SCO in the Media

For over 20 years, Southern Chiefs’ Organization has been front and centre in its work to advocate for southern First Nations in what is now called Manitoba.

SCO program offers help for First Nations veterans

Brandon Sun

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization was on hand for Sioux Valley Dakota Nation’s Winterfest on the weekend promoting its First Nations Veterans Program, which aims to help First Nations veterans seeking support. The First Nations Veterans Program is designed, guided and led by First Nations veterans and Woodcock assists them in connecting with resources for veterans across the province. He also helps them find and take part in traditional ceremonies and other programs and supports.

January 30, 2024

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization launches campaign aimed at ’60s Scoop

Global News

As a way to care for those impacted by the ’60s Scoop, a Manitoba organization is launching a new education and awareness campaign. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization launched its campaign, titled Stronger than the Scoop, on Wednesday. The campaign focuses on aiding those from SCO’s member nations with a healing gathering scheduled in the coming days.

January 17, 2024

True North, Southern Chiefs sign partnership they say will be catalyst to revitalize downtown Winnipeg

CBC News

Two major redevelopment projects in downtown Winnipeg joined forces on Tuesday in what Grand Chief Jerry Daniels called "an act of true reconciliation — economic reconciliation." True North Real Estate Development, the real estate arm of the company that owns the Winnipeg Jets, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Southern Chiefs' Organization, which represents 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations in southern Manitoba.

December 12, 2023

Manitoba First Nations, prominent developer sign agreement that could revitalize downtown Winnipeg

Globe and Mail

An organization representing 34 First Nations in southern Manitoba has signed a multiyear agreement with a prominent real-estate developer that has the potential to revive Winnipeg’s struggling downtown core.

December 12, 2023

Healing program for people suffering effects of social and spiritual issues

APTN News

WATCH: The Southern Chiefs' Organization in Manitoba has started a healing program for people suffering the effects of social and spiritual issues. Residential school and 60s Scoop survivors, among others, are reconnecting with their culture.

December 12, 2023

Southern Chiefs' embarks on campaign to support, honour local Indigenous veterans

Winnipeg Sun

“Since the early days of colonization, members of our Nations have played an enormous role in Canada’s military history, including service during wars and other global conflicts,” Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said in a media release.

November 7, 2023

Southern Chiefs' Organization Hopeful for Healing on the Horizon

Free Press

The Southern Chiefs' Organization is making strides towards healing intergenerational trauma with serveral initiatives underway.

September 30, 2023

'Winnipeggers are going to be thrilled': Heritage director on work at former downtown Bay building

Global News

To downtown passersby, Winnipeg’s landmark Hudson’s Bay Company building on Portage Avenue may look the same as it has for almost a century, but inside, new owner the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) has been hard at work on the building’s transformation.

September 14, 2023

Every Child Matters campaign launch

CTV News

Watch: Southern Chiefs' Organization launch Every Child Matters Campaign

September 5, 2023

Chiefs’ organization focuses in on overdose prevention and awareness

APTN News

With First Nations communities disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, overdose prevention and awareness has been the focus of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization in Manitoba.

August 31, 2023

How one youth chief is wasting no time making an impact

APTN News

Just a few short months since being elected as a youth chief for the Southern Chiefs Organization in Manitoba, Tréchelle Bunn is wasting no time making an impact.

August 29, 2023

Poster contest to bring light to overdoses

The Carillon

“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) wants to uplift those who have lost friends, family members, and other loved ones to substance poisoning and let them know they are not alone,” Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said in a press release.

August 28, 2023

SCO takes harm reduction approach to addictions

Brandon Sun

The advertising campaign is part of a larger “harm reduction” drug-use strategy on the part of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. Harm reduction is an umbrella term for an approach that aims to reduce the harms of drug use — such as the spread of infections and overdoses — without the user necessarily having to stop using. It also allows the user to access supports they need in a non-judgemental way.

July 13, 2023

SCO launches harm reduction awareness campaign

CityNews

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is launching a harm reduction campaign across Manitoba that will see messages on topics such as carrying naloxone to encouraging HIV testing. Edward Djan has more.

July 5, 2023

Support for Orange Shirt Day stat holiday high in Manitoba: poll

Winnipeg Free Press

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, also wants to see the day become a statutory holiday. “It’s the right thing to do,” Daniels said. “To acknowledge the truth of the history of Canada, it has to be a recognition of how the country was built. We are still on the margins of society.” Daniels said he hopes recognizing the day doesn’t get hung up on politics. “You can’t make this about populist voting,” he said. “The parties have to do the right thing and acknowledge what happened to our children.”

June 26, 2023

Healing a ‘massive undertaking’

Pentiction Herald

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), which represents 34 member nations in southern Manitoba, launched a program to connect First Nations people with traditional healers, knowledge keepers and elders to facilitate all kinds of healing at the end of March this year. Anyone who is a member of an SCO member nation can take part in the Traditional Healers Program, program lead Justin Courchene told the Sun. There are many people who can benefit from connecting with the type of support that elders, healers and knowledge keepers can offer.

June 22, 2023

Economic reconciliation 'is everything' to Indigenous people, business leader says

CBC News

Indigenous and business leaders came together in Winnipeg on Tuesday to build relationships and share ideas as part of a forum focused on the economy and reconciliation. More than a hundred business owners, government leaders and representatives of business organizations gathered at the Victoria Inn near the Winnipeg airport for the Southern Chiefs' Organization's economic reconciliation business forum.

June 13, 2023

'I feel like I'm not behind': Indigenous students in Manitoba embrace Jordan's Principle supports

CBC News

Low graduation rates have been linked to a disconnect between Indigenous and Western education, chronic underfunding for Indigenous students and systemic discrimination. With this in mind, the Southern Chiefs' Organization, which represents 34 First Nations in southern Manitoba, decided to start a Jordan's Principle co-ordinator program. Last year, the advocacy group partnered with two school divisions to bring a Jordan's Principle co-ordinator into schools. Earlier this year, the organization added seven more school divisions as partners.

May 27, 2023

First Nations leaders decry patronage appointment

Free Press

Jerry Daniels, grand chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, said McCrae’s appointment was “extremely disappointing,” while noting how intergenerational trauma continues to affect First Nations citizens. “As First Nations continue to be over-represented within the justice system, it is imperative that people working within this system have a clear understanding of the true and lasting impact of residential schools,” he said in a statement.

May 25, 2023

SCO's plan for downtown Bay honoured

Free Press

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s reimagining of the downtown Hudson’s Bay Co. building has been labelled “world changing” and has received an international award. “I think in terms of quality of life, there is going to be an impact felt,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “It’s going to change the paradigm, the thinking of Manitobans and Winnipeggers as it relates to First Nations.”

May 17, 2023

Manitoba marks King Charles's coronation at home and abroad

CBC News

Southern Chiefs' Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, who represents 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations in Manitoba, travelled to England to remind the monarchy of the Crown's historic relationship with Indigenous people. "I think he has to understand the sacredness of the relationship that was established," he told CBC News on Friday.

May 7, 2023

More needs to be done to keep Indigenous women, girls safe: Southern Chiefs' leader

Winnipeg Sun

As Canada marked Red Dress Day, a Manitoba Grand Chief called on all levels of government to do more to keep Indigenous women and girls safe in Manitoba, and across Canada. “It is essential that governments of all levels work with First Nations on an urgent basis on this issue, as it is indeed a national emergency,” Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said in a Friday media release.

May 5, 2023

Manitoba's Southern Chiefs' Organization new youth council inspired by leadership opportunities

CBC News

A new youth chief and council were elected at a Southern Chiefs' Organization event on the weekend, and one of the new heads hopes to elevate the voices and mental health of First Nations young people in Manitoba. The two new chiefs and council members were elected during Oshkii Wadizaag Ga Niiganwendamwaad/Tec'a pi hena wowapi yuha skan pi — a youth gathering in Winnipeg April 25-27 focused on career development. Tréchelle Bunn from Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation and John Dorie from Sagkeeng Anishinaabe First Nation were elected as new youth chiefs.

April 30, 2023

Birdtail Sioux's Bunn has big aspirations

The Brandon Sun

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization has awarded scholarships to 14 students across its member nations in Manitoba to increase access to education and empower young First Nations people.

April 21, 2023

Take a look inside the former Hudson's Bay building

CTV News

The historic Hudson's Bay building has stood in downtown Winnipeg for nearly a century, and now work by the Southern Chiefs' Organization is underway to make sure it stands for another 100 years. The SCO officially took possession of the building last month after the Hudson's Bay Company transferred ownership last year. On Tuesday, SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels gave CTV News a look inside.

April 18, 2023

Southern Chiefs' Organization reveals plans for iconic HBC building: WATCH

CBC News

The Southern Chiefs’ organization lays out its plans to transform a relic of colonialism, Winnipeg’s historic HBC building, into a centre for healing, education and hope. The $130-million redevelopment includes plans for affordable housing, social services and a museum.

