“There is an obvious need for an increased policing presence in Pinaymootang for the safety of their citizens.” – SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 15, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is calling for better policing and public safety for the citizens of Pinaymootang First Nation following two recent disturbing incidents.
This week, human remains were discovered in the rubble of a Pinaymootang home destroyed by a fire. That blaze is now being described as suspicious by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Meanwhile on the night of January 31, 2025, April Woodhouse was found outside a neighbour’s home in Pinaymootang, in what was described as a state of medical distress. She died that night in hospital. A recent autopsy revealed that her death was not due to exposure and is now being investigated by the RCMP.
“First and foremost, I offer my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families, loved ones, and the people of Pinaymootang, for what has been a very difficult time,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “My sincere hope is that these tragic deaths will lead to concrete and collaborative action when it comes to policing in the Nation.”
SCO is deeply concerned about the frequency of these horrific incidents and the perceived lack of investigation by the RCMP. SCO is also demanding an immediate increase in police and safety patrol options for the region.
“It is clear there is an obvious need to explore all avenues of increased policing and the overall safety for my people,” stated Pinaymootang First Nation Chief Kurvis Anderson. “I call on all levels of government to work with us to find a solution for this incredibly difficult time for our Nation. Lives depend on it!”
Along with an increased presence of the RCMP, SCO is also calling on the province of Manitoba, to work with us in training more First Nation Safety Officers (FNSOs). FNSOs work in collaboration with the local policing authority including the RCMP, to enhance public safety.
“We can tackle this issue together, especially if we can free up the time and resources of our RCMP partners to provide more preventative services in our Nations,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “My sincere hope is that the deaths of our relations in Pinaymootang will not be in vain, and that we devote our energy to doing all that we can to ensure these kinds of incidents never happen again.”
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 First Nations and more than 87,000 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