SCO Changemakers 2026

When we asked you to nominate citizens from our Nations who are making a positive impact in the world, Elder Axel Flett received the most votes!

Also known as “Mr. Axel” in the Nation’s school, he has been an Elder in Residence for almost a decade. However, it’s not the first time he has been involved in lifting up children and youth.

Before his outreach work at the school, Axel was employed as a Protection Worker for Child and Family Services in Sioux Lookout and at Southeast Child and Family Services. He performed that vital work for close to 30 years.

Axel says no matter the role he is playing, he enjoys being around young people and encourages them to stay in school to achieve their dreams.

He also says he uses his own lived experience to help children and youth make good choices.

Finally, Axel says he is a man of faith. This plays a big part in his positivity and longevity when it comes to youth outreach.

At just 21 years old, Lakota Lacquette is the physical education instructor in her Nation’s school.

She started as an educational assistant after graduating high school and was in that role for two years.

One day, Lakota was asked to substitute for gym classes. She hasn’t looked back since!

Leadership at the school helped her obtain a Limited Teaching Permit. Lakota is now wrapping up her second year of teaching physical education.

She plans to pursue an education degree, but for now she is embracing her current role.

When asked what she loves most about her job, Lakota tells us she enjoys seeing herself in the kids and connecting with them.

Education in our Nations takes on many forms, with citizens contributing in a variety of ways.

Chief Letander was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for 10 years before being elected as leader for his Nation.

The RCMP chose to recognize that service and presented Chief Letander with his original badge!

According to the RCMP, the badge presentation is a pivotal moment in the lives of new RCMP members, solidifying their commitment while marking the beginning of their journey as a Mountie.

McKenzie is providing financial re-integration to the members of the Nation’s Healing Lodge.

The Lodge was established to help male federal offenders heal and gradually reintegrate into the community—that includes assisting them with money management.

McKenzie graduated from the Donald Ahmo School in 2023 and got first-hand experience in finances as the assistant manager of her Nation’s gas bar and store.

Now she is passing on her expertise and heart to those wanting to successfully re-enter society.

Building bridges back into the community for those who have served their sentences is multi-layered. It includes mental health supports, treatment for substance misuse, and education.

Danisse is soon-to-be a grade 12 graduate and is a member of the Interlake Trailblazers 4H Club.

With the support of her grandpa Derrick “Sonny” Gould, Danisse and her steer “Rue” travelled to Lundar where they took part in that town’s 4H Cattle Show and Sale in 2025.

Along with her two younger brothers and cousin, Danisse will be taking part in the Cattle Show and Sale once again this year, with baby and adult steers.

Raising and showing a steer is an impressive accomplishment, in and of itself.

What makes Danisse’s efforts even more exemplary is that she was the first First Nations youth who took part in 4H calf club in all of Manitoba!

Larry has been the land-based teacher for over 15 years at Keeseekoowenin’s school.

He is also a long-time school bus driver.

During the school day, Larry teaches everything from tracking and snaring wild game, to drum making.

When SCO visited Mr. Blackbird, he was about to show his students how to prepare freshly-caught rabbit.

Larry credits his parents, grandparents, and uncles with giving him the teachings he now shares with the children and youth.

He says the best lesson they gave him was to always ask, “Can I help?”

Regarding his longevity as a teacher, Larry tells us he enjoys letting the children engage in hands-on learning.

Another golf season is upon us, and once again this young golfing phenom is making waves on the links.

After competing in Ireland last year, Connor is now preparing to play in another international event this summer.

He has been invited to play in the 2026 Future Championships Golf (FCG) Callaway World Championship in Palm Desert California.

He will be competing in the Boys 9-10 category.

Connor qualified for this prestigious tournament after a successful season in the Maple Leaf Junior Tour in Canada.

His rise in golf is remarkable, and the sky is truly the limit when it comes to his potential in the sport.

The best part in this story is that he is truly enjoying his success.

SCO wish him and his family a safe journey to California and the very best in this event and beyond.

The FCG Callaway World Championship takes place from July 13 to 15.

Judge Ryle was officially sworn in to the Provincial Court of Manitoba last year.

As one of the few First Nation judges in Manitoba’s Provincial Court, the appointment of Ms. Ryle to her leadership position is a major step forward for representation and justice in our Nations.

As a Crown prosecutor, she helped build a stronger partnership between SCO and Manitoba Prosecution Service and played a key role in shaping the SCO First Nations Justice Program.

