FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTE TERRITORY, MB
Grand Chief Jerry Daniel states:
In response to Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s comments opposing the criminalization of residential school denialism and emphasizing education as the preferred approach, Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is reinforcing the need for both education and accountability to address the ongoing harm caused by residential school denialism.
“Residential school denialism is deeply harmful to Survivors, their families, and First Nations communities. The history of residential schools is not a matter of opinion or debate. It is a documented truth.
Education is essential to reconciliation, but education alone cannot address every instance of deliberate denialism and historical distortion.
We believe governments have a responsibility to uphold the truth, protect the dignity of Survivors, and consider meaningful accountability measures that prevent the continued spread of harmful misinformation.
Survivors have fought for generations to have their experiences acknowledged. We cannot allow those truths to be undermined.”
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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