Honours Historic Partnership between Southern Chiefs’ Organization and Macdonald Youth Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2020
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — In recognition of Indigenous History Month and an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and Macdonald Youth Services (MYS) commemorate their partnership today with the raising of the SCO flag at Macdonald Youth Services head office.
On September 18, 2019, SCO and MYS signed an MOU, recognizing a groundbreaking partnership between the two organizations. The purpose of the MOU is to build, in full collaboration, a governance and community care model that reflects the ongoing needs and aspirations of the First Nations of southern Manitoba.
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels noted, “This relationship is founded on principles of reconciliation and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, acknowledging that all services and structures affecting southern First Nation children, families, and communities must be developed and delivered in a manner consistent with Treaty and Indigenous rights.” Grand Chief Daniels added, “It’s significant to see First Nations working with large organizations co-developing a structure that works.”
SCO and MYS look forward to moving this partnership forward and believe this flag raising ceremony is a demonstration of that commitment. “This is a proud moment for our agency, particularly since it’s also an opportunity to celebrate National Indigenous History Month,” said Jim Krovats, MYS Board Chair. “By raising the SCO flag on land dedicated to honouring Indigenous cultures and ceremonies, we acknowledge our deep commitment to First Nations children and families, and to a partnership that delivers quality care and services consistent with Treaty and Indigenous rights.”
The flag raising ceremony will occur on the riverbank of the MYS head office at 175 Mayfair Avenue, following social distancing guidelines. The ceremony will be supported by Elders, knowledge keepers, and a youth drum group, and a feast will follow.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations that came together in 1999 to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
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For Media Inquiries:
Vic Savino, Communications Officer, Southern Chiefs’ Organization
Winnipeg Sub-Office: (204) 946-1869 | Email: Vic.Savino@scoinc.mb.ca
For Original PDF Release: SCO Flag Raising at MYS – June 9, 2020