“Our warriors served this country.
They deserve to be found, supported, housed, and honoured.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to announce the continued growth and success of its First Nations Veterans Program (FNVP), a first-of-its-kind program in Canada dedicated to supporting First Nation Veterans through culturally grounded, direct service delivery.
Recognized for its exceptional work and growing impact, the SCO First Nations Veterans Program has secured an additional $563,000 from Veterans Affairs Canada. The new funding is being mobilized under the direction of SCO leadership to launch a comprehensive Unhoused Veteran Initiative focused on reaching First Nations Veterans who are living unsheltered, in encampments, or otherwise disconnected from critical supports.
“The additional funding is a clear recognition of the impact of SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program and the urgent need to reach First Nations Veterans who are unhoused or at risk,” stated Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Our warriors served this country. They deserve to be found, supported, housed, and honoured. SCO is taking leadership in this work, and we will continue to advocate for every First Nations Veteran to receive the care, dignity, and recognition they are owed.”
SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program has been described by Veterans Affairs Canada as a “gold standard” for Veteran service delivery. The additional funding will strengthen the program’s capacity to respond directly to the growing issue of First Nations Veteran homelessness in Winnipeg and ensure more Veterans are connected with emergency housing, Veterans Affairs Canada benefits, culturally safe supports, and long-term care pathways.
As part of this expansion, Angela Brass, also a Captain in the Canadian Forces Army Reserves Cadet Instructor Cadre, has joined the FNVP as the Unhoused Veteran Coordinator. In this role, she will lead street-level outreach, including direct engagement in encampments and areas where unhoused Veterans may be living. Her work will focus on identifying First Nations Veterans, building trust, and connecting them directly with immediate supports.
“Many First Nations Veterans are not walking into offices asking for help. That means we need to bring the support to them,” said Justin Woodcock, First Nations Veterans Program Manager and Veteran himself. “With Captain Angela Brass leading outreach as our Unhoused Veteran Coordinator, we are taking action directly on the streets and in encampments to find our warriors and help connect them with emergency housing, benefits, and the resources they have earned.”
To support the program’s increased capacity, Jenna Campbell has also joined SCO as a First Nations Veteran Coordinator. Campbell brings valuable experience from her previous work with Veterans Affairs Canada and will help strengthen navigation, advocacy, and case management supports for First Nations Veterans accessing federal programs and services.
The SCO First Nations Veterans Program was created to fill a long-standing gap in Veteran service delivery. It remains the only dedicated First Nations Veteran service delivery program of its kind in Canada. Through culturally grounded advocacy, direct support, and strong partnerships, the program helps First Nation Veterans and their families access benefits, recognition, housing supports, mental wellness services, and other essential resources.
The expansion comes as the SCO First Nations Veterans Program continues to build momentum and visibility across Manitoba. On June 20, the program assisted in hosting the Indigenous Reconciliation Gathering at CFB Winnipeg, alongside partners including CFB Winnipeg, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and the Manitoba Inuit Association. The gathering brought community members, Veterans, military partners, and Indigenous organizations together in the spirit of learning, reflection, and reconciliation. For SCO, this work reflects the growing role of the FNVP in building relationships while ensuring First Nations Veterans are recognized, respected, and connected to the supports they deserve.
The continued growth of the FNVP reflects the direction of SCO leadership and the calls from Chiefs to ensure First Nations Veterans are not forgotten. SCO is also working to ensure the broader Winnipeg housing and homelessness sector recognizes the FNVP as a lead partner in addressing First Nation Veteran homelessness.
“Our Veterans carried responsibilities for this country, and too many have been left to carry their struggles alone,” continued Grand Chief Daniels. “SCO is making it clear that First Nations Veterans must be seen, respected, and supported. We invite housing providers, outreach teams, service organizations, and all levels of government to work with the First Nations Veterans Program as we lead this important work.”
The program’s growing profile has also been reflected through recent recognition of its leadership. Justin Woodcock, a First Nation Veteran and the Program Manager for the FNVP, was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal and entered into the Manitoba Circle of Honour. These recognitions speak to the increasing provincial and national awareness of the work being advanced through SCO and the First Nations Veterans Program.
Further details on the official launch of the Unhoused Veteran Initiative will be announced soon.
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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