“We welcome its return, and we will keep pressing for stable, long-term funding so our citizens can count on support when they need it.”
~Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is pleased to announce that its Mobile Crisis Response Team will resume services on Monday, October 5, 2026, following months of advocacy to restore funding for this vital support.
The team serves southern First Nations citizens and families experiencing mental health and wellness challenges. Its work includes crisis response, telephone support, assessment, short-term counselling, support with grief and loss, referrals, and follow-up care. Team members work with families, community wellness teams, health providers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to help citizens connect with culturally responsive care.
“When this service was put on hold, our Chiefs and citizens made clear how much it was needed,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “SCO continued to advocate for the funding required to bring the team back. We welcome its return, and we will keep pressing for stable, long-term funding so our citizens can count on support when they need it.”
Before the service was paused, the team directly supported more than 1068 citizens in 1 year and referred another 365 people to additional supports and services.
Four team members began orientation on September 21. Two more are expected to join on
October 5.
“Rebuilding this team means our citizens and families will once again have a trusted place to turn for support in times of need,” said Chief Tréchelle Bunn, Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation. “We are grateful to the team members who are preparing to serve our Nations and to everyone who advocated for the return of this important service.”
Beginning October 5, SCO First Nations can reach the Mobile Crisis Response Team toll free at 1-877-726-2880, from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Calls outside of those hours will go to voicemail. The line is not a 24-hour emergency service. For an immediate emergency, call 911 or local emergency services.
For more information and additional wellness resources, visit scoinc.mb.ca/mental-health.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca