“If Manitoba wants real progress, First Nations must be at the centre of designing and governing the systems that affect our lives.”
– Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is responding to the Manitoba government’s Speech from the Throne with measured optimism, welcoming several commitments while underscoring that real progress requires First Nations governments to share in decision-making authority across all major provincial priorities. This includes health care, child welfare, housing, economic development, and emergency management.
“The Throne Speech recognizes several important areas, but acknowledging our Nations is only the first step,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Real and lasting change will only happen when First Nations are full partners in designing and implementing the systems that shape our lives. Our governments must be at the decision-making table and not observing from the sidelines.”
SCO welcomes Manitoba’s commitment to publish future Throne Speeches in Anishinaabemowin. This important step honours the cultural and linguistic rights of the Anishinaabe, and it marks a positive step toward strengthening cultural identity and advancing reconciliation.
The Throne Speech included commitments related to childcare, school nutrition, mental health supports, and treatment for problematic substance use. Increased child-care spaces, new school construction, and universal food programs have the potential to improve health and educational outcomes for First Nations families—if these initiatives are developed in partnership with First Nations governments.
SCO acknowledges Manitoba’s commitment to stabilize the health-care system by improving emergency rooms and recruiting additional health-care workers. However, the Speech did not address how these changes will respond to the distinct needs of First Nations citizens, nor did it acknowledge the systemic racism that continues to drive an 11-year life-expectancy gap between First Nations and non-Indigenous Manitobans.
SCO also notes the province’s intention to expand detox and supervised consumption services. While positive, these services must be accompanied by culturally safe harm reduction, long-term recovery supports, and treatment programs that are created by First Nations for First Nations.
SCO welcomes Manitoba’s commitment to an “Indigenized Path to Net Zero” and a comprehensive after-action review of the historic 2025 wildfire season. Meaningful involvement of First Nations governments is essential in all of these efforts, given our Nations’ long-standing environmental stewardship and direct experience responding to climate-driven emergencies.
Economic reconciliation also requires First Nations leadership and not consultation alone. SCO looks to Manitoba to ensure First Nations governments share decision-making power in upcoming clean-energy, land-use, and major provincial infrastructure projects.
Several critical gaps remain.
The Throne Speech did not address the on-reserve housing crisis, infrastructure inequities, and the need for long-term investments in clean water—issues that directly affect health and well-being in First Nations communities. While Manitoba acknowledged the homelessness crisis, First Nations citizens remain disproportionately affected. SCO stresses that Manitoba’s housing and homelessness strategies must include dedicated First Nations-led solutions rooted in cultural safety, healing, and long-term support.
SCO also reiterates the need to overhaul the Provincial Single Envelope Funding model for Child and Family Services. Without a new funding structure, First Nations cannot fully exercise jurisdiction or provide the supports our children deserve.
“Recognition is a start, but without shared decision-making, the status quo remains unchanged,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “SCO is ready to work with Manitoba to turn today’s commitments into meaningful change. First Nations leadership is essential to building a healthier, safer, and more prosperous province for all Manitobans.”
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca