“Let our voices be heard and respected!” – Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — With federal election day here, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is encouraging all of the citizens from our Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations, to exercise their democratic rights and to cast their ballots in this important and consequential election.
“While this federal campaign is unprecedented, given the North American trade war initiated by the current United States administration, that cannot overshadow the fiduciary responsibilities our next federal Treaty partner has to our Nations,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “I am calling on all of citizens to vote for the candidates that will protect, maintain, and enhance what we have worked so hard to establish with Ottawa.”
When the election was called, SCO embarked on an extensive multi-media campaign called “Rock the Vote.” The goal was to remind our peoples that it is vital to honour the sacrifice of our ancestors who advocated for status First Nations people to have the right to vote.
The campaign also highlighted key issues that affect First Nations, including gaps in critical infrastructure, housing and social services, and disruptions to service delivery when it comes to Jordan’s Principle.
SCO is also calling on whoever forms the next federal government to commit to full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) along with advancement of both the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Calls for Justice from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. SCO is also calling for an end to the second-generation cut off.
“Voting provides us the opportunity to hold Ottawa accountable on fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations to us,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “When we turn out to vote, it ensures our voices are heard and that we are NOT left on the outside looking in when it comes socio-economic discussions that directly impact our well being and potential for prosperity.”
SCO reminds our citizens, if they need any last-minute information on voting to visit our Rock the Vote campaign website: www.scoinc.mb.ca/scorockthevote
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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.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca