“We are so proud of our people who are pursuing their education journeys.” – Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 18, 2023
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is thrilled to announce that our sixth annual fundraising golf tournament was successful in raising more than $97,000 for annual and endowed scholarships that will be awarded to students from SCO-member Nations.
“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization helps First Nations people in pursuing their dreams by providing opportunities to receive financial assistance to obtain post-secondary education. We are grateful for the strong show of support from organizations and citizens in Manitoba at our sixth annual golf tournament,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “SCO partners with Indspire and academic institutions, such as Assiniboine Community College, Brandon University, the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, and Red River College Polytechnic to help create positive outcomes for our students.”
This year, SCO worked with the picturesque Kingswood Golf and Country Club in La Salle to deliver a fun event focused on increasing access to post-secondary education for southern Anishinaabe and Dakota students.
The golf tournament happened with generous support from our sponsors and participants.
SCO thanks this year’s signature sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor: RBC – Royal Bank
Gold Sponsors: PCL Construction and South Beach Casino and Resort
Bronze Sponsors: Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites and Holiday Inn and Suites
Cart Sponsors: Brandon University and Evident IT
Putting Sponsor: Northern Lights Petroleum
Hole in One Sponsor: Dhillon Automotive Group
Hole Sponsors: All Nations Print, Assiniboine Community College, Aurora Recovery Centre, BLDR, Bridgeport Office Solutions, MCW, MNP, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, Median Credit Union, Print Pro Digital, Tipi Insurance, True North Real Estate Development, Sandman Hotel Group, Southern First Nations Network of Care, and Vincent Design
Post-secondary students Tréchelle Bunn from Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation; Kayla Horvath of Skownan First Nation; and Darlene Keeper of Little Grand Rapids First Nation attended our tournament dinner. Tréchelle Bunn, who is also an SCO Youth Chief, spoke of the importance of education, and how thankful they are for the support of our sponsors and donors.
“I am a past scholarship recipient for SCO. They funded the last year of my undergraduate journey,” shared Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn, who graduated with Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction from the University of Manitoba in June 2023.
“I just can’t say enough about SCO and what they do to empower young people like myself, and all of our community members and all our Nations. They’re truly committed to empowering our young people and supporting our citizens in anyway they can,” said Youth Chief Bunn. “I thank you all for supporting young people like myself, supporting SCO citizens like myself. Truly, you are helping support us on our goals and dreams and into our future careers.”
SCO is proud that Tréchelle is continuing her educational journey at law school at Robson Hall at the University of Manitoba next month.
SCO will be dividing the proceeds between endowed scholarships with Manitoba post-secondary institutions and annual scholarships with Indspire. Indspire is a national charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people for the long-term benefit of the students, their families, and their communities. Indspire’s North Star vision is that, within a generation, every Indigenous student will graduate.
“Since the time I was elected as Grand Chief, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization has supported 71 First Nations people to pursue their post-secondary education. This year, we will be able to support 17 more students. We could not do this essential work without the support of our sponsors,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “I am so proud of all First Nations people who pursue their educational goals. Keep going as your efforts have a positive impact on our Nations. I look forward to seeing everyone at next year’s golf tournament.”
To learn more about SCO’s financial support for post-secondary students, visit: https://scoinc.mb.ca/education-scholarships-and-funding/
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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.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca
Tréchelle Bunn, SCO Youth Chief