“Our Veterans have given so much in service to all Canadians. We have a responsibility to stand behind them, advocate for their needs, and ensure they are supported long after their service ends.” –Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB – The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to lift up and honour First Nations Veterans as we come together to recognize National Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, 2026.
Indigenous Veterans Day provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the vital contributions of our First Nations Veterans who have served—and continue to serve—Canada in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
During global conflicts, many of our Veterans risked their lives. They faced systemic discrimination and racism, while losing legal status and being denied post-war benefits after serving.
“First Nation Veterans fought for this country with honour, courage, and selflessness—even when Canada did not stand with them,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Many served this country while their own rights, freedoms, and families were not treated with the same dignity and fairness for which they were fighting. We cannot forget this sacrifice. We must ensure they are properly honoured for the role they have had, and continue to play, in protecting this land we now all share.”
SCO is proud of our ongoing commitment to recognizing and honouring our Veterans through our First Nations Veterans Program. It was established to address the specific needs of First Nation Veterans in southern Manitoba. Our program is the first of its kind in all of Canada and was designed by First Nations Veterans, for First Nation Veterans.
SCO represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and over 92,000 First Nation citizens in southern Manitoba. Many of these Nations have a proud legacy of military service, along with serving with the Manitoba First Nations Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RMCP).
“On National Indigenous Veterans Day, I often reflect on the unrecognized sacrifices that First Nations RCMP officers make and the incredibly difficult experiences they undergo to keep communities safe,” said Dauphin River First Nation Chief and former RCMP member Lawrence Letander. “We must never stop honouring our warriors, preserving their stories, acknowledging the systemic discrimination they faced in service, and making a clear commitment to a more just and inclusive future.”
SCO encourages all Manitobans to take time to learn about the history of First Nations Veterans and to honour those who fought for freedom, justice, and peace for all.
To celebrate and raise awareness about First Nations Veterans, SCO has a social media campaign underway this month to share the stories of First Nations Veterans. The campaign includes several in-depth interviews. Those videos are available on our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube accounts.
SCO also continues to add to our online Wall of Honour, highlighting the achievements and sacrifices our First Nations Veterans have made. SCO encourages Anishinaabe and Dakota citizens from our member Nations to share the names and photos of Veterans they would like to see added to this webpage. You can fill out the nomination form here.
Everyone is encouraged to take part in remembrance events and to learn more about the incredible contributions of our First Nations Veterans throughout the month of November.
“SCO is committed to honouring the service and sacrifices of First Nations Veterans, while ensuring they receive the recognition, care, and support they deserve,” shared Grand Chief Daniels. “Our Veterans have given so much in service to all Canadians. We have a responsibility to stand behind them, advocate for their needs, and ensure they are supported long after their service ends.”
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 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