Since being called to the bar in 2006, Judge Ryle has dedicated her legal career to serving First Nations and pushing for change. She worked as a Crown attorney with the Manitoba Prosecution Service (MPS) in Thompson, The Pas, and Winnipeg. Judge Ryle also founded the Indigenous Advisory Council at MPS.

Her leadership and achievements are an inspiration to First Nations citizens across our Nations.

Seeing First Nation leaders like Judge Ryle in positions of authority within the justice system helps show that our voices, perspectives, and cultures belong in these spaces.

Ali first gained recognition at the young age of 15 when she won a talent competition and the opportunity to record one of her original songs. She went on to release her debut album before even finishing high school. It won “Best Country Recording” at the 2013 Native American Music Awards.

Over the years, Ali’s powerful music and unwavering dedication to her community have earned her numerous accolades, including: four Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards, a Native American Music Award, a Youth Role Model Award in Creative Arts from the City of Winnipeg, and a win in the Worldwide UNESCO Youth Multimedia competition. She has also had the honour of performing with the renowned Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Ms. Fontaine has now reached another remarkable milestone by graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a Juris Doctor degree.

While pursuing her law degree, Ali raised two young children, balancing the demands of motherhood, academics, and life away from her home community.

Her journey is a testament to determination, resilience, and the strength that comes from believing in yourself.

As she begins the next chapter of her career, Ali continues to inspire others through her achievements, leadership, and commitment to creating positive change.

Blaine is passionate about all aspects of pow wow culture, especially regalia and drumming.

Earlier this year, Blaine hosted a series of evening workshops to help parents design and sew grass dance outfits for their children.

He credits his aunties as the ones who taught him how to sew and is delighted to share what he learned from them.

In the past, he has also taught and led the Turning Point Juniors Drum Group.

When asked how he learned what he is teaching, Blaine replied, “I just grew up with it.”

For three terms, Joe was a Council member for the Waywayseecappo First Nation.

With his political career on the backburner, Joe has chosen to serve his home Nation in a very different way.

He went back to school and graduated from the Manitoba First Nations Police Service Academy in October 2025.

Joe has been a full-fledged member of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service ever since.

He was the oldest member of his cadet class.

Ishkode graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2024 with a Bachelor of Health Studies and is completing her Master’s degree in Community Health.

She was also recently accepted into the Doctor of Medicine Program at the University of Manitoba.

As the first person in her family to attend and graduate from university, her educational journey represents a powerful step forward.

Ishkode carries the strength of her ancestors who went to residential schools.

Seeing loved ones travel far from home for treatment inspired her to pursue medicine.

She hopes to one day serve as a full-time family physician for Minegoziibe Anishinabe.

Ishkode also took on student leadership roles, including serving as the Indigenous Student Representative for the University of Manitoba Students’ Union.

Inspired by the teachings of his father Paul Duck and uncle David Duck, Dakota now makes beautiful and traditional regalia pieces and jewelry out of hairbone.

He is also a living canvas for his creations, as a woodland traditional dancer on the pow wow trail.

When Dakota is not making and selling his wares, he is performing heart-work, mentoring youth who are aging out of care.

Visit Bwaan’s Facebook page to learn more.

For years, Jamie has been a staunch advocate for fitness, strength, and sports training.

The owner of Moose Strongman also had a dream of opening a proper health and wellness facility for his community.

His advocacy and lobbying efforts have resulted in a state-of-the-art fitness facility for the Long Plain First Nation.

Late last year, Jamie—along with his sons Shaydon and Jazz—assembled beautiful new weight training and cardio equipment in a dedicated space in the Long Plain Rez Plex.

The result? A gym that any community would be proud to have.

Jamie tells us that community members are already embracing their new gym and are making great use of it.

He also hosts weekly weight training classes.

When SCO visited Morgan at the beginning of the year, he was preparing and delivering Meals on Wheels every Tuesday and Thursday.

Some days he would make up to 40 lunches for his Nation’s Elders.

Morgan is now working as a receptionist for the Nation’s Jordan’s Principle Program.

While all of this is noteworthy in and of itself, there is more to Morgan’s story.

He is now in his second year of sobriety after, as he describes “hitting rock bottom” from years of alcohol and substance misuse.

Morgan proudly displayed a tattoo showing the date he resolved to start living a healthy and substance-free life.

He says his journey is often difficult and he is grateful to have found purpose in his work and the fulfillment that comes with caring for his community.

Sophie served a term on the SCO Youth Chief and Council at only 14 years old. She was the youngest member ever elected to the Council!

A contributor to CBC Kids from 2022 to 2025, Ms. Smoke has spoken at assemblies, including addressing former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the SCO and Hudson’s Bay Company historic partnership gathering four years ago.