April 18, 2023

On the way to Wehwehneh: What it takes to transform downtown Winnipeg's former Bay

CBC News

There were only three floors open to the public when the former Bay department store in downtown Winnipeg was shuttered for good in November 2020. The Hudson's Bay Company's Manitoba flagship had been withering for decades, floor closure after floor closure, by the time the COVID-19 pandemic delivered the final death blow.

April 17, 2023

Get a first look at the future of the former Bay building in downtown Winnipeg

CTV News

New photos from the Southern Chiefs Organizations (SCO) reveal what Winnipeggers can expect for the future of the Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Winnipeg. The SCO took possession of the historic landmark last month, with plans to transform the building into a space for reconciliation.

April 10, 2023

Brandon office symbol of growth: SCO

Brandon Sun

Opening a new office in Brandon will allow the Southern Chiefs’ Organization to improve outreach among its members who live in Westman, says Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. The SCO has been working to open an office in Brandon for some time to better serve, advocate for and represent its members, he said.

March 31, 2023

Bay building in downtown Winnipeg officially transferred to Southern Chiefs' Organization, plans to open in 2026

Winnipeg Sun

The Hudson’s Bay Company building in downtown Winnipeg has officially been transferred to the Southern Chiefs Organization with an aim to open in 2026. On Thursday, SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said the formal transfer of the building on Portage Avenue is a “monumental moment” for southern First Nations.

March 30, 2023

Slow, steady path forward for highly visible First Nations project

Winnipeg Free Press

If you want to know why a consortium of 34 First Nations behind the reimagining of the former Hudson’s Bay Co. historic downtown Winnipeg store have waited a year to start construction, you need only look at the Ojibwa name given to the project. Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, or “it is visible.”

March 29, 2023

The Bay transformation slow going

Winnipeg Free Press

The First Nations that are transforming the historic Hudson’s Bay Co. building downtown say it’s taking longer than they had hoped, but they’re determined to avoid legal and financial messes to ensure the $130-million project is done right. “We’re trying to be fast about it, but we have to make sure that it’s done properly, too,” said Southern Chiefs Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels in an interview Tuesday.

March 28, 2023

SCO launches Traditional Healers Program

City News

The Southern Chiefs Organization has officially launched their Traditional Healers Program, it’s designed to bring ceremony back into the lives of Indigenous peoples, and begin a healing journey.

March 27, 2023

Traditional healing program will help combat intergenerational harm, Southern Chiefs' Organization says

CBC

The Southern Chiefs' Organization officially launched a program Monday that it says will help Manitoba's Indigenous communities move forward. The traditional healers program will use culturally informed practices to treat the spirit, body and mind while also deepening participants' cultural connection, says the organization, which represents nearly three dozen Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations in southern Manitoba.

March 27, 2023

Southern chiefs unveil MMIWG2S+ family support team

Winnipeg Free Press

A dedicated team to support First Nations families whose loved ones have been slain or gone missing has been established in southern Manitoba. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization has organized a support team for member First Nations that can provide trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support for relatives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people.

March 8, 2023

Bonding with my new besties as survivors come together

Winnipeg Free Press

I attended Mino-si-toon Wichozani last week, the first annual Southern Chiefs’ Organization survivors healing gathering in Treaty One territory. The two-day event, which involves 550 survivors from 79 First Nations, was developed for and by southern First Nation survivors and intergenerational survivors of the residential school and day school system, the ’60s Scoop, the child welfare system, and for all those affected by the issue of murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people.

March 6, 2023

'People's spirits connect': Hundreds of First Nations survivors take part in new healing gathering

CTV News

Hundreds of First Nation survivors came together on Monday intending to heal past trauma. The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) hosted its first annual healing gathering at the RBC Convention Centre called "Mino-si-toon Wichozani" which means "Putting things right" and "Healing."

February 27, 2023

Women's Memorial March honours MMIWG2S in Manitoba amid case of alleged serial killer

CBC

The smell of sage and sweetgrass filled the gymnasium at Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre Tuesday night as people gathered for the annual Women's Memorial March. As marchers headed out the door to walk the streets of Winnipeg's West End, organizers handed out packets of tobacco and butterfly wings bearing the names of missing or murdered women, girls and two-spirit people.

February 14, 2023

Indigenous-run community developments taking shape in Winnipeg

The Global and Mail

It takes a bit of imagination to see a neighbourhood rising from an expanse of fields in southwest Winnipeg where a lonely bus stop stands sentinel to a long-gone army base.

February 11, 2023

SCO Court Program Coming to Dauphin

CKDM

The Manitoba government has announced that the First Nation Court Worker Program would be taken over by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO), Manitoba Metis Federation, and the Island Lake Tribal Council. SCO will have court workers in Dauphin, Portage la Prairie, and Selkirk, who will also attend circuit court locations, including those in Bloodvein, Berens River, and other court locations within SCO member Nations.

February 8, 2023

Call for Indigenous voices in health-care talks

CTV News

WATCH: Grand Chief Jerry Daniels joined CTV News to share why First Nations leaders should be included in health discussions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premiers on February 7, 2023.

February 6, 2023

First Nations must be included in health-care meetings with premiers, PM: Southern Chiefs' Organization

CBC News

The Southern Chiefs' Organization says it wants to be at the upcoming meeting between the federal government and provinces as they discuss health-care funding. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last week that he will host a meeting in Ottawa on Feb. 7 as his government looks to finalize a deal on health-care funding with the provinces. The grand chief of the southern Manitoba organization says First Nations must be represented too.

January 30, 2023

Southern chiefs want voice in national health-care funding talks

Free Press

A week before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to meet with the premiers in Ottawa, five First Nations chiefs held a news conference Monday to bring attention to their concerns. Every week, they hear about incidents in which their citizens are not given appropriate treatment, said Jerry Daniels, grand chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, which represents 34 First Nations communities.

January 30, 2023

First Nations want seat at table when PM, premiers talk health care

Winnipeg Sun

A meeting scheduled to take place in Ottawa on Feb. 7, will see the 13 premiers meet face to face with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on health care funding, as provinces and territories look to get a bigger cut of the annual Canada Health Transfer. But during a Monday media conference in Winnipeg, Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels gathered with several other First Nations leaders and lambasted both the federal government and the provinces for not inviting any First Nations leadership to the meeting.

January 30, 2023

First Nations leaders seek voice in health-care talks

Brandon Sun

Frustration with the provincial and federal government was palpable on Monday during a media conference the Southern Chiefs’ Organization held to discuss grave concerns over Indigenous health care and exclusion from health care-related talks with the federal government.

January 30, 2023

Land and culture will feature in SCO addictions programs, says grand chief

Winnipeg Sun

In a Wednesday media release, Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels announced that the SCO has introduced a new Harm Reduction Program, and a new Land-Based Healing Fund. The Harm Reduction Program will assist those who struggle with addictions and keep people safe by offering “positive change through minimizing harms associated with substance use.”

January 25, 2023

Indigenous people need control of their own water authorities, says SCO grand chief

Winnipeg Sun

Indigenous leaders in Manitoba are calling on the federal government to do more to respect the basic human rights of Indigenous people living in Canada after the group Human Rights Watch released their 2022 report on issues affecting human rights and Indigenous people.

January 18, 2023

Today is the First Ever National Ribbon Skirt Day

730CKDM

Grand Chief of the Southern Chiefs Organization, Jerry Daniels, said, "While the significance of the ribbon skirt is well known by many First Nations citizens, the events that led to the creation of this day clearly show there is much learning to be done about the sacredness and ceremonial importance of ribbon skirts.

January 4, 2023

Orange Santa Returns to nine southern First Nations in Manitoba

Global News

Orange Santa is returning for a second season to make holiday wishes come true for thousands of children in nine southern First Nations in Manitoba, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) announced Saturday. “The timing of these visits could not be better, with so many heavy issues impacting our citizens and Nations over the last few weeks,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.”

December 17, 2022

First Nations leaders want Winnipeg police chief to resign for not searching landfill

RMO Today

First Nations leaders in Manitoba are calling for the resignation of Winnipeg's police chief after the force decided not to search a landfill for the remains of two Indigenous women believed to be the victims of an alleged serial killer.

December 8, 2022

Communities left grieving after 4 Indigenous women are believed to have been killed by serial killer

CTV News

Community members are honouring and remembering the four Indigenous women who are believed to have been killed at the hands of a serial killer. SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said he is “extremely distressed” by the news of these deaths. “On behalf of SCO, I extend our deep condolences to the families, friends, and those who loved these four women,” he said.

December 2, 2022

Indigenous women gather to discuss roles as community leaders

Winnipeg Sun

The Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) is hosting the Women’s Gathering on Nation Rebuilding event Monday and Tuesday at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg, an event that is bringing Indigenous women together to discuss their roles as leaders, and as nation and community builders.

