“We remain committed to working together to advance meaningful change and improve the quality of life for all SCO citizens.” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTE TERRITORY, MB – The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) held a Chiefs-in-Summit this week in Long Plain First Nation, Treaty One Territory. The Summit provided a forum to discuss crucial matters impacting our Nations. Chiefs and proxies received updates about SCO activities and programs.
Anishinaabe and Dakota Chiefs and proxies passed four resolutions at the Summit, including a resolution on reporting on SCO economic development financial statements; one to challenge the Natural Resources Transfer Act and advance the protection of First Nations Treaty rights; a resolution for increased annual funding to support the work of SCO’s Youth Council; and a resolution to abolish the second-generation cut off rule.
The Chiefs and proxies discussed economic development issues, including challenges to the Natural Resources Transfer Act and potential benefits of wind energy. They reviewed the impact of tariffs and American policies on our relatives, both here and across the border.
SCO continues to explore and support initiatives to improve justice and safety services throughout our 32 Nations. The summit received a presentation on Manitoba’s public safety strategy for First Nations, including updates on legislative reforms in corrections, efforts to address violent crime, security rebate initiatives, electronic monitoring, and the development of the Dauphin Centre for Justice.
The second-generation cut off, a discriminatory policy that keeps First Nations people with 6(2) status from passing it on to their children or grandchildren if they have a non-status partner, was also an area of focus at the Summit. Additionally, an update on SCO’s Charter challenge, a historic effort to have Lake Winnipeg recognized as a living entity, was delivered for attendees.
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels reflects:
“Economic security, safeguarding our environment, honouring the Treaties, increasing safety, addressing health equity, ending the second-generation cut off, and ensuring the interests of all our citizens were some of the issues on the agenda for this week’s Summit in Long Plain First Nation. Issues related to the upcoming federal election on April 28th were also discussed.
Our Chiefs and proxies received a presentation from MNP about the financial audit and the financial standing of SCO. Chiefs and proxies made plans for moving forward to ensure the transparency of economic development and financial activities undertaken by SCO and related entities such as the Southern Chiefs Economic Development LP, Southern Chiefs’ Organization Reconciliation Foundation, and the Southern First Nations Network of Care.
Discussions were had around our Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn redevelopment project and the Southern Chiefs Economic Development LP. Delegates received information about why various companies have been created to undertake various economic reconciliation initiatives.
Our Summit started in a good way, with prayer, song, and a pipe ceremony. I renewed my oath of office and provided delegates with an update about my health and wellness. Our gathering provided the opportunity for Chiefs to ask any questions they may have had. I give thanks to all who attended the Summit and who engaged and supported our efforts to move forward in a constructive manner.
Miigwetch to the Chiefs, delegates, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Youth Chiefs who took part in these important discussions at our Chiefs-in-Summit. Thank you to Chief David Meeches for hosting our Summit in your Nation.
Elder David Daniels and Knowledge Keeper Ruth Roulette—thank you for your guidance and support with incorporating our beautiful culture into our work. Thank you to the entire team at SCO, who remain committed to preserving, promoting, and enhancing the inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions of First Nations peoples.
It is clear there are many whose aim is to create obstacles on the path forward. As we continue to work together to advocate for the 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations that SCO represents, I will continue to rely heavily on guidance from my Elders and the SCO Chiefs. Your leadership and voices help guide the path forward for our Nations. On behalf of SCO,
I affirm that we remain committed to working together to advance meaningful change and to improve the quality of life for all SCO citizens, now and for the future generations.”
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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