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/
ROOTED IN NATIONHOOD: ACCESS SCO'S IMPACT REPORT
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) had a productive 2025-2026 fiscal year.
You can read all about it in our 2025-2026 Impact Report.
The report looks back on a year of programs, services, advocacy, and public education initiatives across our 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota member Nations.
The theme for this year's report is "Rooted in Nationhood: Building a Strong Future."
It recognizes the knowledge, cultures, and teachings that guide our work and our commitment to advocating for and supporting a stronger future for our Nations.
From health, justice, and child and family services to economic development, Veterans, and community safety, the report shares program accomplishments, statistics, key initiatives, partnerships, events, and priorities from the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
The report also includes SCO’s audited financial statements. These provide detailed financial information, including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and notes, along with a report from an independent auditor.
SCO is committed to transparency and accountability.
We encourage citizens, member Nations, partners, and the public to read the report, review our financial statements, and learn more about our work and operations.
Read the full 2025-2026 SCO Impact Report: scoinc.mb.ca/impact-reports/
#SCOINCMB #impactreport #leadership #FirstNations #Manitoba
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BUSINESS IS BLOSSOMING
We would now like you to meet Holly Robb.
The Minegoziibe Anishanabe citizen has been sewing and beading since she was 16 years of age.
She credits her kookums (grandmothers), Caroline Simpson and Gloria Thompson, with introducing her to those forms of expression.
Now she is carrying the family legacy forward with her business "Blossom’s Technique."
Holly has created her own line of sewn and beaded items, with ribbon handbags being a unique specialty.
To learn more or to get in touch with Holly, you’re asked to visit her Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589994084579
We wish Holly every success with Blossom's Technique. We know her kookums would be very proud.
#SCOINCMB #SCOArtist #MinegoziibeAnishanabe #artisan #Manitoba
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FOR THOSE UNSEEN: "LANTERNS" BY DENNIS MACKENZIE
At the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) 4th Annual First Nations Veterans Summit, an important message was shared through music.
Our keynote speaker, Dennis MacKenzie, is a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.
He is an advocate who shared his lived experience navigating mental health challenges after military service.
The theme of this year’s Summit is “Serving the Unseen.”
It recognizes the challenges Veterans and their families face—challenges that are not always talked about.
These include service-related mental health challenges, soldier suicide, and Veteran homelessness.
Dennis brought this theme to life through his original song, “Lanterns.”
Inspired by the loss of friends to suicide, the song honours Veterans who have lost their lives to the invisible wounds of war, including those who struggled after returning home.
The lantern represents those lost away from the battlefield. It is a reminder that their service, their struggles, and their lives deserve to be recognized and remembered.
SCO was honoured to have Dennis perform “Lanterns” at the Summit.
His song reminds us that military service does not always end when someone comes home.
For many Veterans, the challenges continue long after they take off their uniform.
We must be willing to talk about these experiences, challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, and recognize the Veterans and families whose struggles too often go unseen.
Thank you, Dennis, for sharing your story and using music to honour those we have lost.
Here is a look at the live performance.
#SCOINCMB #SCOVeterans #Laterns #DennisMackenzie #Lestweforget
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ATTEND SCO'S RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL RESEARCH PROJECT CLINICS IN NOVEMBER
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) invites citizens of our Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations to attend our Residential School Research Project clinics.
SCO staff will visit the following Nations this month:
• Nov. 17: Skownan First Nation from 10 am to 4 pm (location is to be announced)
• Nov. 18: Waywayseecappo First Nation Recreation Centre from 10 am to 4 pm
• Nov. 19: O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation Band Hall from 10 am to 4 pm
• Nov. 20: Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation from 10 am to 3 pm
At these drop-in clinics, you can get help and information about:
• The “My Records, My Choice” campaign
• Finding and accessing records from Archives Canada, churches, universities, Vital Statistics, and Hudson’s Bay Company Archives
• Completing settlement claim forms, including Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement and Boarding Homes Class Action claims
• Reconnecting with family members and researching family histories
• Locating unmarked graves connected to residential schools, day schools, Indian hospitals, tuberculosis sanatoriums, and other institutions
No appointment is necessary. Stop by during clinic hours to speak with our team.
For more information, contact the Residential School Research Project Team:
Phone: 204-946-1869, extension 165
Email: RS@scoinc.mb.ca
Learn more about SCO’s Residential School Research Project: scoinc.mb.ca/rs-research-project/
We look forward to meeting you!
#SCOINCMB #SCOResidentialSchoolResearchProject #EveryChildMatters #FirstNations #Manitoba
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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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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!