“First Nations have always carried responsibilities to care for the lands and animals within our territories and to ensure they remain for the generations that follow us.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 28, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) stands with Bloodvein River First Nation, Misipawistik Cree Nation and Pimicikamak Cree Nation as they take action to protect moose populations, their territories, and the Treaty rights of their citizens.
For First Nations, protecting the lands, waters and animals that have sustained our people since time immemorial is an inherent responsibility grounded in our laws, knowledge, cultures, and relationships with the land.
“First Nations have always carried responsibilities to care for the lands and animals within our territories and to ensure they remain for the generations that follow us,” stated Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “When a Nation raises concerns about the health of moose populations in its territory, governments need to listen and work directly with that Nation. First Nations must be involved in decisions that affect our Treaty rights, our traditional territories, and our ability to provide for our families.”
Bloodvein River First Nation, Misipawistik Cree Nation and Pimicikamak Cree Nation have each raised concerns related to moose stewardship, harvesting and decisions affecting their traditional territories. While the circumstances facing each Nation are different, they underscore the need for First Nations to have a meaningful role in decisions affecting the lands and resources upon which their citizens depend.
SCO recognizes that responsible stewardship requires governments to respect both Treaty rights and the knowledge First Nations have accumulated through generations of living on and caring for their territories.
“First Nations are rights holders, not stakeholders,” continued Grand Chief Daniels. “Our Nations should not have to react after decisions have already been made about our territories. Meaningful consultation means sitting down with First Nations early, sharing information openly and developing solutions together. Protecting moose and protecting Treaty rights can and must go hand in hand.”
SCO calls on the Province of Manitoba to engage directly and respectfully with the affected First Nations and to work collaboratively toward approaches to moose stewardship that respect Treaty rights, First Nations jurisdiction and traditional knowledge.
The decisions made today will determine whether future generations can continue exercising the rights and responsibilities our ancestors protected for them.
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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.
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Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca