SCO Changemakers 2025

Chief Bunn is likely the youngest Chief in Canada, the first female Chief of her Nation, an accomplished athlete, law student, and the founder of the annual Reconciliation Run to honour Survivors of residential school and those who didn’t make it home.

Her accomplishments and advocacy are incredible. SCO is excited to see what accomplishments she will continue to make in her new role as Chief.

At just 18 years old, Billy is already walking the path of leadership as the recently-elected male Youth Chief of SCO. Pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a double major in Economics and Finance at the University of Winnipeg, Billy’s vision is to one day serve as Chief of Peguis First Nation. He hopes to build a business that uplifts Indigenous communities through economic development and self-sufficiency.

Billy also worked with Hui Mālama I Ke Ala ʻŪlili, a grassroots Hawaiian non-profit organization focused on land revitalization and sovereignty. While there, he helped restore ancestral lands and learned about the deep relationship between Indigenous peoples and their territories.

In response to the fires across Manitoba, students, teachers, and community members from Peguis First Nation came together to assist—helping set up cots and provide support for wildfire evacuees. Among those lending a hand was SCO Youth Chief Billy Bird, standing shoulder to shoulder with his peers. SCO is honoured to support Billy’s journey and looks forward to the impact he will continue to make as a young leader in our Nations.

At the young age of 16, Lacy is already making a powerful impact in her leadership role.

In the last week alone, Youth Chief Bird travelled to Ottawa to stand alongside Grand Chief Daniels and First Nations leaders from across the country, using her voice to reach international media as she advocated for her fellow youth and reaffirmed Indigenous sovereignty during His Majesty King Charles III’s visit to Canada to read the Speech from the Throne; stepped up with enthusiasm to assist people impacted by the fire evacuations—paying particular attention to the well-being of children and young people; and led the way for SCO’s float at the Winnipeg Pride Parade, dancing beautifully in 30 Celcius degree weather in Treaty One Territory.

Youth Chief Lacy Bird’s voice, leadership, and dedication embody the strength and future of our Nations.  SCO is so proud and honoured to support her journey. The Youth Chief’s many cheerleaders look forward to celebrating the accomplishments she will continue to make throughout her term.

An educator for close to 30 years, Delores teaches Anishinaabemowin to the students of Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School. A valued Knowledge and Language Keeper, Delores is also a day school Survivor.

Despite the best attempts of that colonial system, she and her family kept their language—Delores tells us it was all they ever spoke at home.

Now, she is working to develop a new generation of Ojibway speakers.

Josephine Hartin has been an educator at the Nation’s Ginew School for 30 years. She now serves as its’ Vice-Principal.

While that’s impressive in and of itself, it’s just part of what makes this ikwe very special. Josephine’s mother, Marjorie Nelson, was also a teacher for 30 years!  Despite being sent to residential school, she kept her Ojibwe language and eventually taught it during her teaching career.

Now, Josephine is carrying on her late mom’s legacy. She is working with ALL teachers at Ginew School, First Nation or non-Indigenous, to incorporate Anishinaabemowin into every classroom. Whether during roll call, or just greeting students, Josephine’s goal is to hear the language in her school every single day.

Crystal Brown’s journey in law began at the University of Winnipeg, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and Political Science.

From there, she completed her legal studies at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia.

She articled with the Province of Manitoba in the prosecutions department and is now a full-fledged member of the Law Society of Manitoba.

The Gambler First Nation is making waves when it comes to retaining a doctor in rural Manitoba. Thanks to the efforts of Chief David Ledoux and his Council, Dr. Igor Schinakarew will soon be Gambler’s new full-time family physician.

While Gambler will have its very own doctor, the Nation is also bringing in a brand-new building to house his clinic.

These developments in the health and well-being for the people of Gambler are just part of the extraordinary work performed by their leadership.

Under Chief Ledoux’s guidance, the Nation has also seen major infrastructure and economic developments, including a successful gas bar in the city of Brandon and a new community geodome to ensure year-long food security, along with new housing, a cultural centre, and soon—a new health centre!

His office is literally a chair in the school hallway. He greets all the students as they go about their day. More importantly, he is also available for one-on-one chats, whenever needed.

Axel tried to retire from being the Berens River First Nation School’s Elder in Residence this year, but the administration begged him to reconsider.

