SCO and Economic Development Arm Bring Together Leaders for First Annual Business Forum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 13, 2023
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and Southern Chiefs Economic Development LP are pleased to announce that our first Economic Reconciliation Business Forum is sold out. More than 300 people will attend the business forum that begins today and continues through tomorrow.
The event brings together leaders and economic development representatives from Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations across southern Manitoba, as well as First Nations and non-Indigenous business leaders from across Canada to discuss opportunities around economic reconciliation.
“I often speak of wanting to see more opportunities for the 34 Nations and more than 83,000 citizens SCO represents. For generations, we were economically oppressed and denied access, ownership, and partnership in markets in which others in Canada thrived,” shared SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “When it comes to creating economic reconciliation, I see an unprecedented opportunity for First Nations to participate as full and equal partners in private enterprise across Manitoba, Canada, and globally, and that will bring prosperity for all. I am particularly excited to hear from our keynote speakers and presenters this week, and to learn how we can make those potential partnerships a reality.”
SCO is thankful for support from sponsors such as Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). We appreciate their collaboration and share a belief in the benefits of bringing leaders together to learn from one another.
“Economic reconciliation is a priority for our government,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “Indigenous Peoples deserve the same economic opportunities as everyone else, and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization is leading the way and setting a path for others to follow.”
The two-day event, beginning today, will feature presentations from speakers that include former National Chief and entrepreneur, Phil Fontaine, and True North Sports and Entertainment Chairman, Mark Chipman, along with CT (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission; Carol Anne Hilton, CEO and Founder of the Indigenomics Institute and the Global Center of Indigenomics; and Jamie Wilson, Vice President of Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at Red River College Polytech. Paul Rabliauskas will be the entertainment at the networking reception.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 83,000 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