FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 28, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTE TERRITORY, MB
Grand Chief Jerry Daniel states:
“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization stands with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, residential school Survivors, their families, and all those who have been affected by the residential school system.
The actions witnessed in Kamloops this weekend are deeply disrespectful, particularly in the days leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Survivors and First Nations families should not have to face intimidation, mockery, or deliberate attempts to diminish their experiences and the truths they have carried for generations.
September 30 is a day to honour Survivors and remember the children who never returned home. It is also a day for Canadians to listen, learn, and confront the history and continuing impacts of the Residential School system.
As we prepare to gather in our own territories for Orange Shirt Day, we encourage everyone to keep the focus where it belongs: on Survivors, the children, their families, and the responsibility we all share to ensure these truths are never forgotten.
On behalf of SCO and our 33 member Nations, I extend our solidarity to the citizens of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.”
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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