“Economic sovereignty and our path towards it are key to our Nations.” – Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2023
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), along with the Southern Chiefs Economic Development LP (SCED), are proud to announce a stellar lineup of keynote speakers for our upcoming Economic Reconciliation Business Forum taking place next month in Winnipeg on June 13 and 14, 2023.
“Finding ways to help our citizens prosper is a priority for the Southern Chiefs’ Organization,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “I am delighted to see the business and community leaders who have agreed to join us at our forum. I am also excited to learn how their experiences will help us reach that goal.”
SCO and SCED’s upcoming Economic Reconciliation Business Forum will bring together leaders and economic development representatives from the 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations from southern Manitoba with Indigenous and non-Indigenous business leaders from across Canada.
The two-day event will feature presentations from prominent business people and professionals who will share their experiences and insights on what economic reconciliation is and what it could be. Our list of speakers includes former National Chief and entrepreneur, Phil Fontaine, and True North Sports and Entertainment Chairman, Mark Chipman.
SCO and SCED also look forward to welcoming CT (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission; Carol Anne Hilton, CEO and Founder of the Indigenomics Institute and the Global Center of Indigenomics; and Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development, Red River College Polytech. Paul Rabliauskas, stand-up comedian from Poplar River First Nation, is our entertainer at our networking reception.
“In my own Nation, we have made economic development a top priority,” said Chief David Ledoux of the Gambler First Nation. “I am pleased to see that we share the same long-term purpose with SCO and SCED, as we all work to enhance and strengthen the economic base of our 34 First Nations.”
“Together and with gatherings such as this, I know we will improve the economic and social wellbeing of our Nations, and in fact, all Manitobans,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “It’s no secret that First Nations citizens play an ever-expanding role in the provincial and national economies. Indigenous peoples contribute more than $9.3 billion a year to the Manitoba economy, according to a Brandon University study. I am confident that our impact will grow even more with the tools we gain at this forum.”
The Economic Reconciliation Business Forum is less than one month away, on June 13 and 14, at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre in Winnipeg. Registration is now open with more information on the SCED and SCO websites.
SCO and SCED appreciate our supporters and event sponsors. There is still an opportunity to provide sponsorship for this forum. Businesses or organizations that are interested in sponsoring our forum can find a sponsorship package on our website.
-30-
For media inquiries:
Email: media@scoinc.mb.ca
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 83,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
The Southern Chiefs Economic Development LP (SCED LP) helps enhance and strengthen the economic base of the 34 First Nations who make up the membership of SCO. Our core values of honesty, respect, and humility guide our work.