“Through her work to advance reconciliation and honour Survivors of residential schools, Chief Bunn inspires others to make physical activity a part of their healing journey. She embodies the message that ‘Movement is Medicine.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to congratulate Chief Tréchelle Bunn of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation on her induction into the Manitoba Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame & Museum.
This honour recognizes her achievements in track and field, cross country, and hockey, as well as her leadership in using sport to support youth, wellness, and community connection. She is a former University of Manitoba U SPORTS hockey player and competed at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. Chief Bunn is also a member of Hockey Canada’s first Indigenous Advisory Circle.
“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is extremely proud of our former SCO Youth Chief, Tréchelle Bunn. We are thrilled to learn that Chief Bunn has been inducted into the Manitoba Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame & Museum,” shared Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Through her work to advance reconciliation and honour Survivors of residential schools, Chief Bunn inspires others to make physical activity a part of their healing journey. She embodies the message that ‘Movement is Medicine.’”
Chief Bunn has competed as a hockey player at the University of Manitoba and as a runner in track and field and cross country. Her message for ‘movement is medicine’ continues to inspire young people to stay active and take care of their physical and mental health.
She is also the organizer of Canada’s first-ever Reconciliation Run, held on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in her home community of Birtle, Manitoba. The run honours Survivors of the Birtle Residential School, including members of her own family. It brings youth, families, and communities together through movement, reflection, and healing. Proceeds from the fundraiser support a scholarship for Indigenous student-athletes.
During her time as SCO Youth Chief from 2023 to 2025, she focused on supporting youth in sport and physical activity. She worked to help remove barriers by supporting access to equipment and encouraging young people to participate in physical activity, helping them build confidence and a sense of belonging. Her leadership reaches from grassroots community work to the international stage. Chief Bunn has addressed the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland to advocate on transforming health for First Nations. She has received many awards recognizing her leadership and dedication to social justice.
One year ago, in April 2025, she made history as the first female Chief and the youngest Chief elected (at only 25 years of age) to lead the Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation. Earlier this year, SCO Chiefs passed a resolution appointing Chief Bunn to the SCO Chiefs’ Executive Committee. It provides vital guidance and oversight for SCO, ensuring the priorities of the 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations in southern Manitoba are advanced with strength and unity.
“Chief Bunn’s induction into the Manitoba Indigenous Sports Hall of Fame & Museum highlights both her achievements as an athlete and her continued impact as a leader who inspires youth through sport,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “SCO recognizes Chief Bunn as a strong role model for First Nations citizens of all ages. Her dedication and strength demonstrate how sport and movement can support healthy, connected communities and empower the next generation of leaders.”
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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