She graduated from high school last year and wrapped up her time serving as Miss Manito Ahbee.

After a hectic 2024-2025, Sophia decided to take a gap year before pursuing post-secondary education. However, that doesn’t mean she is not in the classroom!

Thanks to the teachings of her kuŋsi Donna Pratt, Sophia is a speaker and keeper of the Dakota language.

For the 2025-2026 school year, she has been teaching Dakota to the nursery, kindergarten, and junior high students at the Mahpiya Hdega School in Dakota Plains.

Sophia explained that while she aspires to pursue a career in law, she has truly enjoyed her time as a teacher.

She was recently a keynote speaker at the Spring Dakota Language Gathering in the Whitecap Dakota Nation, Saskatchewan. Her speech focused on language revitalization from the perspective of Dakota youth.

Wherever her professional journey takes her, SCO is confident that Sophia will be successful and impactful in whatever she chooses.

She earned her Bachelor of Social Work in 2014.

Since then, Stephanie has dedicated her professional life to improving the mental wellness of her clients.

Along with her social work career, she also started a therapy and consulting business with her husband Kyle McClintock.

Ni Wiji’ananik (We’re Helping Them) was founded with the goal of helping children, youth, and families through land-based/culturally-based therapeutic experiences, workshops, and programs that allow for holistic healing.

Stephanie and Kyle now work with young people and their families all over Turtle Island; helping strengthen and empower their clients and their home Nations.

If you would like to learn more about the incredible services of Ni Wiji’ananik, be sure to visit their website.

As the founder and head coach of the girls’ and boy’s teams that make up the Nation’s Warriors Volleyball Club, Kristian had 25 athletes taking part in the program.

Kristian, along with his wife Savannah, started the volleyball club over a year and a half ago.

In a relatively short period of time, the team developed their skills. In March, they were taking part in tournaments throughout Manitoba.

Kristian devotes his time, energy, and expertise on a VOLUNTEER basis.

When asked why, he explained: “We have to be the change that we want to see in our community.”

When asked why she took on the role of Collections Curator at the National Indigenous Residential School Museum, Bev reflected, “My heart is here…and with this place.”

Bev’s mother, Mederise Beaulieu, was a Survivor of Sandy Bay’s residential school.

Since October 2025, Bev has been working at the museum to honour her mother, and all the littles ones who were forcibly taken from their families in a national movement to assimilate our peoples.

Along with her curating duties, Bev worked with Elder Maxine Walker of Long Plain First Nation to have all the exhibit information translated into Anishinaabemowin.

Bev says she is honoured to be a custodian of the exhibits, artifacts, pictures, and displays in the museum that celebrate our resilience, despite the best attempts of the churches and governments to take away everything that forms the base of who we are.

A member of SCO’s Youth Council, Tyshaundrea is representing her Nation as a 2026 Miss Indigenous Canada delegate.

Tyshaundrea is 1 of only 20 applicants chosen to take part in the competition.

What you may not know is that “Ty” is also a passionate advocate for those experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, and social disconnection in Brandon, Treaty Two Territory.

She is currently in her fourth year of an Arts and Education degree at Brandon University and serves on the Board of Directors for the Brandon Friendship Centre.

Alex is majoring in Anthropology with a minor in Creative Writing at Brandon University (BU).

For her Anthropology degree, she is focusing many of her efforts on forensic sciences.

When asked why she took this route, Alex tells us it’s mostly to honour her late grandfather James “Rick” Courchene, who was a residential school Survivor.

Rick passed at the same time that news broke about 215 unmarked graves at the site of the former Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia.

Alex knew that she wanted to pursue a degree that would give her the expertise to help bring closure to families who lost loved ones to that very dark time in our history.

It should be noted that this incredible young ikwe is also a writing mentor at BU; and is also the only First Nation student in her faculty.

A grade 12 student, Hailey is wrapping an impressive high school career.

This spring and for the second year in a row, she was awarded entry to the Canada Wide National Science Fair in Edmonton.

The event that brings together hundreds of top young scientists from across Canada.

Hailey’s project focused on how using a cell phone can affect a person’s memory.

Her research captured the attention of post-secondary institutions, garnering scholarship offers from both the University of Alberta and the University of Manitoba (UM).

Hailey has chosen to attend the UM in the fall, making her the first member of her family to go to university!

If all of that wasn’t enough, this incredible young ikwe is also a successful student athlete in the sport of football and was even chosen as class valedictorian.

She is the founder and designer behind Ally’s Ribbons, an internationally recognized First Nations-owned fashion brand.

