“Recognizing Indigenous Veterans Day through Bill 210 is a necessary act of respect and reconciliation. We urge all political parties to set partisanship aside and support this bill unanimously. Our Veterans deserve support from all elected representatives.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is calling on all Members of the Manitoba Legislature to come together in unanimous support for Bill 210: The Indigenous Veterans Day Act, which seeks to formally recognize November 8 as Indigenous Veterans Day in Manitoba.
SCO continues to demonstrate our commitment to recognizing and honouring our First Nations Veterans through the creation of Canada’s first First Nations Veterans Program. SCO represents 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and over 87,000 First Nation citizens in southern Manitoba. Many of these Nations have a proud legacy of military service, and SCO continues to advocate for full recognition of the unique contributions and sacrifices of First Nation Veterans.
“First Nation Veterans fought for this country with honour, courage, and selflessness even when Canada did not stand for them,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Just as we honour our Elders, Survivors, and youth, we must also honour our Veterans. Recognizing Indigenous Veterans Day through Bill 210 is a necessary act of respect and reconciliation. I call on every Member of the Legislature to unite in honouring their sacrifice and ensuring Indigenous Veterans are remembered with the dignity they earned. Our Veterans deserve support from all elected representatives.”
November 8, Indigenous Veterans Day, was first created by Indigenous Veterans themselves after being excluded from the national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa. It has since become a significant day of remembrance that honours the sacrifices of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Veterans across Turtle Island.
“As a former RCMP officer, and someone who has seen firsthand the strength, discipline, and dedication of First Nations people in uniform, I strongly support the adoption of Bill 210,” said Chief Lawrence Letander of the Dauphin River First Nation. “This bill represents long-overdue recognition for our Indigenous Veterans. It is about honouring our warriors, preserving their stories, acknowledging the systemic discrimination they faced in service, and making a clear commitment to a more just and inclusive future.”
Grand Chief Daniels and SCO’s First Nation Veterans Program Manager, Justin Woodcock, were proud to contribute to discussions on this historic bill.
“SCO stands in full support of Bill 210: The Indigenous Veterans Day Act and remains hopeful that Manitoba’s elected officials will do what is right—to honour all our Indigenous Veterans who have served with integrity and to reaffirm the province’s dedication to reconciliation,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels.
SCO’s First Nation Veterans Program provides culturally appropriate supports, including navigation of Veteran Affairs, monthly cultural gatherings, traditional healing, and advocacy to ensure that no First Nations Veteran is left behind. In addition, the program hosts a yearly gathering for all First Nations Veterans—the next one is taking place on Sunday, November 2 in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.
Recognizing Indigenous Veterans Day is about ensuring every Manitoban understands the legacy of Indigenous service and sacrifice. We invite all citizens to join us on November 8 in honouring those who served and continue to serve. Learn more about our First Nations Veterans Program on our website.
-30-
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.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca