“Our Youth Chief shows us the significant impact one person can have on the well-being of a Nation.”
– Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2023
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) commends our female Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn for carrying out incredible work to honour the children of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.
On Friday, August 18, Youth Chief Bunn organized “Under Armour Day” in Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation. She has developed a partnership with Under Armour Canada, which generously donated brand-new Under Armour shoes for every youth (over 200+ pairs of shoes) in Birdtail Sioux.
“It was wonderful to be able to give a new pair of shoes to every young person in Birdtail Sioux. The children were grateful. The kid’s smiles said it all. They were so proud. Many of them shared that they were excited to use their new shoes for back to school and to participate in this year’s Reconciliation Run,” shared Tréchelle. “I want to thank Under Armour Canada, along with my family and Nation, for supporting my endeavours to honour the children of Birdtail Sioux.”
The shoe giveaway was held in advance of the second annual Reconciliation Run, Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation half-marathon. The run is taking place on September 30, 2023. The half-marathon begins at the ruins of the former residential school in Birtle and concludes on Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.
“I started the run to honour my Kunshi and Unkan, Survivors of the Birtle Residential School because they often shared with me that when they attended the school, they wanted nothing more than to run away and go home,” reflects Youth Chief Bunn. “I am proud to be the founder and race director of the Reconciliation Run. As far as we know, it is the only official half-marathon in Canada and possibly the world that begins at a former residential school site and finishes on a First Nation.”
Tréchelle, and her younger brother Teane Bunn, handed out the shoes on Friday afternoon, August 18, at the Birdtail Sioux Healing Garden. During the event, the Youth Chief also invited and encouraged community members to register to participate and volunteer for the 2023 Reconciliation Run, which is sanctioned by The Manitoba Runners’ Association.
“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is incredibly proud of the work being done by Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn. Her efforts are honouring both the children who attended residential schools in the past, and they also honour the children and youth living in Birdtail Sioux today,” stated Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “SCO commends Youth Chief Bunn for her initiative in honouring the children. We also commend her for helping to raise awareness about the truths of residential schools through the Reconciliation Run. Her actions show what a significant impact one person can have on the well-being of a community.”
SCO and Youth Chief Bunn encourage SCO citizens along with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across the Province of Manitoba to get involved and participate in the Reconciliation Run on September 30. Runners and volunteers can find more information and register for the event online at: https://www.reconciliationrun.ca/
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 83,000 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