November 28, 2022

SCO looking for public input for justice reform

Winnipeg Sun

First Nations leaders in southern Manitoba are looking for public feedback as they continue to seek reforms, while Indigenous people continue to over-represent those involved in the criminal justice system and those who are behind bars in this province.

November 24, 2022

SCO survey to examine First Nations involvment with justice system in Manitoba

Global News

An organization representing First Nations across southern Manitoba says it’s looking for feedback about the justice system from an Indigenous perspective. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) said Tuesday that it’s conducting an online survey to address the overrepresentation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in the justice system, as well as focusing on issues of systemic discrimination.

November 22, 2022

State of the Nation: Indigenous Business in Manitoba

Manitoba Inc.

The SCO represents 34 First Nations in the province, encompassing 90,000 people, or about 10 per cent of all Indigenous people in Canada. The redevelopment of the Hudson’s Bay Company building on the corner of Portage Avenue and Memorial Boulevard will play a crucial role in changing those odds. The multi-million-dollar project will include affordable housing, assisted living for elders, a health and wellness centre, two restaurants (including a rebooted Paddlewheel, the long-time staple on the top floor at The Bay), a museum and space to honour both the survivors and victims of residential schools.

'Getting your identity back': Hundreds of First Nations people register for status cards at Brandon event

CBC News

A two-day event in Brandon this week helped more than 400 First Nations people in southwestern Manitoba obtain status cards, which can be essential in proving their eligibility for certain benefits and rights. "It's easier because we have the help that we need here and they can explain things."

October 29, 2022

Converting office buildings to hybrid spaces, multiuse facilities, key to downtown planning

The Globe and Mail

Earlier this year, Hudson’s Bay Co. gifted its flagship store in downtown Winnipeg to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), in what has been praised as the largest act of corporate reconciliation in Canada.

October 18, 2022

New Jordan's Principle co-ordinator will help First Nations students in Brandon find success

CBC News

A southwestern Manitoba school division and the Southern Chiefs' Organization say they're working together to improve outcomes for its First Nation students by hiring a Jordan's Principle co-ordinator for the Brandon School Division. Joni Wilson is the Jordan's Principle and wellness services lead with the Southern Chiefs' Organization. She says the goal is to keep expanding the program across the province.

October 14, 2022

Transforming the Bay downtown

Free Press

The historic Bay building, at Portage Avenue and Memorial Boulevard, has been an iconic presence in downtown Winnipeg for almost a century. As a young boy growing up in Long Plain First Nation, I can remember taking the bus from Portage la Prairie to Winnipeg with my grandmother to visit the Bay and shop on special occasions. These are fond memories.

October 11, 2022

Campaign to raise awareness of MMIWG

Brandon Sun

Honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls is the motivation behind a newly launched campaign from the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, which represents 34 First Nations in southern Manitoba. On Tuesday, the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) rolled out an awareness campaign to draw attention to the crisis.

October 5, 2022

Residential School Totem Pole raised in Assiniboine Park

CTV News

Visitors to Assiniboine Park can now learn more about the history of Canada's residential schools at a newly-erected totem pole that has been gifted to the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO).

October 2, 2022

Southern Chiefs' Organization reveals totem pole in honour of residential school children

CBC News

The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) held a ceremony to raise its new totem pole at Assiniboine Park on Sunday. Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said the Residential School Totem Pole, which came from British Columbia, has a place in Manitoba because of the significant impact residential schools had in the Prairie province.

October 2, 2022

Winnipeg's downtown is in trouble. Here's what some key stakeholders want to see

CBC News

An up-and-coming player in the downtown is the Southern Chiefs' Organization, which recently took over the former Hudson's Bay building on Portage Avenue. The organization plans to overhaul the historic building to include 300 affordable housing units, two restaurants, a public atrium, a rooftop garden, a museum and an art gallery.

September 23, 2022

Reimagining office space, Indigenous investment key to downtown Winnipeg's future, leaders say

CBC News

Down the street on Portage Avenue, — another historic building — the Bay — is set to be transformed into a mixed-use development with housing, a health and healing centre, a rooftop garden, restaurants, a museum and possibly a grocery store.

September 22, 2022

SCO survey focuses on trauma, healing

Brandon Sun

Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization is asking survivors of residential schools and their descendants to share their stories to guide future programming.

September 17, 2022

Programs, funding focus on healing trauma

Brandon Sun

Honouring residential school survivors and their families is the focus of new programming from the Southern Chiefs’ Organization aimed at healing trauma associated with a number of issues facing Indigenous people in Manitoba.

September 9, 2022

SCO launches healing programs to support residential school survivors

Winnipeg Sun

An organization that represents First Nations communities across southern Manitoba says it will now launch an awareness and education campaign, as it looks to bring more attention to the ongoing legacy and the often grim history of residential schools.

September 7, 2022

Digital program targets restorative justice

Brandon Sun

A new digital program launched by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization focuses on restorative justice and aims to fill a gap in mental health programs and services in Manitoba.

August 26, 2022

Southern Manitoba First Nations walk to raise support for new health authority

CBC News

For years, the Southern Chiefs' Organization has pushed to take more control over the delivery of health services to their people, and in June it announced it was working with the federal and Manitoba governments on the first steps toward developing its own health authority.

August 10, 2022

Province to partner on First Nations health authority

Free Press

The Manitoba government said it will partner with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and the federal government to develop a First Nations health authority for the 34-member communities. In a joint release, the SCO said the Manitoba government will sign a tripartite agreement-in-principle to establish a southern First Nation health authority to launch later this year.

June 25, 2022

Southern Chiefs sign deal with province to create First Nation health authority

Global News

Manitoba’s Southern Chiefs’ Organization has signed a deal with the province to create a southern First Nation health authority that will launch later this year. Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says the deal will apply to 34 member bands.

June 25, 2022

First Nations health authority to launch in Manitoba this year: Southern Chiefs' Organization

CBC News

Three years after taking the first steps toward transforming health care delivery for the people it represents, the Southern Chiefs' Organization is on the verge of establishing its own health authority in Manitoba. In a joint news release on Friday, the SCO, along with the provincial and federal governments, announced Manitoba has committed to developing an agreement-in-principle to formalize the commitment of all three parties to a working relationship.

June 24, 2022

Winnipeg council approves tax deals with First Nations groups for urban reserve, Hudson's Bay redevelopment

CBC News

The second agreement is with the Southern Chiefs Organization, and it details the first stages of help Winnipeg will give to redeveloping the former Hudson's Bay building downtown.

June 23, 2022

Province reaffirms commitment to reconciliation over residential schools

Winnipeg Free Press

Smoke from burning sage drifted on the strong southern wind and through the canopy of trees rooted firmly in front of the former Portage residential school on Long Plain First Nation. On Wednesday, the three-storey brick building, converted into a museum that memorializes the experience of residential school survivors, served as the backdrop for a ceremony to transfer $2.5 million from the Manitoba government to seven Indigenous organizations.

June 15, 2022

Canada colonial icon returned to Indigenous hands

Christian Science Monitor

After the Hudson’s Bay Co. department store shuttered its hulking, 650,000-plus-square-foot building in downtown Winnipeg in 2020, Peatr Thomas was asked to replicate one of his murals in the empty windows. This spring HBC, now a holding company that owns businesses and investments including Saks Fifth Avenue, transferred the building to the SCO.

June 2, 2022

Worst flooding Peguis First Nation community has seen

City News

It’s the worst flooding the Peguis Frist Nation has seen, but could it have been avoided? According to several studies done over the years, the community identified many options to address the reoccurring flooding issue.

May 20, 2022

What Peguis First Nation leaders say needs to happen to end flooding issues

CTV News

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Peguis Chief Glenn Hudson and Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, called on the two levels of government to invest in permanent infrastructure to keep the community safe from flooding.

May 20, 2022

Chiefs call for permanent protection for Peguis First Nation after historic flood

CBC News

Peguis First Nation Chief Glenn Hudson called on the federal and provincial governments to put jurisdictional issues aside and fund permanent flood protection for the community following this spring's historic inundation.

May 20, 2022

SCO, Corpell's partner to launch new water bottles

Winnipeg Sun

A new partnership has seen a line of water bottles land on Manitoba store shelves, and those who created the bottles hope they will create more of an understanding and acknowledgment of the horrible legacy of residential schools.

April 30, 2022

A Winnipeg Landmark rich in Symbolism Comes Under Indigenous Control

The New York Times

The Hudson’s Bay Company has turned over its former flagship store to an Indigenous group with big ambitions for the space.

April 30, 2022

Historic Hudson's Bay building in downtown Winnipeg transferred to Southern Chiefs' Organization

APTN

The Hudson’s Bay Company is transferring ownership of its historic flagship store in Winnipeg to First Nations leadership after the iconic building was shut down in November of 2020. The Hudson’s Bay building, which opened its doors in 1926, will be taken over by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and redeveloped as a symbol of reconciliation.

April 22, 2022

Hudson's Bay gifting flagship downtown Winnipeg store to First Nations group

The Globe and Mail

The Hudson’s Bay Co. is gifting one of its grandest buildings to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization – a group representing 34 Manitoba First Nations – in a transfer of assets that’s being dubbed a model of economic reconciliation.

April 21, 2022

Hudson's Bay Transfers Ownership of Store to Winnipeg First Nations

Toronto Star

On April 22, 2022 the Hudson’s Bay Company announced that it had transferred ownership of its Downtown Winnipeg heritage building to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), who have a “visionary” plan for the future of the site.

April 22, 2022

'Historic and monumental' step taken as Winnipeg's Bay building handed to First Nations group

CBC News

Winnipeg's downtown Hudson's Bay building, which turns 100 years old in four years, began a rebirth on Friday as the company rooted in a fur trading past with Indigenous people transferred the property to a First Nations group.

April 22, 2022

SCO's plan for Hudson's Bay building redevelopment

CTV News

Watch now

April 29, 2022

Hudson's Bay calls donation of Winnipeg building an act of reconciliation

BNN

North America's oldest company with fur-trading roots is transferring what was one of its flagship stores to a First Nations group in what is being praised as an example of reconciliation in action. Animal pelts, blankets and other items were exchanged in a lengthy ceremony Friday marking the handover of the Hudson's Bay Co. building in Winnipeg. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson and chiefs from across southern Manitoba attended.

April 22, 2022

SCO's Project to Reimagine Hudson's Bay Heritage Building in Downtown Winnipeg

Financial Post

“Today can be another step forward to a brighter future, one that reflects what our ancestors dreamed of,” stated Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “This project is an act of reconciliation and is our vision to revitalize the heart of Winnipeg’s downtown, for the benefit of all, in line with our traditional, holistic approach to sustainable economic development.”

April 22, 2022

New Indigenous-led council to advise residential school burial searches

CTV News

Searches at the burial sites for children who died at residential schools in Manitoba will have Indigenous leaders to guide them. Southern Chiefs' Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels will be co-chairing a new council with the Province of Manitoba. The council will offer advice as people search residential school burial sites.

March 23, 2022

Manitoba chiefs call for reform after Anishinaabe woman subjected to racial slurs during court hearing

CBC News

The organization that represents First Nations in southern Manitoba is calling for justice reform after an Anishinaabe woman suffered repeated racist and misogynistic verbal attacks during a trial last year. The Southern Chiefs' Organization is calling for an official complaint to be made against Manitoba provincial court Judge Samuel Raposo, who didn't intervene or address repeated slurs uttered by a witness during the April 2021 hearing.

March 15, 2022

Jordan's Principle deal signed between SCO and Winnipeg School Division to benefit First Nation students

APTN News

The Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Winnipeg’s largest school division to ensure First Nations students have access to the support and resources they need to succeed. The MOU signed by the Winnipeg School Division (WSD) and SCO will see a new Jordan’s Principle coordinator work with First Nation students.

March 7, 2022

SCO launches Jordan's Principle post in WSD

Winnipeg Free Press

FIRST Nations students enrolled in Manitoba’s largest school district can now contact a designated employee with concerns about racism in the classroom and barriers to course achievement. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization and Winnipeg School Division have partnered to launch a facilitator position that will support learners and policy change.

March 4, 2022

New partnership aims to ensure equal access to supports for First Nations students in Winnipeg

CBC News

Winnipeg School Division and Southern Chiefs' Organization appoint new Jordan's Principle co-ordinator. Winnipeg's largest school division and the Southern Chiefs' Organization say they are working together on a new partnership intended to ensure First Nations students have access to the support and resources they need to succeed in school.

March 2, 2022

Manitoba looking into baby name registry changes after Indigenous couple's name denied

Winnipeg Sun

The Grand Chief of the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) says he was outraged when he heard that Indigenous parents were recently denied the opportunity to register their newborn child’s chosen name, and he now wants to see immediate changes to how birth names are registered in this province.

February 23, 2022

SCO launches Mobile Crisis Response Team

Brandon Sun

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization has launched its new Mobile Crisis Response Team, a project designed to support First Nations experiencing crises in their communities. "This is a 24-hour support system … It’s 24-7 prevention, crisis response and continuation of care," said Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. "We’ve got a very knowledgeable team with hundreds of years combined experience in the mental health field."

February 21, 2022

'This is very important': SCO launches new crisis response team

CTV News

The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is launching a new initiative to help those who are in crisis. The organization is starting a Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) program, which will feature people who are trained in trauma-informed practice and will be able to offer crisis response, intervention, and case coordination services.

February 16, 2022

Two Indigenous counter-protesters detained by Winnipeg police

CTV News

The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) wants answers from the Winnipeg Police Service after two Indigenous counter-protesters were detained by officers. The SCO said two people were detained by police under the Intoxicated Person Detention Act after they were seen standing and blocking traffic at times over the weekend.

February 14, 2022

SCO raises concerns over Tory choice for interim leader

Winnipeg Sun

A First Nations leader in Manitoba is expressing concerns about the recent naming of Candice Bergen as interim leader of the federal Conservatives because he says the MP has in the past shown “questionable judgment” and a willingness to be “associated with racism.”

February 8, 2022

Southern chiefs decry 'unacceptable' delay in rapid test supply

Winnipeg Free Press

Federally supplied rapid tests are finally headed to Manitoba reserves, months after southern chiefs say Ottawa lost the supplies they’d requested at the onset of the Omicron variant. “It is absolutely unacceptable,” Grand Chief Jerry Daniels told the Free Press.

February 4, 2022

Southern Chiefs' Organization delivers PPE to 34 member nations

Brandon Sun

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization has begun the deployment of essential medical supplies across southwest Manitoba to help nations endure the latest wave of COVID-19.

January 28, 2022

SCO demanding ‘thorough investigation’ into death of Pine Creek First Nation man in Stony Mountain prison

APTN News

The Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) is “demanding a thorough investigation” into the death of James Flatfoot at the Stony Mountain institution which is operated by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).

January 26, 2022

Manitoba Indigenous leaders, advocates hope federal compensation will help with healing

Global News

Indigenous advocates in Manitoba say they hope the federal government’s $40-billion agreement in principle to compensate First Nations children taken from their homes on reserve will help bring some healing to those who have suffered pain and trauma.

January 4, 2022

Retail reconciliation

Winnipeg Free Press

Just in time for the holidays, Southern Chiefs compile First Nation shopping guide

December 17, 2021

Orange Santa delivers Every Child Matters message to First Nations in Manitoba

CBC News

Santa has traded in his traditional red colours for an orange suit to bring a special message to First Nations children in Manitoba: every child matters. "I explained to everybody why I'm wearing orange … because you all matter," said Orange Santa, who stopped by Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation on Monday. "All children matter, no matter what race you are. Every child matters.''

December 14, 2021

Orange Santa campaign shares the love

Winnipeg Free Press

Orange Santa wants to spread the message: every child deserves to feel special at Christmas. As such, the new Southern Chiefs’ Organization holiday campaign will deliver nearly 3,000 gifts to children across 10 Manitoba First Nations.

December 13, 2021

SCO working to break down barriers for young business developers

Winnipeg Sun

The Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) say a newly signed agreement will help young First Nations entrepreneurs in this province to succeed and prosper, by working to break down systemic barriers to success. Advertisement Article content “We know First Nation business owners have to overcome systemic obstacles,” SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said in a press release. “I am confident this new partnership will help to break down those barriers and biases.”

December 8, 2021

Service offers status card renewal replacement

Brandon Sun

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization has launched a new service designed to help First Nation citizens in southern Manitoba renew or replace their status cards. The new status card renewal or replacement service will include trained pathfinders offering support to Status First Nation citizens when navigating the application process.

December 4, 2021

Southern Chiefs helping First Nations Manitobans navigate status card process

Global News

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is helping First Nation Manitobans who need to renew or replace their status cards. The organization’s Grand Chief, Jerry Daniels, made the announcement on Monday. “Navigating the federal government’s renewal or replacement process for status cards can be challenging, and it involves paperwork that can be complex,” said Daniels.

November 29, 2021

'Canada must own up': Manitoba First Nations leaders call for national inquiry into Sixties Scoop

CBC News

First Nations leaders in Manitoba are adding their voices to the call for a federal inquiry into a dark history known as the Sixties Scoop. Beginning in the mid-1950s and lasting until the early 1990s, a series of policies enacted by provincial child welfare authorities saw thousands of First Nations and Inuit children taken from their homes and families, placed in foster homes, and eventually adopted out to white families from across Canada and the United States.

