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.
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 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.
SCO HONOURS OUR WARRIORS AND PEACEKEEPERS ON NATIONAL INDIGENOUS VETERANS DAY
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to lift up and honour First Nations Veterans as we come together to recognize National Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, 2026.
Indigenous Veterans Day provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the vital contributions of our First Nations Veterans who have served—and continue to serve—Canada in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
During global conflicts, many of our Veterans risked their lives. They faced systemic discrimination and racism, while losing legal status and being denied post-war benefits after serving.
“First Nation Veterans fought for this country with honour, courage, and selflessness—even when Canada did not stand with them,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.
“Many served this country while their own rights, freedoms, and families were not treated with the same dignity and fairness for which they were fighting. We cannot forget this sacrifice. We must ensure they are properly honoured for the role they have had, and continue to play, in protecting this land we now all share.”
On behalf of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), Justin Woodcock, SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program Manager, laid a wreath at the 30th Annual National Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony in Treaty One Territory.
The wreath honours and remembers First Nations Veterans and all those who served, recognizing their courage, service, and sacrifices.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to share that Sophia Smoke of the Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate is a recipient of this year’s “Yes I Can Leadership Award” from the Nellie McClung Foundation.
Sophia was a member of the SCO Youth Council when she was just 14 years old.
She went on to establish herself as an actor, community journalist, and a champion for the Dakota language and culture.
Sophia is also an accomplished pow wow dancer, with the jingle dress being her chosen style.
Not even 20 years of age, Sophia has quickly become an advocate, visionary, and leader in her community and beyond.
SCO congratulates this incredible young winyan on this richly deserved acknowledgement, and we look forward to witnessing highlights from the exciting future she is creating for herself and the Dakota Nation.
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.