“Sports can, and does, change the lives of our young people. It opens doors to new opportunities, experiences, and healthy habits. SCO’s partnership with the Blue Bombers is an incredible investment in our young citizens.”
–Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to welcome nearly 1000 of our Anishinaabe and Dakota relatives to a special Winnipeg Blue Bombers game tonight. SCO is also presenting the half-time show for the Indigenous Peoples Day football game this evening, with kick-off taking place at 7:30 pm.
“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is so very proud to partner with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to create opportunities and provide positive experiences for the children, youth, and families from our SCO member Nations,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Sports can, and does, change the lives of our young people. It opens doors to new opportunities, experiences, and healthy habits. SCO’s partnership with the Blue Bombers is an incredible investment in our young citizens.”
SCO is proud to welcome 500 guests from across 33 First Nations in southern Manitoba to tonight’s game. We also acknowledge Canada Life, a Supporting Community Host Partner, for helping bring an additional 400 community members to join us for this special evening.
Before the game starts, SCO is inviting attendees to stop by our activation zone where we will amplify the message that “movement is medicine.” Juno-award winning singer/songwriter William Prince of Peguis First Nation will entertain attendees at the halftime show.
Throughout the month of June, SCO has been recognizing the changemakers in our Nations. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to recognize our changemakers on the field tonight. In addition, the Bombers are acknowledging Hailey Whitesell, a person of impact at the game. This member of Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation is an athlete and a 2026 high school graduate.
SCO is grateful to the Bombers for hosting flag football camps in Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation, and Lake Manitoba First Nation. Flag football camps are also being planned for Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, and Long Plain First Nation. SCO also thanks the Bombers for sharing flag football kits in every school in our SCO member Nations.
The partnership between the Bombers and SCO is creating opportunities for First Nations youth, advancing reconciliation, and celebrating the beauty of Anishinaabe and Dakota cultures.
“I am looking forward to seeing hundreds of our relatives at the special Indigenous Peoples Day game at the Princess Auto Stadium tonight,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “Both SCO and the Blue Bombers are committed to advancing reconciliation through action and collaboration. Thank you to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for partnering with SCO to help us promote unity, cultural pride, and healthy living for the citizens of SCO’s 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota member Nations.”
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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