November 1, 2021

MMIWG survey results released

Brandon Sun

Yesterday, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization released the results of its survey regarding missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The organization launched an anonymous survey in May to identify First Nations’ priorities about the final report of the national inquiry into MMIWG and the report’s 231 calls for justice.

October 5, 2021

More action needed on calls for justice, survivor says on MMIWG Awareness Day

CTV News

It’s been more than two years since 231 Calls for Justice were released, but advocates and First Nations leaders say not enough progress has been made to help stop the genocide identified by the National Inquiry.

October 4, 2021

How you can get involved on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

CTV News

With the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation next week, the Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is calling on Manitobans to reflect and honour those who were forced through the residential school system.

September 24, 2021

'I am First Nation and I vote' campaign aims to get Manitoba First Nations voters to the polls

CBC News

First Nations leaders in Manitoba are calling on every eligible First Nations person in the province to get out and vote in next week's federal election. "Get your cousins to vote, get your aunties and uncles to vote, and make sure that you're being heard because we need you. Leadership cannot do it alone — we need you to help us," said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs' Organization.

September 16, 2021

Southern chiefs express disappointment in premier meeting

Winnipeg Free Press

Manitoba southern First Nations say they’re not impressed with new, temporary Premier Kelvin Goertzen, arguing the PC party's more collaborative tone needs to translate into actually changing its policies.

September 13, 2021

First Nations in southern Manitoba start Indian Residential Schools solidarity campaign

Global News

An organization representing First Nations in southern Manitoba is starting a month-long campaign to commemorate and offer solidarity to those who were affected by residential schools.

September 1, 2021

Round dance organized to celebrate Brian Pallister's departure from premier's office

CBC News

Dozens of people took part in a round dance outside the Manitoba legislature Thursday that was organized to celebrate Brian Pallister's impending departure from the premier's office.

August 14, 2021

Waywayseecappo gets formal apology

Brandon Sun

A Westman First Nation received an apology on Wednesday that was owed to them for 140 years.

August 12, 2021

Manitoba Indigenous groups welcome Brian Pallister's exit as premier

Global News

Tuesday’s announcement that Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister will step down and not seek re-election as leader of the province has generated a lot of discussion about Manitoba’s future.

August 11, 2021

Manitoba Indigenous leaders celebrate Pallister's departure

Winnipeg Free Press

Indigenous leaders are celebrating after Brian Pallister announced Tuesday he's stepping down as Manitoba's premier and leader of the Progressive Conservatives. Pallister's retirement "couldn’t come any sooner," said Jerry Daniels, grand chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, which represents 34 Manitoba First Nations.

August 10, 2021

'The damage has already been done': Pallister's apology not enough for Man. Indigenous leaders

CTV News

In Tuesday’s public health update, Premier Brian Pallister was asked about comments he made in July, after protesters toppled two statues on the Legislature grounds during a protest over the deaths of Indigenous children at residential schools.

August 4, 2021

Gaathering marks 150 years since signing of Treaty 1

APTN National News

Officials gathered Tuesday at Lower Fort Garry to mark the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 1 with the Crown. Chiefs from across Turtle Island took part in the ceremony at the fort located about 30 km north of Winnipeg on the banks of the Red River.

August 3, 2021

Archdiocese apologizes after priest accuses residential school survivors of lying

CTV News

A Winnipeg archdiocese will no longer allow a Catholic priest to preach publicly or teach after he suggested during a sermon that residential school survivors lied to get settlement money.

July 29, 2021

Pallister resignation would 'be good for Manitoba'

Winnipeg Free Press

Manitoba’s grand chiefs are calling on Premier Brian Pallister to resign, as his party tries to quell frustration over ahistorical residential-school comments he and his new Indigenous reconciliation minister have made.

July 19, 2021

MLA Clarke breaks silence, says her voice was 'not being heard' by Pallister

Winnipeg Free Press

MLA Eileen Clarke has broken her silence about quitting Premier Brian Pallister's cabinet, saying she left due to the premier’s comments on Indigenous people and his refusal to listen to his cabinet ministers.

July 15, 2021

Mountie who filed systemic racism class action against RCMP reacts to vets association post

APTN National News

A former Manitoba Mountie who filed a class action against the RCMP alleging systemic racism in the force tells APTN News she is troubled by comments contained in an opinion piece recently posted to the website of the RCMP Veterans’ Association.

July 14, 2021

Retired Mountie explains why he blew whistle on RCMP Veteran's Association post

APTN National News

When retired RCMP sergeant Bruce Pitt-Payne first saw a post on the RCMP Veterans’ Association website called “My Canada – is it Your Canada?” he said he thought it would be about not burning down churches and stopping vandalism in the wake of unmarked graves found at residential schools across the country.

July 12, 2021

Simon first Indigenous governor general

Brandon Sun

Mary Simon is the first Indigenous person to become Canada's governor general.

July 7, 2021

Groups taking over Indigenous Court Workers Program

Brandon Sun

Indigenous rights holder organizations will now have control over the Indigenous Court Workers Program in a move the province says is aimed at reconciliation and improving outcomes in the justice system. The Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Manitoba Metis Federation, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and the Island Lake Tribal Council will now be responsible for administering the program, Justice Minster Cameron Friesen announced Tuesday.

June 30, 2021

Manitoba to transition court workers program to Indigenous organizations

Global News

Responsibility for Manitoba’s Indigenous Court Workers Program is being transitioned to four Indigenous-led organizations, the province announced Tuesday. Justice Minister Cameron Friesen said shifting the program, which helps Indigenous people navigate the court system, to Indigenous rights-holders is another step toward reconciliation.

June 29, 2021

'Every child matters': Manitoba reacts to discovery of unmarked gravesites at former residential school in Saskatchewan

CTV News

Many in Manitoba are reacting to another discovery of an unmarked gravesite at a former residential school in Canada. Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan said it has found 751 unmarked gravesites after ground-penetrating radar was used at the Marieval Indian Residential School site, which started back on June 2.

June 24, 2021

'The truth is finally being reavealed': Manitoba grand chiefs react to Cowessess announcement

APTN News

The discovery of 751 unmarked graves near a former residential school by Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan was felt by many across the country and around the world. The grand chiefs of the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) held a joint press conference to reflect on the news, which was announced moments earlier.

June 24, 2021

Manitoba children attended Sask. residential school where unmarked graves found

Winnipeg Free Press

Manitoba children are likely buried among the potential 751 unmarked graves identified at a former Saskatchewan residential school this week, as the country braces for more burial sites to be uncovered. "We are not asking for pity, but we are asking for understanding," Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme said Thursday, as he revealed that a ground-radar search had found evidence of hundreds of Indigenous children buried in unmarked graves.

June 24, 2021

Brandon event mourns residential school's victims

Winnipeg Free PRess

Themes of truth, love and healing dominated an event to honour residential school survivors at the site of the former Brandon Indian Residential School. The Monday event, called Prayer for the Children, was held at the property in conjunction with National Indigenous Peoples Day, to mourn the children who died at the residential school and similar sites across the country. The event was hosted by Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization.

June 22, 2021

Indigenous liaison boosts supports at vaccine site

The Carillon

A Steinbach nursing student is helping to make the city’s vaccination site more accessible to First Nation, Metis, and Inuit clients. Victoria Hickes is one of 22 Indigenous liaisons hired by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization to work at vaccination sites across Manitoba this summer.

June 12, 2021

Manitoba MP to call on Ottawa to recognize residential schools as genocide

Global News

A Manitoba MP intends to call on Ottawa to formally recognize what happened at residential schools as an act of genocide. NDP MP Leah Gazan, who represents Winnipeg Centre, says she will ask for unanimous consent in the House of Commons following question period on Thursday.

June 9, 2021

Residential school tragedy renews calls for name change

Winnipeg Free Press

DEMAND is growing to remove the Bishop Grandin name from a Winnipeg greenway and boulevard, as outrage spreads across Canada over the tragic toll of residential schools. The City of Winnipeg said it received its first calls to rename the local destinations in 2018, due to Bishop Vital-Justin Grandin’s (1829-1902) support for the residential school system.

June 1, 2021

Manitoba First Nations react with shock, sadness at discovery of remains at B.C. residential school

Winnipeg Sun

Manitoba First Nations leaders responded with shock, sadness and sincerest condolences, after learning of the discovery of the remains of 215 children on a former residential school site in Kamloops, B.C.

May 30, 2021

Manitoba ICU patient who died before transfer to Ontario identified

CTV News

The ICU patient from Manitoba that died after an attempted medical transfer to Ontario has been identified. The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) said the woman who died was 31-year-old Krystal Mousseau, a mother of two from the Ebb and Flow First Nation.

