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.
SCO Annual Donation Drive
SCO is pleased to host our second annual Donation Drive to support our unhoused relatives in Winnipeg.
We will be accepting various donations at our Winnipeg sub-offices at 1572 Dublin Avenue or 202-600 Empress Street.
SCO has chosen the Main Street Project as this year’s beneficiary for our donation drive. Every year during the holiday season, the Main Street Project gathers donated items and assembles more than 500 gift packages so that each of their community members has their own gift to open the morning of December 25th.
For more information and to review the list of donations we will be accepting, visit our Donation Drive webpage.
SCO and SFNNC Holiday Open House
Southern Chiefs’ Organization and the Southern First Nations Network of Care are excited to invite you to join us for our Holiday Open House!
Join us and celebrate the holidays as we enjoy refreshments and good company.
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
202-600 Empress Street Winnipeg, MB
11:00am – 2:00pm
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/
SCO ACKNOWLEDGES WORLD AIDS DAY
December 1st is World AIDS Day.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) joins others around the globe in remembering those we have lost as a result of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
To find out more about HIV, visit: www.catie.ca/essentials/hiv-basics
In Manitoba, recent data shows that the number of people living with HIV in the province grew from 111 to 169, or 52 per cent, from 2018 to 2021. Within that same time period, the number of people who self-identified as Indigenous and were living with HIV increased from 51 per cent to 73 per cent.
The increasing number of HIV infections within our communities is the result of colonization and systemic racism.
SCO would like to remind the citizens of our Nations, that to reduce the risk of HIV transmission, it is a good idea to speak with health care providers about the different prevention methods and testing available.
Remember, the only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. To see existing testing options in Manitoba, please visit serc.mb.ca/sexual-health-info/safer-sex-stbbis/stbbi-testing-in-manitoba/
We also want to remind First Nations citizens that SCO offers comprehensive harm reduction services through our Harm Reduction Program and Land-Based Healing Fund. You can find out more at: scoinc.mb.ca/harmreduction/
This World AIDS Day, and every day, we call on all levels of government to embrace First Nation harm reduction models, and to advocate for accessible testing, treatment, and education about HIV and AIDS.
Together, we can end the stigma and discrimination that is faced by those living with HIV.
#SCOINCMB #SCOHealth #WorldAIDSDay #harmreduction #Manitoba
CONGRATULATIONS TO LITTLE GRAND RAPIDS CHIEF AND COUNCIL
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) extends congratulations to Clinton Keeper (Mishkoosh) on being elected as Chief of Little Grand Rapids First Nation.
SCO also extends our congratulations to Councillors Roy Dunsford, Clinton Keeper (Mishkoosh), Diane Keeper, Cher Kejick, Wendy Leveque, and Blair Owen.
We wish you much success in your roles as leadership for your Nation and look forward to advocating with you in the coming months and years ahead.
#SCOINCMB #LGR #LittleGrandRapids #leadership #FirstNation #Manitoba
Congratulations 🦅
SCO SHARES CONDOLENCES
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is saddened to learn of the passing of Rylie Anderson, the beloved daughter of Ryan and Sherry Anderson.
Rylie’s father Ryan is a Councillor from the Dauphin River First Nation.
On behalf of SCO, Grand Chief Jerry Daniels is expressing condolences for Ryan, Sherry, for Rylie’s siblings, and for everyone who knew and loved Rylie.
The passing of one’s child bring indescribable grief. Please join us in offering prayers for the family and Nation of Rylie as they grapple with this devastating loss.
SCO stands with the Dauphin River First Nation as you mourn the loss of one of your young citizens. May her memory bring you comfort.
#SCOINCMB #DauphinRIver #condolences
Condolences to the family, friends and community 🙏 🌹
Condolences to the family and community 🙏
Sincere condolences 💐 to the family 🙏🏼
Condolences to the family
Our condolences 🙏🏽❤️
Condolences 🙏
Condolences to all the family 🙏
Praying for the family and community of Dauphin River at this difficult time.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
On the seventh day of activism against gender-based violence, we want to remind anyone experiencing violence: you are not alone.
Although you may feel isolated, there are people and organizations you can turn to for support. You may call these numbers at any time to talk with someone about your situation.
– Agape House in Steinbach: 1-877-977-0007
– Domestic Abuse Crisis Line: 1-877-977-0007
– First Nation Healing Center in Fisher River: 204-645-2751
– Genesis House in Winkler: 204-325-9800
– Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca
– Ikwe Widdjiitiwin Crisis Line: 1-800-362-3344
– Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Office: 1-800-442-0488
– Parkland Crisis Centre & Women’s Shelter in Dauphin: 1-877-977-0007
– Southern Chiefs’ Organization Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Liaison: 1-866-876-9701
– Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre in Pinawa: 204-753-5353
– Velma’s House in Winnipeg: 204-560-3007
– Women’s Resource Centre in Brandon: 204-726-8632
Reach out for support if you need it.
Pictured here: Kenneth Courchene of the Environment Program at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization
#SCOINCMB #SCOHealth #FirstNations #16daysofactivism #Manitoba
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SCO represents 34 Anishinaabe & Dakota Nations in what is now southern Manitoba scoinc.mb.ca/
CELEBRATING AND HONOURING OUR TWO SPIRIT AND TRANSGENDER RELATIVES
Honouring our two spirit and transgender relatives was the focus of a gathering that took place at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights earlier this month for the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Organizers lit a sacred fire so those in attendance could offer tobacco to connect with loved ones in the spirit world.
Charlotte Nolan held a pipe ceremony, emphasizing the importance of creating sacred spaces. She talked about how more space has been created for our gender-diverse relatives through a second-annual sundance.
Kookum Gayle Pruden spoke about those who have gone into the spirit world and the challenges faced by the two spirit community. Her journey, growing up in Little Saskatchewan First Nation as a two spirit child, highlighted the beauty of acceptance within family. As an advocate and Anishinaabemowin speaker, Kookum Gayle actively supports and mentors transgender and two spirit people.
During the event, two spirit visionary Dr. Albert McLeod shared invaluable teachings about traditional values.
This event was a platform for voices to be heard, allowing individuals to share their experiences and honour the memories of loved ones who have now gone to the spirit world. It was a beautifully organized event; it highlighted the richness of our culture and the importance of embracing it.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization extends gratitude to Delma McLean and Sharon Pruden from our Child and Family Services Program for showing your support for our 16 Days of Activism campaign by attending the event and sharing your story.
Let’s continue standing together, fostering inclusion, and honouring our two spirit and gender-diverse relatives.
If you would like to learn more about actions you can take to end gender-based violence, please visit our website: scoinc.mb.ca/16-actions/
#SCOINCMB #SCOHealth #16DaysofActivism
