FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is providing an update regarding a leadership transition within the organization.
Our Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Bear, recently resigned from his employment with the SCO and Southern Chiefs’ Economic Development (SCED) to pursue other opportunities.
Mr. Bear appreciates having been part of the important work being carried out by SCO and SCED and wishes the organizations continued success.
SCO acknowledges and thanks Mr. Bear for his contributions and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
During Mr. Bear’s tenure, from January 2025 to January 2026, the organization moved forward on several key initiatives. This included progress on our Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn redevelopment project, as well as work through TN/SCO Housing 92 Inc., SCO’s partnership with True North Real Estate Development, on the Portage Place Redevelopment housing tower.
SCO, in partnership with SCED, also hosted Binasi: An Economic Reconciliation Forum. This event brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders to share ideas and build connections.
Under Mr. Bear’s leadership, SCO also launched two new programs: the First Nations Disability Program and the Residential School Research Project.
SCO thanks Ryan Bear for his service and contributions during his time with the organization.
SCO remains focused on serving our member Nations and ensuring continuity in our leadership and operations. Our programs, services, and priorities continue as we work on behalf of the 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations we represent.
– 30 –
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 90,000 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