FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTE TERRITORY, MB
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels states:
“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization recognizes the significant opportunities that responsible mineral development and an expanded Port of Churchill could create for First Nations and for Manitoba. The Province’s new goal of tripling mineral production is ambitious, but achieving that goal will require more than investment, infrastructure and faster approvals. It will require genuine partnerships with First Nations.
First Nations are rights holders, not stakeholders. Before individual projects, transportation corridors or regulatory decisions proceed, the Crown must fulfil its legal duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate every First Nation whose inherent, Aboriginal or Treaty rights may be affected. Consultation must begin early, before decisions are made, and provide Nations with the time, information and resources needed to participate meaningfully.
Increasing production must also increase First Nations ownership, equity participation, employment, procurement opportunities and long-term economic benefits. First Nations must have a meaningful role in assessing and addressing impacts on our lands, waters, wildlife and communities, including the environmental effects of increased shipping through Hudson Bay.
SCO is prepared to work with Manitoba, industry and First Nations leadership to advance responsible development. Manitoba’s growth cannot simply take place on First Nations territories—it must move forward with the full participation of the First Nations rights holders whose lands and futures will be affected.”
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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