“In times like these, our Nations rise together. We look forward to working side by side with MKO and local partners to ensure that no one is left behind.” – Grand Chief Daniels
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the health, safety, and spirit of our people. Together, we will get through this.” – Grand Chief Settee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) are joining forces to provide coordinated, culturally safe support to hundreds of First Nations evacuees who have been displaced by ongoing wildfires in northern Manitoba.
As of early June, thousands of residents from five MKO-affiliated First Nations—Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Marcel Colomb First Nation, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, and York Factory First Nation—have been forced to evacuate their communities due to life-threatening wildfire conditions. While many evacuees are being housed in Winnipeg under MKO’s coordination, hundreds more have been relocated to southern Manitoba communities including Brandon, Dauphin, Portage la Prairie, and Winkler/Morden.
To address urgent needs in these areas, SCO has agreed to lead emergency site coordination and support services in each of the four southern locations.
“Our Nations stand united in moments of crisis, and SCO is committed to ensuring that evacuees receive compassionate, dignified, and culturally grounded care while they are far from home,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. “We are humbled by the trust Grand Chief Settee and MKO have placed in us.”
SCO’s role will include the daily operation of reception centres, volunteer coordination, distribution of supplies, on-site safety and security, and collaboration with local municipalities and emergency services.
“This partnership with SCO is not only a demonstration of solidarity between our Nations, but also a life-saving measure,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee of MKO. “The families who have been evacuated are traumatized, uncertain, and in urgent need of culturally safe spaces. SCO’s leadership and infrastructure will be critical in ensuring they are treated with the care and dignity they deserve.”
MKO will continue to oversee emergency response operations in Winnipeg and support the transition of services and resources to SCO for sites outside Winnipeg. The organizations will remain in close communication, ensuring a seamless and unified response effort for all evacuees.
Both Grand Chiefs emphasized the importance of self-determined emergency response systems, rooted in First Nations values and supported by First Nations-led organizations.
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ABOUT SCO
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 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.
ABOUT MKO
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is a non-profit, political advocacy organization that has represented 26 First Nation communities in Manitoba’s North since 1981. The MKO represents more than 72,000 First Nations people.
For media inquiries:
SCO Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca
MKO Email: Jill.Macyshon@mkonorth.com