FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB
Grand Chief Jerry Daniel states:
“Southern First Nations welcome responsible investment that creates lasting economic opportunities for our Nations, our citizens, and all Manitobans. However, major projects that may impact Anishinaabe and Dakota lands, waters, resources, and Treaty rights must begin with the First Nations rights holders whose territories make those opportunities possible.
As Manitoba prepares to present major projects to international investors at the Canada Investment Summit, it is important that affected First Nations are engaged early, directly, and meaningfully. Our Nations cannot be brought into discussions after projects have already been identified, promoted, or advanced with potential investors.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) supports creating new opportunities for First Nations ownership, equity participation, employment, procurement, and long-term economic benefits. The Manitoba Crown Indigenous Corporation may provide another important avenue to advance First Nations economic participation, but it cannot replace the Crown’s responsibility to engage directly with rights-holding First Nations.
SCO will continue to advocate for our 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations to have the information, opportunity, and resources necessary to make their own informed decisions about projects that may affect their territories.
There is tremendous economic potential in Manitoba, and First Nations must be part of shaping that future from the very beginning.”
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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.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca