“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization remains committed to transforming the justice system and advocating for reliable, culturally safe responses to support community safety.” – SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is reaffirming our commitment to transforming the justice system for First Nations people ahead of Indigenous Justice Awareness Day, on February 28.
Indigenous Justice Awareness Day was established as a response to the fatal police shooting of John Joseph “JJ” Harper that occurred in 1988 in Winnipeg. JJ Harper was a 37-year-old member of the Wasagamack First Nation in Manitoba. The death of Mr. Harper and the 1987 trial for the murder of Helen Betty Osborne in The Pas were the two tragedies in Manitoba used to support the 1988 Public Inquiry into the Administration of Justice and Aboriginal People, now referred to at the Manitoba Aboriginal Justice Inquiry.
“Justice is not just about legal outcomes—it is about healing and respecting the traditions and values that have always guided the Anishinaabe and Dakota people,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “The Southern Chiefs’ Organization continues to work towards transforming the justice system to ensure it is rooted in respect, accountability, and a shared commitment to healing and reconciliation.”
Indigenous Justice Awareness Day is an opportunity to reflect on the history and the barriers that First Nations people face while navigating the justice system. It brings attention to the systemic barriers and racial discrimination that First Nations people face and serves as a call to action for reform. This day encourages conversations and advocacy around creating a justice system that is more fair, equitable, and culturally relevant.
“I recently attended an SCO event about safety and justice, where participants had the opportunity to learn more about the wrongful conviction of two citizens from Pinaymootang First Nation, Brian Anderson and Allan Woodhouse” said SCO Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn, a member of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation who is a second-year law student. “The injustice and systemic racism that Mr. Anderson and Mr. Woodhouse have lived through serves as a compelling reminder of the work First Nations people have ahead of us when it comes to reforming the justice system.”
SCO’s justice initiatives have substantial impact. The First Nation Court Worker Program has supported over 4000 citizens, while Community Justice Workers have assisted more than 550 people across 20 Nations during the last fiscal year. SCO’s First Nations Justice Strategy provides quality, confidential support through restorative justice interventions and mediations.
“Justice is about healing, community, and collective responsibility. Transforming the system is about ensuring First Nations people are treated with dignity and respect,” said SCO Youth Chief Joshua Gandier, a member of Peguis First Nation who is also in his second year of law school. “As we observe Indigenous Justice Awareness Day, I call on leaders at all levels to work with First Nations in creating a justice system that serves all people, including our youth and Elders. The work that we do today must continue to ensure that justice, healing, and respect are accessible to every First Nation citizen.”
Ahead of Indigenous Justice Awareness Day, SCO calls for continued collaboration with federal and provincial governments to address systemic issues in the justice system, with a particular focus on increasing resources for First Nations policing, restorative justice programs, and advocating for more equitable treatment of First Nations individuals within the legal system.
To learn more about SCO’s Justice Programs and Services, please visit our website: https://scoinc.mb.ca/justice-and-rights/
-30-
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