“I am humbled to be elected for a third term in the role of SCO Grand Chief.” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2024
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) held an election for the position of Grand Chief today at Naawi-Oodena in Treaty One Territory.
The candidates for the role of SCO Grand Chief were Jerry Daniels and Kyra Wilson.
Only SCO Chiefs and appointed proxies were eligible to vote in the election.
Jerry Daniels is from the Long Plain First Nation and was first elected in 2017 and acclaimed in 2020. This will be his third term as SCO Grand Chief. This is a historic win as it is the first time an SCO Grand Chief has been elected for a third term.
Under the leadership of Grand Chief Daniels, SCO has taken critical steps to address a wide range of issues for southern First Nations and has developed extensive new programming, such as the Status Card Program, Harm Reduction Program, Pathways to Healing Program, Jordan’s Principle Program, Mobile Crisis Response Team, Traditional Healers Program, and most recently, the First Nations Veterans Program.
SCO is also working to transform health for First Nations through the creation of a southern First Nations Health Authority, evolving the child welfare system, taking steps to establish a southern First Nations Water Authority, facilitating the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project to transform the old HBC building in downtown Winnipeg as well as the Portage Place residential tower project, and more.
“I am humbled to be elected for a third term in the role of Grand Chief for the 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations represented by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. Being a Chief is not easy. I will continue to do my best to support all the leaders of the southern First Nations in Manitoba as we work to create opportunities for all SCO citizens,” stated Grand Chief Daniels following the election.
“I extend gratitude to all those who supported me in this election. I also commend Kyra Wilson for being a participant in this election process,” shared Grand Chief Daniels. “Lastly, I say chi miigwetch to my family members, my son Angelo, and all SCO staff members who stand by me and who will continue to provide support as I move forward with the sacred work that lies ahead of me.”
SCO expresses gratitude to Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean of the Lake Manitoba First Nation for his diligent work in supporting the work of SCO during the election process.
SCO will continue to represent, protect, preserve, promote, and enhance the lives of the citizens from the 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations we represent under the direction of our re-elected Grand Chief, Jerry Daniels.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 87,000 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