“We cannot accept a system where patients are waiting hours in hallways because there is not enough capacity. Governments must take immediate steps to address emergency department pressures, improve patient flow, and work directly with First Nations leadership to create solutions that ensure our citizens receive the care they deserve.”
— Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2026
UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, OTTAWA, ON — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), Chief Clinton Keeper of Little Grand Rapids First Nation, and First Nations leaders are calling on the federal government and the Province of Manitoba to take urgent action to address ongoing pressures in hospitals and emergency departments. Overcrowding, long wait times, and limited capacity continue to affect patient care and create barriers for people seeking timely health care.
Chief Keeper recently sought emergency care for complications related to a kidney stone. After being assessed and discharged, his condition worsened, and he returned to hospital by ambulance. He spent about 13 hours on a gurney in a hallway while in severe pain. During that time, he says he received minimal pain management and experienced delays in care, including waiting hours for assistance after his urinary drainage device leaked.
“I was in extreme pain and left waiting in a hallway for hours without proper care. I asked for help more than once and waited a long time before getting it. No one should have to go through that. This is happening to many of our First Nations people. It needs to change,” said Chief Keeper of Little Grand Rapids First Nation.
First Nations leaders continue to hear from citizens who face long waits in emergency departments, often after travelling significant distances to access care. These experiences are compounded by language barriers, mobility challenges, and a system under strain.
A recent Manitoba Shared Health report (2025) found Indigenous patients in the province have among the highest rates of emergency department use and experience some of the longest wait times. Indigenous patients are also nearly twice as likely to leave without being seen compared to non-Indigenous patients.
SCO acknowledges the efforts of frontline health care workers who continue to provide care under difficult conditions. However, system pressures are affecting patient experiences and outcomes.
“Governments must work with First Nations to implement immediate protections,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Canada and Manitoba must support First Nations health transformation with the authority, long-term funding, and resources required for First Nations to build and operate our own systems of care. Timely, safe, compassionate, and respectful health care must be the expectation for every First Nations patient across Canada.”
Improving hospital capacity, reducing emergency department overcrowding, and shortening wait times will require coordinated action with First Nations leadership.
“First Nations citizens should expect the same level of care as anyone else in this country. Long wait times and gaps in care are serious concerns. We need to see changes that improve how people are treated when they go to the hospital,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse of the Assembly of First Nations and a proud member of Pinaymootang First Nation in Manitoba.
Patient Navigators should be available in every hospital to help patients access care, communicate with providers, and navigate the system, especially for those facing language or mobility barriers.
SCO is working to develop First Nations Health Advocates who can support citizens travelling to urban centres for care, help address barriers, and ensure they are treated with respect throughout their time in hospital.
“First Nations patients need to feel safe when they access health care. That includes timely care, clear communication, and being treated with dignity. These are basic expectations that are not always being met,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
SCO continues to advance its Health Transformation work to support the development of culturally responsive health systems and improve access to care for First Nations citizens.
“We are hearing from our relatives about the challenges they are facing when they go to the hospital. Long waits and limited access to care affects people across our Nations in northern Manitoba, as many of our citizens travel to access health care. These issues need urgent action,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.
“Our citizens are often travelling far from home to get care. They should not be left waiting in hallways or wondering if they will be helped. The system needs to work better so people can get timely care when they need it,” said Manitoba Regional Chief Willie Moore of the Assembly of First Nations and a member of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in Manitoba.
SCO is calling on Canada and Manitoba to work urgently with First Nations leadership to address hospital capacity, reduce emergency department wait times, establish accessible First Nations Patient Navigators and Health Advocates, and ensure culturally safe and equitable care. Governments must also provide the sustained funding, authority, and resources needed to advance First Nations-led Health Transformation, including the work underway at SCO, so citizens can access timely, respectful care closer to home. First Nations patients should never have to fight to be heard, respected, or treated when they are at their most vulnerable.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 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.
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Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca