“There is much work to be done on the path to reconciliation. We commit to working everyday to honour Survivors and the memory of our children and to educate all, because reconciliation can only come after truth.” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 5, 2024
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is launching a month of reflection and commemoration through our fourth annual “Every Child Matters” Truth and Reconciliation campaign. The campaign honours all Survivors and the children who died at the residential schools.
“As our youth celebrate heading back to school, it is also a time to reflect on the lasting impact of residential and day schools in our families and in our communities” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Our children and youth, our Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and each one of us carries the weight of Canada’s colonial policies and institutions in our families every day. It is SCO’s commitment to honour our Survivors and keep alive the memory of the children who did not return home, as we move forward in truth on a shared path to reconciliation.”
SCO calls on all people who now share our territories to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Now is the time for all Manitobans and all Canadians to understand the true history of Canada and take meaningful action. Together, we can build new relationships based in respect, honour, and understanding.
SCO’s ‘Every Child Matters’ multi-media campaign will be visible on billboards in Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Dauphin, Selkirk, Winkler and Steinbach and on transit signs in Winnipeg and Brandon. The message will also be reflected on all SCO social media streams, our website, and in traditional media.
You can show your support for Truth and Reconciliation by displaying a lawn sign at your home or place of work. The signs are free and can be picked up at SCO’s sub-office at 1572 Dublin Avenue during regular office hours (closed from 12 noon – 1 pm each day).
You can also show your support by creating your own Orange Shirt Pin. Beading kits are available at no charge at the Dublin office or can be mailed to those living outside of Winnipeg.
SCO’s Every Child Matters campaign runs until September 30, 2024. On this same day, all First Nations will take time to reflect on our history within the country now known as Canada, on the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This is also the first year Manitobans will have a day off work to join in ceremonies and events to honour the children who never made it home.
SCO Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn, a member of the Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, is proud to lead the third annual Reconciliation Run from Birtle to Birdtail on September 28, 2024.
“Birtle was one of 18 residential schools in Manitoba. The route from the school in Birtle to Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation is symbolic of the journey home that many children were never able to take,” said SCO Youth Chief Bunn. “As an intergenerational Survivor of the residential school system, I have felt the deep pain and ongoing impact these institutions have had on my family and community. It is crucial for all people to come together to uplift and honour Survivors and all of those who never made it home.”
For more information on the run, and how you can take part, visit reconciliationrun.ca
“On September 30th, I encourage all Manitobans and all Canadians, to stop and reflect on this country’s history, join us at ceremonies, wear an orange shirt, and take meaningful action toward reconciliation,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “Take time to listen to the stories of Survivors and to fully understand the impact of colonialism and residential schools on First Nations. This is the path to healthy reconciliation and understanding.”
More information can be found on the residential schools on our website: scoinc.mb.ca/indian-residential-school-survivors/
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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