Through her traditional Anishinaabe artistry, Ally blends ribbon garments with contemporary designs that celebrate First Nations identity, culture, and creativity.

Ally’s Ribbons and her team made history last week by presenting the first-ever all-Indigenous fashion showcase at Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo, Japan.

Surrounded by her sons and her dedicated team of Indigenous models, designers, performers, and artists from across Turtle Island, Ally brought Indigenous excellence to an international runway.

This isn’t the first time that Ally has showcased her work on an international stage—she has also produced shows at Paris Fashion Week in France and Milan Fashion Week in Italy!

While in Japan, she also took part in a special round dance hosted by the Embassy of Canada in Japan.

Ally’s journey is a testament to the power of dreaming big, working hard, and remaining grounded in her Nation and community.

She continues to uplift the next generation by creating opportunities for fellow Indigenous designers, models, and artists to share their gifts with the world.

For anyone in Peguis who would like to view Ally’s latest collection, you can attend her Community Fashion Show during Treaty Days, on July 21, 2026, at the Open Air Hall.

From Peguis First Nation to Tokyo, Japan, Ally is showing that First Nations excellence knows no boundaries.

To learn more about Ally and her creative journey, visit her Facebook page.

Elder Bushie has been a commercial fisherman for three quarters of a century!

Harvey’s family tells us he dropped his first fishing net into Lake Winnipeg when he was only 11 years old.

At 87 years old, he’s still fishing today!

He is also a valued community member who takes the time to help out whenever he can.

When we last saw Harvey, he was making regular trips with his beloved boat “Partricia Danielle,” transporting his fellow citizens and their gear between the community and Black Island.

Sally works in her community’s home care department.

When SCO last visited her, Sally was preparing lunches as part of Pauingassi’s Meals on Wheels Program.

She also provides home visits for the Nation’s Elders and even hosts bingos.

There are too many benefits to list when it comes to providing home care for our Elders.

Visits from caregivers provide much-needed companionship while giving clients the dignity that comes with being able to stay in their homes.

For the past four years, June has opened her heart and her home to dogs and cats in need in Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation.

She first began helping animals under the name “June’s Adoptables,” caring for pets that needed safety, food, and love.

What started in her home grew, as more animals were rescued and more families reached out for help.

Wanting to do even more for animals in the community, June submitted a request to Chief and Council to help create a dedicated animal shelter.

That dream became reality in March of this year, with the grand opening of Community Animal Care Services (CACS).

Hundred of pets have now been registered, with each one representing an animal that has been cared for and protected.

June continues her work as a strong animal advocate, helping with:
~Animal shelter intake
~Animal transport to rescues and veterinarians
~A pet food bank for families who need support

Her shelter also works in partnership with K9 Advocacy Manitoba to support rescue and animal care efforts.

June is also a former Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) employee, where she worked with Health Transformation. Her commitment to caring for both people and animals continues to make a difference in Roseau River.

A long-time freelance photographer, Charnelle has been taking photos since she was 12 years old!

She tells us she learned to develop film the “old school” way, using a dark room.

Fast forward to the digital age and Charnelle is still capturing memories at events across the province.

She says her favourite photographic subjects are pow wows and nature.

If there is an event in the Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation, especially one involving land-based or sports-related activities, the chances are very good you will see Brian at the forefront.

For years, he has worked for his Nation’s school and Jordan’s Principle department.

He is also a proud champion paddler.

We lift up Brian Cameron for his tireless volunteerism for the people of Kinonjeoshtegon—your efforts do not go unnoticed!

Reg recently returned to his home Oyate. He is now teaching the Dakota language and culture to students at nearby Virden Collegiate.

The fact that Reg is able to bestow his extensive knowledge speaks to his resilience.

As a child, he was sent to residential school and day school. Reg is also a Survivor of the Sixties Scoop.

Despite those attempts by colonial systems to rip away his Dakota roots, Reg was able to keep his first language.

He credits his mother Hazel Bell for gifting him the teachings he now shares so willingly with others.

As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Treaty One Development Corporation, Kathleen is leading transformative economic development initiatives.

These include the transformation of Naawi-Oodena, which consists of 109 acres of Treaty One joint reserve lands located near route 90/Kenaston in Winnipeg.

Kathleen also serves as the Chairperson of the $400 million First Nation Market Housing Fund and co-founded Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag.

Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag aims to provide support to families that promotes traditional Indigenous childbirth and parenting teachings.

If all of this wasn’t incredible enough, Kathleen also holds a Masters of Business Administration from the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba.