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/
SCO OFFICE CLOSURE: NOV. 9 & 11
The offices of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) are closed on Monday, November 9, 2026, in honour of Indigenous Veterans Day.
Our offices are also closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in recognition of Remembrance Day.
We honour and recognize all Veterans for their valiant bravery, sacrifice, and achievements.
Our offices will be open on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and Thursday, November 12, 2026. Our offices are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. They close from noon to 1 pm for lunch.
If you know a Veteran from one of our SCO member Nations who should be featured on our Wall of Honour, please send us an email: media@scoinc.mb.ca
To learn more about the SCO's First Nations Veterans Program, visit: scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-program/
#SCOINCMB #SCOVeterans #RemembranceDay #lestweforget #Manitoba
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HONOURING OUR VETERANS
It’s National Indigenous Veterans Day with events happening across Manitoba. That includes a special pow wow in Long Plain First Nation. Join us now live for the Grand Entry.
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HONOURING A LIFE OF SERVICE: JUSTIN WOODCOCK
A special moment took place at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) 4th Annual First Nations Veterans Summit.
Staff members took time to recognized the service and contributions of Justin Woodcock, a proud member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
Justin is a Veteran and he is also SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program Manager.
Jenna Campbell and Angela Brass, staff from the First Nations Veterans Program, joined others in wrapping Justin in a poppy quilt.
Justin’s commitment to service began long before his work with SCO.
He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2009, serving 5 years in the Regular Force Army and 3 years in the Regular Force Royal Canadian Navy.
Today, he leads the only program of its kind in Canada.
As the manager of SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program, Justin works to ensure First Nations Veterans and their families have access to the support, services, and resources they deserve.
Through his leadership, Justin continues to make a difference in the lives of Veterans and their families across SCO member Nations.
SCO is proud to recognize Justin’s years of service, his dedication to First Nations Veterans, and the work he continues to lead.
Join us in congratulating Justin on this well-deserved recognition!
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To learn more about SCO's First Nations Veterans Program, visit: scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-program/
#SCOINCMB #SCOVeterans #FirstNations #Lestweforget #summit
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SERVING THE UNSEEN
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) was proud to host our Fourth Annual First Nations Veterans Summit on Treaty One Territory.
Elders Floyd and Faylene Sutherland started the gathering with a pipe ceremony and prayers to start in a good way.
We heard opening remarks from Grand Chief Jerry Daniels; Manitoba’s Military Envoy and Member of the Legislative Assembly, Robert Loiselle; and Member of Parliament Douglas Eyolfson.
RCMP Veteran and Chief Lawrence Letander of Dauphin River First Nation; Chief Kurvis Anderson of Pinaymootang First Nation; and SCO Youth Chief Billy Bird of Peguis First Nation, were also in attendance.
This year’s theme, “Serving the Unseen,” focused on issues that do not always receive enough attention in the Veteran community.
These include the experiences of military families, service-related mental health challenges, soldier suicide, and Veteran homelessness.
Canadian Army Veteran Dennis MacKenzie gave the keynote presentation, sharing his lived experience navigating mental health challenges after service.
He also performed his song “Lanterns,” honouring those lost to suicide.
A Veteran family panel gave family members an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives.
Chi-miigwetch, pidamaya ye, and thank you to all the First Nations Veterans, currently serving members, families, speakers, Elders, drum groups, service providers, and everyone who attended.
SCO remains committed to honouring First Nations Veterans, recognizing their experiences, and advocating for the supports they deserve.
Here’s a look back at some moments from this year’s gathering.
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To learn more SCO's First Nations Veterans Program, visit: scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-program/
#SCOINCMB #SCOVeterans #FirstNations #Lestweforget #Manitoba
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ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH BURSARY: APPLY BY DEC. 15
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is sharing information about a bursary program.
The Environmental Health Foundation of Canada offers a bursary in collaboration with Indigenous Services Canada.
It supports Indigenous students who are pursuing an education to become Environmental Public Health Officers.
These officers help identify, manage, and prevent environmental health hazards to protect people and communities.
The bursary can help cover tuition and some living expenses.
Eligible students can apply for support for each year of their academic journey.
To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in an educational program accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.
Apply by December 15, 2026.
To learn more about eligibility or to apply, visit: www.ehfc.ca/bursaries-information
#SCOINCMB #SCOHealth #SCOYouth #student #bursary
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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!