“As First Nations people, we have core Indigenous rights, Treaty rights, and basic human rights. Our rights to self-determination, safety, health, culture, and identity are not optional. They belong to us. SCO will continue holding governments accountable to recognize and respect these rights.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — On this Human Rights Day, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is urging governments to take concrete action to uphold the human rights of First Nations citizens and remove long-standing barriers created by failed colonial policies.
Human Rights Day is recognized every year on December 10, marking the anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. The UDHR outlines the basic rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance.
This year’s theme is “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials.” This reminds us that human rights are not abstract ideas. They influence daily life—our safety, our dignity, our ability to speak, learn, practice culture, and build a future. They are the foundation of our well-being and essential to creating safe, thriving communities.
“As First Nations people, we have core Indigenous rights, Treaty rights, and basic human rights,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Our rights to self-determination, safety, health, culture, and identity are not optional. They belong to us. SCO will continue holding governments accountable to recognize and respect these rights.”
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) strengthens these rights globally. When it was adopted in 2007, it created international standards to protect the dignity, survival, and well-being of Indigenous peoples. Although Canada originally voted against UNDRIP, it later changed course and now supports it.
SCO has participated in key United Nations (UN) discussions to advance these rights. SCO has presented in Geneva, Switzerland, on transforming First Nations health systems, safeguarding sacred waters, and honouring the knowledge and responsibilities carried by Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples. These opportunities ensure that the voices and concerns of southern First Nations are heard at the international level.
Despite these advancements, southern First Nations continue to face ongoing human rights violations rooted in failed colonial systems. SCO consistently calls on governments to take action on urgent issues affecting the daily lives and safety of our citizens. These include chronic underfunding of First Nations family services, unsafe and inequitable health systems, persistent water advisories, overcrowded and inadequate housing, over-incarceration of First Nations peoples, systemic racism in policing and justice systems, and federal and provincial decisions that undermine Treaty rights, land rights, and First Nations jurisdiction.
“Speaking at the United Nations reminded me that our rights are not gifts from governments—they are inherent,” said Chief Wayne Desjarlais of Ebb and Flow First Nation. “When we raise our voices internationally, we make it clear that Canada and all governments must live up to their obligations and stop policies that harm our people.”
A major human rights concern SCO continues to raise is the discriminatory second-generation cut-off under section 6(2) of the Indian Act. This federal policy prevents many First Nations citizens from passing on their status if they have a non-status partner. Added to the Act in 1985, the cut-off has caused many families to lose their formal connection to their Nation through no fault of their own. It continues to separate and divide families and contributes to cultural loss.
SCO is again calling on the federal government to end this harmful policy by restoring a one-parent rule for status eligibility. First Nations citizens must be able to maintain their identity, status, and rightful connection to their communities.
Human Rights Day also marks the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Gender-based violence remains a serious human rights issue affecting First Nations women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people at alarming rates. Over the past two weeks, SCO shared information to help citizens recognize the signs of gender-based violence, learn about available supports, and learn how they can take action.
This work does not end on December 10. SCO encourages everyone to continue learning about the 16 actions you can take to help end gender-based violence at scoinc.mb.ca/16-actions/.
“Human rights are not only international standards—they are everyday responsibilities,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “They guide how we treat one another, how we protect our families, and how we shape the future of our Nations. SCO will continue standing up for the rights of our people, today and every day.”
To learn more about your rights as outlined in UNDRIP, visit our website at: scoinc.mb.ca/your-rights-undrip/
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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