“Veterans are always on our minds as we have them to thank daily for our freedom. November is a special time for our brave warriors, and a good time for all to reflect on their bravery, sacrifices and achievements.” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2024
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB —Today the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is launching a campaign to honour First Nations Veterans, and can be seen on electronic billboards throughout southern Manitoba and on social media.
“SCO is deeply committed to recognizing and honouring the service of our Veterans,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “We must also affirm our promise to listen to and acknowledge the needs voiced within our First Nation Veteran community.”
As SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program celebrates its first anniversary, we recognize Veteran Justin Woodcock who leads the program, which provides a range of services to hundreds of First Nations Veterans in our territories.
The primary focus of the new campaign is to highlight more Veterans for SCO’s ever-growing Wall of Honour, featuring those who have served from our 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota member First Nations.
“I am always grateful for any acknowledgement and support pertaining to the service and sacrifice that my fellow Veterans and I have experienced,” said Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation Chief Gordon Bluesky. “I am pleased to join Grand Chief Daniels and the entire SCO team in supporting this important initiative.”
SCO’s Veterans program is proud to be hosting our 2nd Annual First Nations Veterans Summit. The summit takes place Wednesday November 20th at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites. It will provide Veterans with an opportunity to connect with other Veterans, as well as service providers. The event will feature keynote speaker John Langan who is a First Nation award winning author, soldier, police officer and Traditional healer.
Despite their service to Canada, First Nations Veterans have often encountered discrimination and distinct challenges in their post-service lives. This includes historical discrimination such as the loss of First Nations Status as a requirement to serve in the forces and not receiving benefits other Veterans did when returning from war, such as housing and education. Decades later, First Nations Veterans still face difficulties such as navigating the Veterans Affairs system, accessing traditional healing support, and connecting with like-minded First Nations Veterans who understand their unique experiences.
“When they were called upon to serve our federal Treaty partner, our people answered the call with bravery and purpose,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “All Veterans deserve our respect, and we must do all we can to ensure they receive the benefits and services they so richly deserve.”
Further details about SCO’s First Nation Veterans program and campaign including our Wall of Honour can be found on OUR WEBSITE .
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 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