May 27, 2021

Manitoba First Nations leader lashes out at Pallister over COVID failure

Winnipeg Free Press

"The blame for this disaster rests squarely on the shoulders of Premier Pallister and his cabinet," Southern Chiefs Grand Chief Jerry Daniels wrote in a Wednesday news release. "They have let political interests interfere and not followed the science, and that has had deadly consequences."

May 19, 2021

Indigenous influencers tagged for pro-vaccine campaign

Winnipeg Free Press

The campaign will use social media platforms and will partner with First Nations leaders and influencers, people with significant followings on social media platforms, such as Champagne and musician Lenard Sumner.

May 12, 2021

Residential school survivor and author Ted Fontaine has died

CTV News

Theodore (Ted) Fontaine died at the age of 79-years-old. The former chief of Sagkeeng First Nation was among the authors of a book titled 'Did You See Us' which shed light on the life children faced at an urban residential school in Winnipeg.

May 11, 2021

Manitoba grand chief calls for public inquiry into in-custody death of William Ahmo

CBC News

The organization representing First Nations in southern Manitoba is calling for a public inquiry into the death of William Ahmo, who died while in custody at Headingley Correctional Centre in February.

May 6, 2021

Brutal end behind bars

Winnipeg Free Press

The official narrative of what happened to Will Ahmo — an Indigenous inmate at Headingley Correctional Centre — and how he ended up in a Winnipeg hospital on life support with brain and spinal injuries, is virtually non-existent.

May 4, 2021

Budget billions seek to address history of hardship

Winnipeg Free Press

The federal government's plan to engineer a booming COVID-19 recovery involves channeling billions of dollars to Indigenous communities to rectify decades of socio-economic gaps, and assert autonomy in Manitoba.

April 25, 2021

Tribal councils in Manitoba call on Ottawa to release plan to counter violence against Indigenous women

APTN News

The families and advocates of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) are still waiting for a national action plan to implement recommendations from a national inquiry that ended two years ago.

April 9, 2021

Health region responds to racism survey

Brandon Sun

The majority of First Nations people have experienced racism in Manitoba’s health-care system, according to the results of a survey issued by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. The organization released the report Friday in advance of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination the following day.

March 23, 2021

Many First Nations people in Manitoba experienced racism while accessing care – survey – VIDEO

APTN News

Seventy-two per cent First Nations people polled in Manitoba said they experienced racist treatment first-hand when accessing care – while 80 per cent have witnessed it happen to a loved ones. That’s according to a new survey by the Southern Chiefs' Organization, which suggests a pattern of discrimination, neglect and even abuse. SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says the findings are appalling.

March 22, 2021

Survey shows consistent pattern of discrimination, neglect, abuse of First Nation people in health care

Winnipeg Sun

A new report on experiences of systemic racism in Manitoba’s health care system was released based on findings from the Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s (SCO) Survey on Racism in Health Care. The survey consisted of nine closed-ended and two open-ended questions and was shared online for six weeks in December 2020.

March 20, 2021

Southern Chiefs demands answers, investigation following police response to Indigenous woman in distress

Winnipeg Sun

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is calling answers and a thorough investigation following Winnipeg Police’s response to an Indigenous woman who was in mental distress and attempted to take her own life in an incident First Nations leaders were calling “disturbing”.

March 20, 2021

Calls for investigation – VIDEO

CityNews

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is demanding answers from the Winnipeg Police Service after an alleged incident took place between an Indigenous woman in distress and police officers. Alex Karpa reports.

March 20, 2021

First Nations advocate accuses Winnipeg police of mistreating suicidal woman in bridge incident

CBC News

An Indigenous woman was mistreated by Winnipeg police during a mental health crisis earlier this week, an organization representing First Nations people in southern Manitoba says, and they are asking for a full investigation.

March 20, 2021

Peter Nygard has a phone in jail cell for constant contact with legal team, court documents reveal

CBC News

Advocate says that kind of access to outside world not available to everyone Crystal Brown, a community justice development coordinator at Southern Chiefs Organization, which includes 34 First Nations, was frustrated to learn about the accommodations Nygard is afforded behind bars. She said having phone access 16 hours a day shows the different treatment Nygard is getting compared to others in jail.

March 18, 2021

Groups line up to fight Manitoba's proposed anti-protest law

Winnipeg Free Press

A proposed Manitoba law that would restrict the rights of protesters will likely face a court challenge, Indigenous and environmental groups say. Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said Tuesday he believes the government was targeting Indigenous protests when it drafted the bill. "It’s a strategy, obviously, to silence the voices and the views of First Nations people who have been excluded for a very long time from infrastructure strategy and investments in terms of our partnership on a government-to-government basis," Daniels said in an interview.

March 17, 2021

Manitoba Grand Chief forsees legal challenges to critical infrastructure bill

Global News

The Grand Chief of the Southern Chiefs Organization says legal challenges to a bill which clamps down on protesting around “critical infrastructure” are almost inevitable. “We have to challenge it at every aspect,” Grand Chief Jerry Daniels told 680 CJOB Tuesday, one day after Bill 57 was revealed at the Manitoba legislature.

March 16, 2021

SCO concerned about the impact of proposed education changes on Indigenous students

CTV News

The head of the Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is criticizing the Manitoba government’s new education bill, saying it does not address the systemic issues First Nations students in Manitoba are facing in the classroom.

March 16, 2021

First Nation leaders appaled by lack of progress to improve child welfare system

Winnipeg Sun

First Nation leaders are appalled by the recent findings in the Still Waiting: Investigating Child Maltreatment after the Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry, released last week by the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY). Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) urges the province to prioritize the implementation of the five recommendations from the recent report as well as the previous 62 recommendations on improving the child welfare system.

March 16, 2021

Southern Chiefs Organization speaks out on child welfare report

CTV News

The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is speaking out after a report by the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth found that child maltreatment deaths continue to be a significant concern in the province. SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels is calling on the provincial government to immediately prioritize the implementation of the five recommendations from the report.

March 13, 2021

First Nations stepped up to tackle COVID-19 since first confirmed case a year ago

Winnipeg Sun

First Nations have stepped up tremendously since the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed by Manitoba a year ago. “Today, we mourn the loss of 150 First Nation citizens, and grieve with their families and loved ones,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO).

March 13, 2021

Manitoba's proposed smoking ban 'intrusion' on jurisdiction of First Nations say chiefs

APTN News

The Manitoba government has introduced a bill that would see smoking exemptions in First Nations communities revoked. Indoor public smoking has been banned for a number of years in Manitoba but the ban hasn’t applied to First Nations because they fall under federal jurisdiction. Southern Chiefs Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said First Nation communities already have limits on smoking in their communities.

March 12, 2021

Stony inmate complained of opiate withdrawal before death: lawyer

Winnipeg Free Press

One day before he was found dead inside Stony Mountain penitentiary, Dwayne Simard told his lawyer he was suffering from opiate withdrawal and thought he was dying. Simard is one of two Sagkeeng First Nation men to die in custody in less than a month. The Southern Chiefs Organization has called for a public inquiry.

March 9, 2021

Hollow Water First Nation hangs red dresses to honour Jana Williams

CBC News

Hollow Water First Nation is coming together to support the family of Jana Williams, 28, whose body was found last week on Alfred Avenue near the Red River in Winnipeg, by hanging red dresses in her honour and organizing a candlelight vigil. Jerry Daniels, grand chief of Southern Chiefs' Organization Inc. (SCO), described what happened to Williams as "absolutely appalling" in an interview with CBC News.

March 9, 2021

Province holding back long-awaited Police Services bill

Winnipeg Sun

The provincial government is holding back their long-awaited Police Services Amendment Act. Jerry Daniels, Grand Chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, said the culture needs to be addressed, including sensitivity training and zero tolerance for racism and undertones. He said the issues go beyond just policing and justice, but they need to see tangible action taken.

March 9, 2021

"Welcome development" as inquest called in police-involved fatal shooting of teen

Winnipeg Sun

The leader of the Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) is pleased that Manitoba’s Chief Medical Examiner has ordered an inquest into the death of 16-year-old Eishia Hudson, who was shot and killed by a Winnipeg Police officer last April.

March 6, 2021

First Nations vaccination visits to start mid-March

Brandon Sun

Vaccination teams will begin visiting First Nations communities in Manitoba in mid-March, public health officials announced Friday. In a statement to the media, Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels applauded the announcement. "This announcement is what we have been waiting to hear," said Daniels.

March 6, 2021

Deaths in custody spark call for public inquiry

Winnipeg Free Press

The Southern Chiefs' Organization is calling for a public inquiry, and its leader has criticized the independent investigation process, after the deaths of two incarcerated Sagkeeng First Nation men in less than a month.