Our Elders are invaluable to intergenerational learning. They are also portals of knowledge, values, and culture. These are key to the development of our children and youth.

Every year, the staff at the Waywayseecappo First Nation Community School nominate one student for the Park West School Division Student Citizenship Award.

This school year, they chose grade eight student Emmett Tanner.

His teacher, Mrs. Logan, describes Emmett as “a dedicated leader, role model, and cultural mentor at our school.”

We are also told that Emmett is a fixture at community events in Waywayseecappo, including pow wows, feasts, and ceremonies.

We also found out that Emmett shows his pride in his Nation and culture through pow wow dancing, hunting, and food preparation knowledge, which he readily shares with others.

In school Emmett, is described as a leader in athletics, including archery, skiing, mountain biking, and gym programs.

If that wasn’t enough, he also readily assists staff with school events and is always willing to help wherever we can.

The people who call the Dauphin River First Nation home can rest assured that their water supply is being closely watched and cared for… that’s because Shirley is on the job!

She is the Nation’s Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program Coordinator. If that job wasn’t demanding enough, Shirley also has the role of community water tester!

Every two weeks, Shirley tests the quality of the water at Dauphin River’s health centre, Band office, school, and water treatment facility. She then sends her results to officials with the federal government.

Byron has been in the radio business for over 25 years.

He was recently brought in to manage the station and host the Morning Show.

A graduate of the Academy of Broadcasting in Winnipeg, Byron credits the late Ray St. Germain—while working at NCI FM—as being his on-air mentor.

Byron is also paying his passion for radio forward: He is training a pair of Hollow Water youth to become DJs at the station as well.

The new recruits are being tasked with setting up a livestream and social media pages for RAY FM.

From providing important community information to entertaining our Elders in their homes, our Nations’ radio stations play key roles in the daily lives of our citizens.

Delores devoted 60 years of service to the Chief Jacob Berens Mino-Ayaawin Health Center, playing a vital role in its administration.

After many years of dedication, her commitment to the well-being and health of her Nation has led her to her well-earned retirement.

Kelsey has been studying at the Max Rady Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba for a year now.

He earned his Bachelor degree in Indigenous Studies with a minor in Biology. He’s hoping to go into family medicine when he completes his studies.

When asked why he has chosen a career in medicine, he quickly replied, “I want to help my people!”

It turns out Kelsey is also a chip off the old block, as his dad Lawrence is the Health Director for Lake Manitoba.

Linda was sent to residential school as a child, but never lost her Dakota language and culture.

Now, she teaches children at both the elementary and middle schools in Virden, Manitoba.

In fact, Linda has been teaching in the Fort La Bosse School Division for over 46 years!

She tells us that her ultimate goal as a teacher is to instill pride in her Nation’s children and for them to embrace their Dakota roots.

The residential school system was created to remove and isolate children from the influence of their communities, families, and traditions.

However, it could not rob Linda of her Dakota roots, nor could it stop her from sharing her language and culture for generations to come.

Allen is the Cultural Advisor with SCO and carries deep knowledge of Anishinaabe teachings. He has been a guiding voice in helping our Nations reconnect with traditional wellness.

Recently, Allen appeared as a guest on Fireside Chats with Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. In honour of Father’s Day, he provided listeners with meaningful ways to celebrate fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and all men who support their families and Nations.

“We must honour the provider and the protector,” Allen shared. “Give them a feast to recognize them.”

An educator at the school in Keeseekoowenin, Jennifer is teaching her students how to gather and care for the medicines used in ceremony.

She always starts her day with prayer and smudging as she wants the children at her school to experience the cleansing and harmonious aspects of smudging.

Alongside teacher Christine Flett, and Administrator Barb Anchiuk, she also started an after-school pow wow club.

A gifted muralist and powerful advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+), Jeannie’s advocacy began after sharing her own, and her mother’s, stories.

Since then, she has led powerful initiatives like a Redress Day initiative to tie red ribbons to the Selkirk “Blue Bridge.” She also created the Manidoonsag Imaa Mikinaako-Minisiing / Sacred Spirits of Turtle Island MMIWG2S+ mural — unveiled on MMIWG2S+ Awareness Day in 2021.

In 2024, Jeannie co-created Giizaagiigo (You Are Loved), a vibrant mural commissioned by the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine. You can view the mural at 444 Kennedy Street in Winnipeg.

