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/
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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OPENING OF SCO’S 4TH ANNUAL VETERANS SUMMIT
The 4th Annual First Nations Veterans Summit opens with a pipe and drum performance by the Warriors of the Wing Drum Group and The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada Pipes and Drums.
#SCOINCMB #SCOVeterans #FirstNations #Lestweforget #summit
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WEARING INDIGENOUS-CRAFTED POPPIES TO HONOUR VETERANS
Did you know? The National Defence Clothing and Dress Committee approves of members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to wear Indigenous-crafted poppies on their lapels as an act of remembrance.
The decision, made in 2025, recognizes the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Veterans and serving members.
Indigenous-crafted poppies can be made using materials such as beads, porcupine quills, sealskin, caribou bone, and other materials.
The Canadian Armed Forces encourages members to purchase these handmade poppies from Indigenous vendors.
As we prepare to honour Veterans on Indigenous Veterans Day, November 8, and Remembrance Day, November 11, SCO encourages everyone to wear a poppy in recognition of the service and sacrifices of First Nations Veterans, past and present.
Learn about SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program: scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-program/
#SCOINCMB #SCOVeterans #FirstNations #RemembranceDay #LestWeForget
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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!