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.
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.
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.
SCO CONGRATULATES KEVIN CHIEF ON RECEIVING DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) congratulates Kevin Chief of the Minegoziibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek First Nation) on receiving the Community Impact Distinguished Alumni Award.
Kevin will receive the award at the University of Winnipeg’s Distinguished Alumni Awards Night on Thursday, October 29 at the WAG-Qaumajuq in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.
This award is presented to a University of Winnipeg alumnus who is making significant personal and professional contributions in society.
Kevin is the co-founder of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC), one of Canada’s largest employers of young Indigenous people.
WASAC mentors Indigenous youth and helps them access sports and employment opportunities.
Kevin, who is also an advisor to SCO, recently published his memoir, “With a Name Like Chief: Reflections on Recovery and Identity Through the Seven Sacred Teachings.”
Congratulations, Kevin! SCO is proud to celebrate your achievements and the positive impact you continue to have on Indigenous youth.
This fall marks a season of change for the Waywayseecappo First Nation Health Centre team.
With the passing of beloved and long-time Health Director Lena Clearsky, the centre was faced with the prospects of new leadership and programming.
Luckily, long time nurse and community advocate Sarah Cleland has been able to step into the Health Director role.
Meanwhile, her team is also forging ahead and have developed several wellness related programs, including various support groups and other health related events.
Sarah says she hopes they can hire more staff in the months to come and develop even more wellness initiatives for the people of Waywayseecappo.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) firmly believes that control over health care planning and service delivery for First Nations people rightfully belongs with First Nations people and their Nations.
That approach in turn, empowers our citizens to access care that is right for them and closer to home.
SCO commends Sarah Cleland and her team of caregivers for establishing culturally responsive and enhanced health care services for the citizens of Waywayseecappo.
SCO HIRING DIRECTOR OF CHILD, YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES: APPLY BY OCTOBER 23
The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is seeking a Director of Child, Youth, and Family Services.
The Director of Child, Youth and Family Services is a senior leader within the Southern Chiefs’ Organization responsible for advancing initiatives that support the well-being, safety, and long-term success of First Nations children, youth, and families.
This role provides leadership across programs and initiatives that address child welfare reform, youth development, family violence prevention, healing from historical harms, and equitable access to services for First Nations children.
The Director brings a long-term systems change perspective to the department’s work. The position supports the development of culturally grounded policies, governance approaches, and service models that contribute to structural improvements in the systems that affect First Nations children and families.
Working closely with Anishinaabe and Dakota Knowledge Keepers, member Nations, southern First Nations Child and Family Services agencies, and government partners, the Director helps advance approaches that strengthen First Nations jurisdiction, promote prevention and family well-being, and support the long-term transformation of child and family services systems.
SCO offers competitive compensation, along with a strong pension and benefits package, and a positive work environment.
Apply for this opportunity by Friday, October 23, 2026.
The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is celebrating our followers by offering you a chance to win Orange Shirt Day merchandise!
Three lucky winners will each receive a prize pack. The pack includes:
✦ SCO Orange Shirt Day hat ✦ SCO hoodie (in a size of your choice) ✦ SCO tote bag ✦ Two SCO lanyards ✦ SCO pen
How to enter:
1. Follow SCO on Facebook. 2. ”Like” or “love” this post. 3. Tag a friend or family member in the comments. 4. Tell us what stories you’d like to see from SCO in the comments.
This giveaway is open to anyone who is living in Manitoba.
Enter by Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:59 am Central Time.
Miigwetch, pidamaya ye, and thank you to everyone who follows, shares, comments, and supports SCO.
2028 NORTH AMERICAN INDIGENOUS GAMES AWARDED TO NORWAY HOUSE CREE NATION AND SOUTHERN CHIEFS’ ORGANIZATION
The North American Indigenous Games Council is pleased to announce the conditional award of the 2028 North American Indigenous Games to Norway House Cree Nation and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), with events to be hosted in Winnipeg and Manitoba.
This award marks a significant step toward bringing one of North America’s largest Indigenous multi-sport and cultural gatherings to Manitoba from July 9-23, 2028.
The 2028 NAIG are expected to bring upwards of 5250 Indigenous athletes, coaches, and team officials from across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States of America) together through sport, culture, community, and celebration.
The Games will feature traditional and contemporary sports, complemented by a major cultural program celebrating the diversity, strength and traditions of Indigenous Nations in Manitoba and across North America.
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.