Keep an eye out for her next work as she continues her mission to advocate for the full inclusivity of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people, along with men and boys.

Ryan is a well-known and beloved dancer who has devoted countless hours to mentoring the next generation of dancers.

At last year’s annual square dance jamboree at the Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation Treaty Days, organizers wanted to bestow a special and well-deserved honour on the square dancing and jigging fixture. Principal Garry Swampy presented a plaque and beautiful beaded hat to Ryan, honouring him as a trail blazer and master jigger.

Ryan is also being honoured with an induction into Canada’s Dance Hall of Fame in November 2025.

An absolute joy to watch on the dance floor, Ryan has been dancing for decades—his years of experience shine brightly.

Be sure to catch Ryan or his dance team United Thunder if you have the opportunity—your toes will tap, your heart will fill, and your face will hurt from smiling too much!

Jessica, is in the midst of completing eight fantasy novels in a series titled “The Six.”

Her first book, conveniently titled “The First” has a compelling description.

“Over five thousand years spent running from a curse only to succumb to its torturous obligations each year before the sun rises on the longest day. Six orphans must kill to live and must keep to themselves until a misstep breaks a spell that brings together them and another six orphans who have a curse of their own. Will they finally understand why they were chosen to live forever? Book one of eight in The Six Series.”

If this sounds interesting to you, she tells us that there may be some copies of the first five novels of her series available in local bookstores.

Josh is a Director on the Board of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, where his leadership and commitment to community service continue to make a meaningful impact.

Soon to be entering his third year at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law, Josh has been applying his legal studies in his role as a summer student at Hall & Larocque.

Driven by a passion for justice and equity, our former Youth Chief’s dedication to empowering and uplifting First Nations youth and communities stands out as truly inspiring.

In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Josh is an alumnus of the University of Winnipeg Men’s Basketball Program. He continues to give back by stepping into the role of basketball coach, helping to mentor and uplift youth through sport.

Tamara is proudly representing Sagkeeng as a contestant in the second annual Miss Indigenous Canada competition next month.

This national platform celebrates Indigenous women through culture, leadership, and storytelling. Tamara hopes to use this opportunity to uplift Indigenous youth, create space for healing conversations, and promote the beauty of Indigenous identity.

Her dream has always been to become a jingle dress dancer. For Tamara, the jingle dress represents healing, strength, and a deep spiritual connection to her ancestors. She will perform the Old Style Jingle Dress Dance in honour of her late family members from Sagkeeng during the Miss Indigenous Canada 2025 competition.

A proud Anishinaabe woman, Tamara is a mom and a two-time graduate of the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment Program at the University of Manitoba. She is also pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Manitoba.

As a passionate advocate, student, cultural learner, and mother, Tamara has turned her lived experiences into a foundation for leadership, healing, and empowerment.

Ms. Fontaine is a model and community volunteer who uses her platform to bring awareness to issues such as missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people; intergenerational trauma; language revitalization; and the power of the youth voice.

A registered nurse for 19 years, Tannis shares positivity while caring for the people of Dauphin River.

Her fellow health centre employees say Tannis goes above and beyond. Her dedication was especially evident during the height of the global pandemic.

Dauphin River was hit particularly hard by COVID-19 and Tannis stepped up to provide medical care for the entire community by herself.

Along with her nursing duties at the health centre, Tannis also provides home care and public health education to the community.

Wendy is the owner/operator of Pretty Windy Designs.

Graduating from the Fashion Design Program at MC College in 2016, Wendy has been in business for herself ever since.

She comes by her sewing skills naturally and credits her grandmother and aunties for passing on their gifts.

Wendy tells us her grandma Marie Sinclair specialized in making star blankets.

We are so proud to now showcase her granddaughter’s talents.

Wendy recently created the cutest little ribbon shirts and skirts for the Head Start graduates in her First Nation.

You can reach Wendy and check out her beautiful designs, including the shirts and skirts she made for the Head Start grads, on Instagram and on Facebook.

The National Hockey League’s (NHL) entry draft takes place this week, and this young member of the Peguis First Nation is projected to make history.

Carter is a left winger and currently plays for the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League.

According to several NHL sources, Mr. Bear is ranked in the top 20 when it comes to this year’s draft class. He will likely be selected in the first round.

