“From economic sovereignty to the second generation cut-off, the southern Chiefs of Manitoba have agreed on a strong and unified mandate for the year ahead.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations that make up the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) concluded two full days of meaningful dialogue at the first Chiefs-in-Summit for 2026, which took place in the Long Plain First Nation. In a show of unity and strength, the Chiefs unanimously passed 10 substantial resolutions that will directly impact their Nations and peoples.
“These are challenging times, given the current global socio-economic uncertainty faced by our Nations and countries around the world,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “I am proud of our Chiefs for facing these and other challenges to our Nations in a measured and tactical way.”
Among the highlights from the Summit was a unanimous vote on a resolution relating to Bill S-2. This Bill was introduced in the Canadian Senate to continue efforts to address remaining inequities in The Indian Act. Changes to that bill include addressing the second generation cut-off by introducing a single-parent rule, allowing status to pass on indefinitely to future generations. The Bill is awaiting second reading in the House of Commons.
“This is about our inherent right and authority to determine our own citizenship and eligibility for registration,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “Current federal laws were designed to assimilate and erode First Nation citizenship, and we cannot stand for it any longer. I am so pleased that we are unanimously calling for the re-establishment of our generational rightful heritage, which was lost due to the colonial and racist impacts of The Indian Act.”
Another important resolution focused on recent reports revealing that critical federal funding for mental health initiatives for First Nations may be in jeopardy. The resolution calls on the federal government to reduce all barriers to access funding for mental health and substance use treatment programming for their citizens, ensuring self-determination and autonomy. The resolution also demands that Canada work with the province of Manitoba and SCO Nations to support and fund the capital infrastructure of treatment centres in First Nations that will serve SCO members.
“Funding cuts in these areas would have devastating impacts to our Survivors, families, children, and Nations,” said Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon Bluesky. “Healing from over a century of failed laws and policies is still needed. We cannot allow these vital programs to disappear.”
Economic development and sovereignty were also front and centre for the Summit, with the Chiefs unanimously supporting a resolution to create a task force to address the unique requirements of the Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation (MCIC) and that Chief Derek Nepinak of Minegoziibe Anishinabe be appointed as an interim member of the Board of Directors of the MCIC.
“Our peoples have the right to free, prior, and informed consent before any economic development or project affecting their lands or resources is approved,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “I know Chief Nepinak will ensure that the voices of Section 35 Rights Holders of the southern First Nations are heard and ultimately respected.”
SCO Chiefs also passed a resolution appointing Chief Tréchelle Bunn of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation to the SCO Chiefs’ Executive Committee. The Committee provides vital guidance and oversight for SCO, ensuring the priorities of the 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations in southern Manitoba are advanced with strength and unity.
“It is an honour to be appointed by my peers to the SCO Executive Committee,” said Chief Tréchelle Bunn. “I look forward to working with Grand Chief Daniels and our member Nations to address challenges and to build a strong, united path forward for our people. Our Nations are stronger when we stand together.”
Other important resolutions included continued work on developing a Southern First Nations Health Authority, the next steps in creating a Southern First Nations Water Authority, and the re-admission of the Swan Lake First Nation into SCO.
“When we are open, transparent, and clear with each other, we can accomplish great things and extraordinary outcomes for our Nations,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “When our Treaty partners see us as strong and united, our resurgence will continue as well.”
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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.
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Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca