“This effort showed what happens when First Nations lead—with culturally safe officers trusted by the people, partnerships with local police and governments, and an approach rooted in reconciliation.”
– Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB —The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is recognizing the critical role played by First Nation Safety Officers (FNSOs) in protecting First Nations citizens who were relocated from Northern Manitoba to Brandon this summer due to wildfires. This First Nations driven, culturally grounded approach saved lives, built trust, and set a new standard for community safety in Manitoba.
“Every evacuation is traumatic, and our northern relatives deserve to feel safe in places when they are far from home,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “This effort showed what happens when First Nations lead—with culturally safe officers trusted by the people, partnerships with local police and governments, and an approach rooted in reconciliation. It is also evidence that we need a permanent, regional First Nation Safety Officer Program, not piecemeal measures.”
From June through August, SCO coordinated a multi-agency safety effort with FNSOs from Long Plain First Nation, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, Skownan First Nation, and Waywayseecappo First Nation, along with SCO’s Mobile Crisis Response Team. They worked alongside the Brandon Police Service, Manitoba Justice, the Canadian Red Cross, and local partners. Led by SCO’s Mike Gibson of Peguis First Nation, the team reduced calls for service to police, addressed neighbourhood concerns, and provided citizens with safety rooted in cultural understanding.
“First Nations Safety Officers were there to support people far from home, in a time of chaos,” said Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “Their presence made the difference. These officers helped comfort people in distress, they spoke the language, and because of the vigilance of our FNSOs, drug traffickers were kept at bay, and our evacuees could sleep without fear. The work they did was rooted in cultural understanding and care.”
SCO warns that restrictive Canadian Red Cross reporting policies risk undermining progress and is urging immediate changes to improve coordination. At the same time, SCO is renewing its call for federal and provincial governments to support a permanent, regionalized FNSO program that can be deployed in emergencies and strengthen long-term safety in First Nations. Grand Chief Daniels underscored his lobbied federal leadership on this issue, noting that he met with Minister Olszewski in Ottawa last week seeking stronger federal coordination in emergency response.
“This summer, we proved what works,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “Our people’s safety cannot depend on short-term fixes or broken promises. It requires a lasting commitment to First Nation-led solutions.”
-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