March 4, 2021

Survey launched on racism in policing – VIDEO

CTV News

Interview with Grand Chief Daniels

March 1, 2021

Anishinaabe and Dakota chiefs call for inquiry over revelations in Broken Promises investigation

Global News

An advocacy organization representing Anishinaabe and Dakota communities in Manitoba is calling for an inquiry into how the federal government reviews major infrastructure projects on First Nations. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), which represents 34 First Nations in the province, says federal officials often force First Nations to work with sub-standard firms in order “to save a few bucks,” especially on key water projects.

February 28, 2021

Southern Chiefs' Organization launches survey to gauge racism in policing in Manitoba

Toronto Star

A survey on experiences of racism in policing by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) was launched to mark Indigenous Justice Awareness Day. The survey is open to all Manitoba First Nations and will report on experiences of racism when dealing with police services across the province.

February 27, 2021

Manitoba chiefs push Ottawa on use of 'sub-standard' contractors

Winnipeg Free Press

Manitoba chiefs say it’s time the Trudeau government put less emphasis on cost when fixing drinking-water systems, or they’ll keep falling into disrepair.

February 25, 2021

Family of Will Ahmo looking for answers into his death at Headingley Correctional Centre

APTN News

The family of a man who died after an altercation with correctional officers is calling for an independent investigation to be done regarding his death. William ‘Will’ Walter Ahmo, 45, from Sagkeeng First Nation north of Winnipeg died Sunday after what’s been called “an incident” with staff at the Headingley provincial jail just outside of Winnipeg.

February 17, 2021

'Our story is all too common': Family calls for inquest into death of inmate at Manitoba jail

CTV News

The family of William Walter Ahmo is speaking out after an incident involving corrections officers left him in hospital where he died a week later. They are calling for an inquest and an independent investigation into his death, a call echoed by the Southern Chiefs' Organization.

February 17, 2021

First Nations immunization site pops up in Winnipeg

Winnipeg Free Press

A pop-up COVID-19 vaccination site in Winnipeg has put its focus on immunizing First Nations health-care workers, knowledge keepers and traditional healers — a first of its kind in the province. "Yesterday’s site opening was the result of many hours of tireless work by a small group of dedicated staff, health experts and front-line workers. They had limited resources but their efforts have created something wonderful and life-saving," Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs' Organization said Tuesday.

February 9, 2021

First Nations family advocate, chief question why newborns still being apprehended in Manitoba

CBC.ca

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs' Organization says despite the province's decision to end the widely criticized use of birth alerts, the child welfare system is still apprehending children — an archaic practice, he says, and something that should only happen after all other avenues have been exhausted.

February 7, 2021

Reserves that assert CFS autonomy not guaranteed tribunal-ordered funding: Ottawa

Winnipeg Free Press

The federal government says it won’t be bound by child-welfare funding obligations for reserves that assert their autonomy over foster care. Ottawa is instead asking First Nations to trust they will get enough cash.

February 4, 2021

First Nations, provincial leaders meet to explore circular economy

Winnipeg Sun

Leaders of the Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI) continue to pursue matters of protecting water, reducing waste and creating good jobs in an online conference, ‘Building Strong Communities: A Circular Approach.’

February 4, 2021

Additional 1,200 Moderna vaccine doses made available to Manitoba First Nations: Public health officials

Winnipeg Sun

Manitoba public health officials have confirmed that an additional 1,200 doses of the Moderna vaccine have been made immediately available for further First Nations prioritizations. Doses will be provided to health-care workers in non-remote First Nations communities, First Nations alternative isolation accommodation (AIA) workers and traditional Healers and Knowledge Keepers.

February 1, 2021

No charges for Winnipeg officer who shot 16-year-old girl after police chase

CBC.ca

The father of an Indigenous teen killed by a Winnipeg police officer last April is criticizing a police watchdog report, which says no charges are recommended against the officer involved in the fatal shooting.

January 28, 2021

SCO welcomes Beyak's departure

Brandon Sun

The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) says it welcomes the news Sen. Lynn Beyak is leaving the Red Chamber. Announcing her early retirement Monday, ahead of possible expulsion, Beyak said she stands by her controversial statements on residential schools.

January 27, 2021

Southern Chiefs Organization 'appalled' by what happened to Ojibway woman in Alberta hospital

APTN News

An organization representing 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota communities in Manitoba is speaking out after an APTN News story about how an Alberta hospital cared for Lillian Vanasse (Ashley), a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway Nation. “The Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) is appalled by the tragic death of Lillian Vanasse,: said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels in a release sent out Tuesday. “The message is very clear and simple.”

January 26, 2021

Southern chiefs say Pallister's comments on Indigenous leadership are 'dangerous'

CTV News

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is denouncing comments made by Premier Brian Pallister, saying it is “dangerous” to blame Indigenous leaders for the high number of COVID-19 cases in northern Manitoba. On Thursday, Pallister made a comment regarding Peguis First Nation Chief Glenn Hudson’s decision to relax restrictions over the holidays and allow visitors in the community.

January 22, 2021

Several First Nations receiving Moderna vaccine

Brandon Sun

First Nations in Manitoba will receive 5,300 doses of the Moderna vaccine for immediate vaccination, according to a statement from Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels late Wednesday evening.

January 8, 2021

Manitoba shipping 5,300 vaccine doses to First Nations communities

Globalnews.ca

First Nations throughout Manitoba will be receiving doses of the Moderna vaccine as early as Thursday in an attempt to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic, the province said.

January 7, 2021

Vaccines begin rolling out to First Nations communities in Manitoba – VIDEO

APTN News

The first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine rolled out to First Nations communities in Manitoba this morning. Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels joined APTN News to talk about how these vaccines will roll out.

January 7, 2021

'It's a game-changer': Indigenous leaders encourage communities to line up for COVID-19 vaccine

CBC.ca

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs' Organization of Manitoba agrees on the importance of vaccination, especially for protecting elders and people with compromised immune systems.

January 5, 2021

The Current

CBCListen

Interview with Grand Chief Jerry Daniels; why the Moderna vaccine could be a game-changer for remote communities; how COVID-19 is threatening Uganda’s mountain gorillas; Canadian politicians.

January 5, 2021

Vaccine partnership building bridges between First Nations and Manitoba

Winnipeg Sun

Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are expected to arrive in Manitoba this week and 5,300 of the 7,300 will be made immediately available to First Nations.

January 4, 2021

As 1st Manitobans get COVID-19 vaccine, questions linger about distribution, access on First Nations

CBC.ca

Province needs to share decision making on vaccination plans with First Nations, says SCO grand chief. Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, but they were not first in line to get vaccinated when Manitobans started rolling up their sleeves on Wednesday.

December 16, 2020

Indigenous leaders take Manitoba child care funds issue to court

Winnipeg Free Press

Indigenous leaders are joining forces to push back on the Pallister government’s attempt to quash two unresolved lawsuits over the province’s clawback of around $338 million of federal funds meant for children in foster care.

December 16, 2020

Southern Chiefs, MMF launch legal action against provincial gov't over Bill 2

Winnipeg Sun

Monday marked the beginning of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and the Manitoba Métis Federation’s (MMF) legal battle against Manitoba’s Bill 2.

December 15, 2020

'We can make these decisions,' Peguis chief says about relaxed holiday COVID-19 restrictions

CBC.ca

"Peguis has taken a pretty proactive approach, long before the province started moving. I think they had to, and a lot of our communities had to," Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said.

December 15, 2020

Manitoba’s First Nations children face barriers in nearly every socioeconomic factor: report

Globalnews.ca

A damning new report shows First Nations children in Manitoba are facing inequalities in nearly every socioeconomic factor compared to other children.

December 10, 2020

NDP say Manitoba needs COVID-19 vaccine campaign to battle anti-vaxxers.

Winnipeg Sun

“We commend a political leader who listens to the First Peoples of Canada and we have to give credit when it is due,” said Daniels in a press release.

December 9, 2020

Manitoba to receive larger share of Moderna vaccine because of high Indigenous population, premier says

CBC.ca

Manitoba will receive extra doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, expected to be approved by Health Canada soon, because of the higher proportion of First Nations people in the province.

December 8, 2020

Southern Chiefs' Organization claims Pallister is fear mongering over COVID-19 distribution

Toronto Star

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has expressed that Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister has been fear-mongering over the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

December 3, 2020

First Nations must be front of line for vaccine: minister

Winnipeg Free Press

Premier Brian Pallister’s concern that urban Indigenous people would inundate remote First Nations to get vaccinated for COVID-19, highlights the need to make that population a priority when the vaccine is released, the federal Liberals say.

December 2, 2020

Manitoba chiefs not impressed with premier's warning of exodus to the north to receive COVID-19 vaccine

APTN News

Recent comments made by Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister have some First Nations chiefs and organizations accusing the leader of fear mongering over the dispersal of the COVID-19 vaccine.

December 2, 2020

SCO makes urgent appeal to province about COVID spread in jails

Toronto Star

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is making an urgent appeal to the Manitoba Justice Minister Cliff Cullen to address concerns about the increase of COVID-19 infections in Manitoba’s correctional facilities.

