COVID-19 UPDATES:

As our Chiefs and Councillors, health leaders, and community members work diligently through the second wave of COVID-19, we ask everyone to take precautions whenever possible to help reduce the spread of this coronavirus.

Effective Thursday, November 12, the entire province of Manitoba is at Critical level (red) on the Pandemic Response System and faces additional restrictions to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19.

November 19, the Manitoba Government announced new restrictions to the orders:

• Individuals must not permit others who do not reside in their household to enter, with some exceptions.
• People are prohibited from assembling in a gathering of more than five people at any public place or common areas of a multi-unit residence.
• Retail businesses may remain open but only for selling essential items.

For more information on the new restrictions, read the Changes to Public Health Orders Backgrounder Information.

 

Provincial cases as of November 27, 2020:
New Cases: 344
Total Cases: 15,632      Active: 8,865      Recovered: 6,487

As of November 26, 2020 - First Nation rates in Manitoba:
New Cases: 90             On-Reserve: 32           Off-Reserve: 58
Total Cases: 2,675       On-Reserve: 917       Off-Reserve: 1,758
Active Cases: 1,526      On-Reserve: 539        Off-Reserve: 987

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. SCO is dedicated to ending ALL forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

From November 25 to December 10, which are the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we will be spotlighting people and programs making a positive impact in our southern First Nations.

We will also be showing how YOU can take action to help put an end GBV with our 16 Actions list! Grand Chief Jerry Daniels is starting us off with his action to “Get the Word Out!”

Add your voice to this important cause >>> Send us a selfie of yourself holding up a sign with the action you are taking against GBV! Tag @SCOIncMB on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or email your selfie to media@scoinc.mb.ca. Everyone who sends in a pic will receive a special gift. 🎁

Check out our list of 16 Actions for inspiration!

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Health Focus Groups!

The health of 2SLGBTQ in SCO Communities: SCO Health Transforation Focus Group (16 days of activisim on gender based violence)

An online 2-hour zoom focus group for SCO communities living on reserve and off reserve. The session will focus on 2SLGBTQ health service needs, gaps and recommendations. December 3, 2020 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.

For more information click on the poster!

 

Health Transformation Action on Gender Based Violence: SCO Health Transformation Focus Group (16 days of activism on gender based violence)

An online 2-hour zoom focus group for SCO communities living on reserve and off reserve. The session will focus on health service needs, gaps and recommendations for victims of violence.  December 4, 2020 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.

For more information click on the poster!

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COVID-19 Pathfinders

Need help navigating COVID-19 financial supports for you or your business and/or government benefits?  Contact our COVID-19 Support Pathfinders today!

Call them at 204-946-1869 or toll-free at 1-866-9701 or send them an email by clicking here.

COVID-19 Benefits

Did you know you can access financial benefits and support during the COVID-19 outbreak? All First Nations people have access to these financial benefits, regardless of where you live.

Find out more visit COVID-19 Financial Supports

More information on Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

More information specific to COVID-19 and Indigenous Communities

If you are experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, contact the toll-free Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone and online counselling are available in English and on request, in Anishinaabe.

Kids Help Phone: offers professional counselling, information, referrals, and volunteer-led, text-based support for children and youth. Text CONNECT to 686868.

Manitoba Addictions Helpline: 1-855-662-6605.

Get Your Benefits!

You may be eligible for extra money from the government and not even know it! Individuals and families with a lower to middle income level are eligible for a number of different financial benefits from the Canadian and Manitoban governments, but as many as 40 per cent of eligible First Nation Families do not currently access useful benefits. It’s time to change that!

By being aware of what is available and making use of these benefits, you can have extra cash in your pocket to help support yourself and your loved ones.

For more information visit our Get Your Benefits page.

Attention All First Nation Hunters

It’s never been more important to get your flu shot!

Southern Chiefs' Organization is encouraging everyone to get their free flu shot this year. First Nation people are at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and mortality during a pandemic like COVID-19. With the flu season approaching, it’s up to all of us to do our part to prevent the spread of ALL illnesses, and to help protect everyone around us.

The best way to protect against the flu? Get the flu shot!

For more information, check out our Flu Shot resources page.

Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator

The SCO Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Navigator is here to help:

• Provide support and advocacy for community workers in assisting their clients accessing NIHB
• Advocate with the federal government & health professionals on behalf of First Nations to resolve NIHB issues
• Support leadership in the work of advocating for policy change within NIHB
• Work to strengthen relationships with health providers, provincial & federal partners
• Improve awareness of the NIHB program & provide information to clients and service providers on the eligible benefit areas and how to address denials and appeals

To contact our NIHB Navigator, click here for email or call 204-946-1869, extension 120. For more information, visit Non-Insured Health Benefits Navigator.

First Nations Health Services Navigator

The SCO First Nation Health Services Navigator serves all First Nation children and their families accessing the Specialized Services for Children and Youth Centre (SSCY) and helps families in the following ways:

• Serves as a culturally appropriate point of contact for children with disabilities and their families
• Provides navigation to appropriate programs, departments and/or agencies
• May attend medical appointments and/or case conferencing with families on request
• Provides culturally safe drop-in and/or meeting space for First Nation families
• Collaborates with appropriate service providers and/or programs, both within SSCY Centre, as well as externally
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Personal Health Information Act standards to ensure personal information is kept private, safe, and secure

To contact our First Nations Health Services Navigator, click here for email or call 204-946-1869, extension 120.

For more information visit the Health Services Navigator page.

Child and Family Services Navigator

SCO’s Child and Family Services System Navigator provides support and guidance for First Nation families in southern Manitoba that are navigating the Child and Family Services (CFS) system. The Navigator can offer support and guidance in the following ways:

• Provide guidance and understanding of their rights to families and communities that need help navigating the CFS system.
• Ensure families understand the CFS policies and laws i.e.: case plans, terminology, court orders, etc.
• Assist families with identifying short and long-term goals that are realistic and achievable.
• Refer families to workshops, programs, funding and other suitable resources for their wellbeing and success, both within in Winnipeg, and in their communities.
• Establish positive working relationships with families, CFS agencies, and other family service organizations.

The CFS System Navigator is available from 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m., Monday to Friday. To contact the Navigator, please call 204-946-1869, extension 103 or click here for email.

For more information check out our CFS System Navigator page.