings, and cultural ceremonies for Indigenous people with disABILITIES.
"Open the Door" is an important artistic and advocacy piece that uplifts Indigenous disABILITY voices and calls for more inclusive communities.
SCO is proud to support Frances’ work through our First Nations Disability Program.
We supported the premiere screening of "Open the Doors" by working alongside Frances and community members to help bring the event together.
Watch the full music video on our website at: scoinc.mb.ca/open-the-door/
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Learn about SCO’s First Nations Disability Program here: scoinc.mb.ca/first-nations-disability-program/
Image description: The image with this post is a screenshot from the video, which shows a young person in a wheelchair ready to throw a basketball while a group of supporters cheers them on in the background.
#SCOINCMB #SCOHealth #SCOChangemaker #disABILITY #music #PeguisFirstNation #Peguis #TreatyOne #Winnipeg #Manitoba
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Media
SCO represents 32 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
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (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, Traditional Healers, 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!