December 2, 2020

Southern Chiefs' Organization testing project aims to improve First Nations water quality

Toronto Star

Since 2019, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization’s (SCO) Water Testing project has focused on developing a robust regional water database through testing in their 34 First Nation communities in southern Manitoba.

November 14, 2020

COVID-19 cases climbing among Manitoba First Nations

CTV News

Manitoba’s First Nation communities continue to face more severe outcomes from COVID-19, recent data from the Manitoba First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Response Coordination Team (PRCT) shows.

November 13, 2020

Southern Chiefs call on province to step up efforts, free up funds to keep Manitobans safe

Winnipeg Sun

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is calling on the Manitoba government to step up its efforts and free up critically needed funds to keep Manitobans safe during the pandemic. “Let me be very clear, our lives are literally on the line,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels in a press release.

November 7, 2020

Manitoba Indigenous leaders call on province to step up COVID-19 response efforts

Globalnews.ca

Indigenous leaders in Manitoba are calling on the provincial government to do better with their COVID-19 response efforts. This comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among First Nations communities in Manitoba spikes.

November 3, 2020

First Nations, Métis groups rebuke Pallister government

Brandon Sun

Southern Chiefs’ Organization made "an urgent appeal to all orders of government to free up critically needed funds and to drastically step up their efforts to keep First Nation citizens and all Manitobans safe from COVID-19." "Let me be very clear, our lives are literally on the line," Daniels stated in a news release.

November 3, 2020

SCO grand chief calls on province, feds to commit and fast-track First Nations COVID-19 response funding

CBC.ca

Test positivity rate on First Nations in Manitoba is 11 per cent, Jerry Daniels told CBC News. The organization representing First Nations in southern Manitoba is calling on the provincial government to hold itself accountable for its response to the second wave of COVID-19, and to commit more funding to its pandemic response.

November 2, 2020

Four more COVID deaths, 349 new cases announced Saturday

Winnipeg Sun

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is applauding the federal government’s announcement Friday of $200 million in new funding to provide support to Indigenous Peoples and communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 2, 2020

Attack on harvesting rights taking place across the country InFocus hears

APTN News

Most people are aware of what’s happening in Nova Scotia as Mi’kmaw harvesters exercise their right to fish for a moderate livelihood in the lobster trade. Boats have been burned and sunk, harvesters have been assaulted and harassed by angry mobs, a lobster catch destroyed, traps stolen and most recently a lobster pound was burned to the ground. But what’s happening on the east coast – while headline grabbing – isn’t the only attack on harvesting rights.

October 29, 2020

Manitoba Indigenous leaders stand in solidarity with Mi’kmaw fishers with ceremonial ride in Winnipeg

Globalnews.ca

Indigenous leaders in Manitoba are showing support for Mi’kmaw lobster fishers with a horse spirit ride planned in Winnipeg on Wednesday. Leaders representing the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Southern Chiefs Organization, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, and the Manitoba Metis Federation will all take part in the ride starting at RCMP Headquarters on Portage Avenue at 1 p.m

October 21, 2020

Manitoba First Nations leaders urge citizens to get flu shot

Thompson Citizen

“We are encouraging everyone to take a flu shot if you have the opportunity to do so. Please take the flu shot as soon as you can to avoid getting sicker or having ‘twindemic,’ as they call it,” said Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.

October 21, 2020

Morden, Man., senior hockey team changes derogatory name to Bombers

CBC.ca

Change comes after community pushback about previous name, an offensive term for Indigenous people. A senior hockey team in a small Manitoba city has changed its name following a push against the use of Indigenous names and caricatures as mascots.

October 20, 2020

Controversy over new hunting laws

CityNews Winnipeg

The Province proclaimed new hunting laws today from a bill passed in 2018. As Mike Albanese reports, the Southern Chiefs Organization takes issue with the way collaboration is being handled.

October 9, 2020

Manitoba government and Metis federation battling over moose hunt restrictions

CTV News

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs Organization said he also believes the new restrictions threaten Indigenous rights. “I think right now Brian Pallister doesn’t understand consultation or accommodation because none of them have occurred as it relates to hunting in southern Manitoba,” said Daniels. “Hunting and fishing has been the economy of our communities for millennia.”

October 9, 2020

Anishinaabe woman sends 280 bags of cedar to Little Grand Rapids amid outbreak

CBC.ca

An Anishinaabe woman has been busy gathering a special gift — 280 bags of hand-picked cedar sprigs — to send to Little Grand Rapids First Nation. On Tuesday, Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, of the Southern Chief's Organization, told CBC News the community remains in complete lockdown and testing is underway.

October 6, 2020

Indigenous leaders call out provincial gov't over moose hunt restrictions

Winnipeg Sun

“First Nation peoples have been involved in the protection and sustainable harvesting of these lands and natural resources for thousands of years,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.

October 3, 2020

Chiefs join fight over moose hunting

Winnipeg Free Press

The Southern Chiefs Organization is calling "bull" on the provincial government’s approach to reopen moose hunting, which they say infringes on their constitutional rights and was done without proper consultation.

October 1, 2020

Death of Atikamekw woman in Quebec hospital draws comparisons to death of Brain Sinclair 12 years earlier

CBC.ca

"While shocking to many in Canada and the rest of the world, this video confirms what First Nation people and communities across the country have been reporting for years," said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. "No one should ever be subjected to that level of racist treatment. She went to the hospital seeking medical care, and instead was met with insults and judgments purely based on being a First Nation person."

October 1, 2020

SCO wants feds to keep promise on water advisories

Winnipeg Sun

The Southern Chief’s Organization (SCO) is requesting the federal government to keep its promise of ending long-term boil water advisories.

September 30, 2020

Orange Shirt Day shares residential school experience with wide national audience

Globalnews.ca

The Southern Chiefs Organization said in a statement Wednesday that the closure of the Indian Residential Schools Health Support Program (IRS RHSP), scheduled for March of next year, is “heartbreaking.”

September 30, 2020

First Nations worry clean-water promise won't be met

Winnipeg Free Press

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, of the Southern Chiefs Organization, said he’s heard from Ottawa that the spring deadline might not be met. The Liberal government's throne speech last week noted the need to end advisories, but a clear time frame was omitted. Daniels says that a further delay would be unacceptable, and an indication of poor planning and communication between the federal Department of Indigenous Services and the regional departments responsible for water stewardship and infrastructure.

September 29, 2020

Manitoba CFS minister sued over claim $10M lease to house at-risk kids was 'waste of taxpayer money'

CBC.ca

On Sept. 16, Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont and Southern Chiefs' Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels held a press conference criticizing that move.

September 29, 2020

$55 million in funding pulled from Northern Manitoba internet network

CTV News

“Given everything that has happened this year – from those working remotely, to school closures and homeschooling, to all who have had to go into isolation – this decision could not have come at a worse time,” said Grand Chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Jerry Daniels in the news release.

September 16, 2020

SCO, Liberals claim mistreatment of children by provincial government

Winnipeg Sun

The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels and Manitoba Liberal Leader and MLA for St. Boniface Dougald Lamont held a press conference on Wednesday to discuss the mistreatment of children in care by the Manitoba Government. Both Daniels and Lamont call on the PCs to withdraw the two measures from the budget that denies those who have been wronged by the province for suing for compensation in regards to the care of Child and Family Services (CFS).

September 16, 2020

Southern chiefs, Liberals accuse Manitoba government of withholding millions intended for kids in care

CBC.ca

The Southern Chiefs' Organization is calling the Manitoba government dishonourable in the way it treats vulnerable children in the province. Southern Chiefs' Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says Brian Pallister's Progressive Conservative government is attempting to present legislation that would prevent the government from being liable for taking hundreds of millions of dollars intended for children in care.

September 16, 2020

Manitoba Liberals allege province using budget as 'get out of jail free' card

CTV News

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Liberals and Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is calling on the province to remove two measures from its budget, which they allege undermine vulnerable children.

September 16, 2020

SCO concerned about about sending kids back to school

Brandon Sun

The Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) wants to know who will be held accountable should First Nations students bring COVID-19 from provincial schools home to their reserves.

September 12, 2020

Golf tourney raises more than $70K

Brandon Sun

The third annual golf tournament hosted by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) raised more than $70,000 for post-secondary scholarships for Indigenous students. The scholarships will be awarded to students from the 34 SCO-member communities in partnership with Indspire, a national Indigenous charity that invests in the education of First Nations people.

September 4, 2020

Residential school survivors speaking up after historic site designations

Winnipeg Sun

“The residential school system is one of the darkest events in our shared history. First Nation people have had to deal with its destructive effects, which amounted to genocide, for generations, and Survivors and their families continue to deal with the aftermath,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization.

September 3, 2020