Carter could become one of the first-ever Manitoba First Nation players to be a first-round draft pick in the NHL.

No matter who selects him and when, SCO is so very proud to highlight this incredible mentor and role model for our aspiring young athletes.

We also want to wish Carter the very best in his hockey career wherever it may take him.

The 2025 NHL Draft gets underway this Friday, June 27 in Los Angeles, California.

Serving as Executive Director of the Selkirk Community Renewal Corporation for 12 years, Ashley has tirelessly advocated for low-income families and community members.

In her second term as a School Board Trustee for the Lord Selkirk School Division, she champions Indigenous students and showcases strong First Nations leadership in education.

As the first Vice-Chair of the Promoting Aboriginal Student Success (PASS) Committee, Ashley brings 25 years of dedication—beginning as one of its first Youth Committee Members in 2000.

Today, she helps lead initiatives like the annual Indigenous Graduation Celebration and PASS Gala, which honour and support Indigenous high school students from across Manitoba.

Recognized in 2023 with the PASS Community Crystal Award, Ashley was celebrated for her continued impact on Indigenous youth, mentoring them to stay in school, graduate, and pursue their dreams.

In 2016, she became the youngest recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award from the Selkirk and District Community Foundation, honouring her community service and volunteerism.

Throughout her career in the non-profit sector, Ashley remains a vital advocate, resource, and educator. She continues to work with partners to elevate Indigenous culture and ensure that teachings remain at the forefront of our people’s way of life.

Sonia is the community’s Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Worker.

Along with working at the Kinonjeoshtegon Health Centre, she can often be seen at community events, raising awareness about diabetes and preventing diabetes.

Statistics show that 17.2 per cent of First Nations citizens living on reserve, and 12.7 per cent of First Nations people living off reserve are affected by this disease.

Sonia’s message is simple—by incorporating lifestyle changes, including better nutrition and increased physical activity, we can help decrease the impact diabetes has on our people.

If there is any event that involves youth sport or recreation in Little Saskatchewan, you can bet Aaron is the person who made it happen.

Aaron is the Recreation Worker for his Nation.

While he has only been the Nation’s Recreation Worker for three years, he has been unofficially organizing sporting events for around 20.

We know the power of sport to improve both the physical and mental well-being of our youth. Aaron not only understands this, he lives it.

Thank you, Aaron, for inspiring Little Saskatchewan’s youth to stay active and for turning the phrase “movement is medicine” into a reality.

For the last two years, Gail has served as the school’s Vice-Principal.

Before her time at the school, Gail worked in a number of areas in the field of education, including with men in the justice system and at the Nation’s Healing Lodge.

Now, she is devoted to improving the learning environment in her school.

That includes spearheading a program to train 10 new Educational Assistants from O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation.

SCO congratulates those students on graduating this month—they are now ready to work at the school in the fall!

In 2024, Christina was awarded the King’s Counsel designation in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the legal profession in British Columbia (BC).

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she has been honoured with awards such as the University of British Columbia’s Indigenous Law Students Association’s Courage in Law Award and the Philippa Samworth Award for the Advancement of Women in Law.

Since founding the Indigenous Lawyer History website in 2010, she has taken on numerous leadership roles.

Ms. Cook has served as an elected bencher for the Law Society of BC and as chair of the Canadian Bar Association BC Aboriginal Lawyers Forum.

As a senior policy lawyer at the BC First Nations Justice Council, she continues to shape national legal initiatives.

Dedicated to uplifting others, Christina is mentoring the next generation of Indigenous lawyers.

Please join SCO in congratulating Changemaker Christina Cook on receiving her King’s Counsel designation!

Raymond “Ray” has been the lead caretaker and ice maker at the Minegoziibe Anishinabe First Nation Multi-Plex for about 40 years!

In the late 80s, Ray earned his certification as a Level One Ice Technician. He has been making winter memories for his community ever since.

Ray isn’t just a gifted ice maker, he is also a fixture at the arena helping little ones tie their skates, sharpening skates, and spreading joy with his infectious smile and humour.

When asked about his favourite part of the job, Ray tells us he gets to watch his children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchild play hockey. He says it doesn’t get much better than that.

Movement is medicine for our bodies. With the help of people like Ray, our youth have the environments, support, and encouragement they need to carry this valuable lesson with them as they grow.