SCO Newsletters

SCO sends out monthly newsletters sharing issues, opportunities, and events affecting southern First Nation citizens. Read the latest SCO monthly newsletters by clicking on the corresponding date. 

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November 2023

The leaves have fallen and we have put our gardens to bed for the winter. Our little ones are having fun with the return of the snow, and soon, we will welcome winter and the many joyful festivities that come along with it. 

The days are getting shorter as we step closer to the Winter Solstice that marks the shortest day of the year. These darker days provide us with time to rest and spend time with our loved ones. It is natural for many of us to struggle with the shorter days. I encourage you to use these as an opportunity to gather and tell stories, share knowledge, and consider ceremonies and events you can attend that support your mental wellness.

October 2023

Following this past month’s Autumnal Equinox, we have started to prepare our homes and communities for the colder months of the year. We thank Creator for the harvest this season brings as we pick our medicines and hunt to prepare for the cold, short days of the winter. 

September 2023

Following this past month’s Autumnal Equinox, we have started to prepare our homes and communities for the colder months of the year. We thank Creator for the harvest this season brings as we pick our medicines and hunt to prepare for the cold, short days of the winter.

This weekend, citizens of our Nations along with our settler allies came together on the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also called Orange Shirt Day. We honoured Survivors of the residential school system and remembered the children who did not come home from these institutions.

August 2023

This newsletter finds us turning towards the season of harvest, as summer comes to a close. Throughout the season, I spent time in many of our wonderful Nations for pow wows, Treaty Days, and other celebrations. 

From touring Little Grand Rapids First Nation during their Treaty Days, to taking part in the grand opening of Pinaymootang First Nation’s new Recreation Centre, to dancing to honour my late kookoo, Isabel Daniels, in the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation Annual Pow Wow, I feel thankful for these visits and many others that allowed me to spend time with our peoples and experience the beauty of our Nations. 

Later this month, we will recognize the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.

July 2023

Summer is in full swing, and the heat of the season is here. Like many of you, I enjoy this time of year for the ceremonies, pow wows, and celebrations that bring us together to gather and visit with our loved ones, new and old, near and far.

I was pleased to attend the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) from July 15-23 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) shared coverage of the games, highlighting the athletes and coaches who represented our Nations.

June 2023

We have made it to the season of warmth and plenty, and I give thanks for these days that we dream of in the long winter months. June was a full month for all, as we celebrated the exceptional graduates in our lives, honoured the Summer Solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day, came together to work towards economic reconciliation at the Economic Reconciliation Business Forum, and attended pow wows as the season came into full swing.

May 2023

The days are growing long and warm, signifying the nearness of the summer solstice, the closest we will be to our grandfather sun in the whole year. I pray for blessings as we hold ceremonies, celebrations, pow wows, and sundances throughout our Nations.

SCO continues to work on a wide range of projects and programs to empower and assist the 34 Nations we represent. 

April 2023

The warmth of Spring is making its way to our Nations, and we welcome the sun and the rains that cleanse the earth that in turn provides for us. We now face east on the medicine wheel, in the season of growth and rebirth. 

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) continues to grow. As our team expands to better serve our people, so does our ability to effectively advocate on behalf of the more than 83,000 Anishinaabe and Dakota citizens we represent. 

March 2023

We have entered the season of spring and welcome the sacred knowledge that lives within this time. Supported by Creators’ gift of the first traditional medicine of tobacco, we honour Mother Earth as she once again breathes new life into all beings, and each one of us.

February 2023

We give thanks to the 550 Survivors from 79 First Nations who attended our first annual SCO Survivors’ Healing Gathering earlier this week in Treaty One Territory. The gathering was an excellent opportunity to see and connect with so many citizens from our Nations.

Two people gathering medicine and participating in Land-Based healing

January 2023

With 2023 upon us, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) remains committed to working collaboratively with partners and allies from governments, businesses, academia, and the grassroots to create a better future for First Nations people.

December 2022

As we head into the longest night of the year with Winter Solstice this week, I ask that Grandfather sun shines his returning light on you and your families with hope anew for our people to find harmony and balance.

Over the past year, I am proud SCO has achieved significant progress.

November 2022

As fall gives way to Winter, we begin to enter a new season and the turn of the wheel to the North supported by the medicine of sweetgrass. Mother Nature reminds us although the world may seem darker and quieter, there is incredible growth happening and by continuing to take strategic action in meaningful partnership, First Nations will benefit from increased opportunity and quality of life. 

October 2022

As we reflect on a powerful September with the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we acknowledge that it was just over one short year ago that Canada, Turtle Island and the world were shaken by the findings of 215 unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Colombia.

September 2022

From gathering and sharing our teachings and traditions on the powwow trail, to the Pope’s apology, this summer offered us the gift of additional perspective as we chart a new path forward we can all be proud of.  

July 2022

With this new season upon us, the vision of the Chiefs of the southern First Nations has never been more clear – continue working to protect, preserve, promote and enhance the rights, languages, customs, and traditions of our people with a community-led and collaborative approach to strengthen our communities. 

May 2022

This is the vision of our ancestors – to be able to prosper, while building safe and strong communities in our territories for future generations. 

February 2022

Get up to date on new SCO programs, communities, and more!

January 2022

Welcoming the New Year with some great highlights! Check it out.

December 2021

It’s amazing to think that we are coming to the conclusion of another journey around the sun. Whether it’s the Winter Solstice, Christmas or other celebrations, December brings with it the promise of family gatherings, celebrations and reflection. No matter how you may spend this month, here at SCO we wish you and those you love a safe and blessed holiday season, and the very best for 2022.

October 2021

This newsletter showcases special highlights from the month of September, including National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. You can also catch up on SCO events, community visits, and meet our new staff.

August 2021

This newsletter highlights our new SCO’s First Nation Experiences of Racism in Policing Report. You can also read up on some of our community members and their stories!

July 2021

Get up to date on more IRS news. Read about some community travels, events, and more new staff!

June 2021

Read up on more residential school news. Get up to date on our most recent event, community visits, SCO’s new staff and more.

June 2021

This is a special edition of the SCO newsletter devoted to the overwhelming grief, anger, and trauma over the discovery of 215 Indigenous children buried in unmarked graves at the site of the former Kamloops residential school. This newsletter is dedicated to those beautiful souls, their families, and to all who mourn their loss.

May 2021

Read up on some of our community highlights, news, and celebrate Indigenous Nurses Day!

May 2021

This week’s newsletter highlights Earth Day, recent COVID-19 Vaccine updates, and more community visits! Check it out!

March 2021

Check out our newsletter! This time we updated on our most recent Chiefs-in-Summit, a community visit, the COVID-18 Vaccine rollout, and more!

March 2021

Get up to date on what some of our First Nation communites are doing, COVID-19 vaccine in Manitoba, and new staff! There is also a focus on racism in policing, and a call for inquiry into the process by which construction projects are awarded on First Nations, especially key water infrastructure projects.

February 2021

Get in the know on our most recent community visits, community advocacy, vaccines and more! Don’t forget to also check out our Social Media cookbook campaign!

February 2021

Check out what we had going on the past couple of weeks! Read about COVID-19 Vaccines, our community visit and more!  Taking a moment to highlight the great work our communities are doing throughout the pandemic and the current vaccine rollout.   We also have some great Social Media contests going on!

January 2021

Get up to date on how we spent the end 2020 and how we started off our New Year!  SCO kicked off 2021 with a call to action for the provincial and federal governments. We are very proud to unveil our New Year’s Resolution Campaign!  Meet some of our new team members.  Also learn how you can get involved in creating a First Nation’s cookbook!

November 24 – December 8, 2020

Take the time to get updated on SCO’s response to government, COVID and incarceration, 16 days of activism, get to know SCO’s system navigators, and finally our harvesting rights!  Also take the time to check out our racism in health care survey.

November 10 – 24, 2020

It covers updates on COVID-19 and relevant government funding, our NEW COVID-19 Pathfinders who are here to help southern First Nation people, our First Nations Health Services and Child and Family Services Navigators, our Veterans Wall of Honour, and our 16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

October 26 – November 9, 2020

Read about COVID-19 updates, including a new community testing site in Peguis First Nation, Grand Chief Jerry Daniels’ recent media interviews urging the province to step up their efforts to keep First Nation citizens and all Manitobans safe from COVID-19, SCO’s social media campaign for Indigenous Veterans Day and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our current job openings, and much more!

October 19 – 25, 2020

From our rally in support of Mi’kmaq fishers, to our new scholarship fund with Vickar Automotive Group, the week of October 19 – 25 was full of important events and news!

Also included is information on the COVID-19 alert app, our newly hired Director of Health Transformation and the announcement of a Chief Peguis Statue at the Manitoba legislature. We fully support the Peguis Selkirk 200 Committee and all of the committee members including our own Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, and the others working tirelessly to make this project a reality – we certainly look forward to the unveiling of the finished piece!