Southern Chiefs' Organization

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Southern Chiefs' Organization SCO represents 33 Anishinaabe & Dakota Nations in what is now southern Manitoba https://scoinc.mb.ca/

Representing 34 southern First Nation communities in Manitoba. Protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

STATEMENT FROM SCO GRAND CHIEF JERRY DANIELSThe Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is calling on Parliament to pass Bil...
10/27/2026

STATEMENT FROM SCO GRAND CHIEF JERRY DANIELS

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is calling on Parliament to pass Bill S-2 as amended by the Senate without further delay, following renewed discussion about the future of the Indian Act at the October 26 meeting of First Nations leadership and First Ministers. Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says eliminating the second-generation cut-off is an immediate step Canada must take while supporting First Nations in determining their own citizenship and directing broader reforms.

Grand Chief Daniels states:

“Canada must pass Bill S-2 as amended by the Senate without further delay. Broader discussions about the future of the Indian Act must not become another reason to postpone ending the second-generation cut-off.

“Premier Wab Kinew’s call to abolish the Indian Act has brought renewed attention to Canada’s control over the lives and futures of First Nations. Any path forward must be directed by First Nations and uphold our inherent and Treaty rights, including our jurisdiction over citizenship.

Read out full statement, here: https://scoinc.mb.ca/statement-from-sco-grand-chief/

10/27/2026

EMPOWERING FIRST NATIONS: A PUSH TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM

“There is an opportunity here,” says Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO).

Grand Chief Daniels joined many First Nations leaders from across the country in Ottawa this week, bringing a message of unity, cooperation, and inclusion when it comes to economic development in Canada.

SCO’sGrand Chief Daniels spoke to a special Senate committee about Bill C-39 or the “Building Canada Strong Act.”

His message was clear:

First Nations cannot be left out when it comes to decisions being made about major projects that impact our lands, waters, and Nations.

He shared: “First Nations support the responsible advancement of economic opportunities in a manner that respects our lands, waters and the natural environment.

However, I am here today to remind this committee that First Nations possess treaty, Aboriginal, constitutional, human and inherent rights that must be upheld.

This includes respect for the Crown’s duty to consult, the obligation to obtain consent where required and the overarching principle of the honour of the Crown.”

Following his visit to the Senate, Grand Chief reflected:

“It should not always simply be about consultation, it should also be about First Nations leading projects, having a mass equity stake in major projects.”

Here is more of what Grand Chief Daniels had to say about Bill C-39 and the historic gathering in the Nation’s capital.

10/27/2026

TOMORROW, WE ROCK THE VOTE!

Election day is TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 28, for many Manitoba municipalities.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization, our Grand Chief, and Chiefs are encouraging citizens to vote!

There are elections for mayors, reeves, councillors, and school board trustees.

Most polls will open on election day at 8 am. They close at 8 pm.

You can find resources about voting in Manitoba municipalities here: https://www.electionsmanitoba.ca/en/Resources/Local_Elections

You can find resources about voting in Manitoba municipalities

You can find your polling place on your voter information card.

Your vote matters! Join us and rock the vote!

ATTEND SCO’S CLINIC IN BERENS RIVER: OCT 28 & 29Do you need to renew, replace, or register for a Secure Certificate of I...
10/27/2026

ATTEND SCO’S CLINIC IN BERENS RIVER: OCT 28 & 29

Do you need to renew, replace, or register for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), also known as a secure status card?

If so, you may wish to attend our clinic in Berens River First Nation:

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 8:30 am to 2 pm

Location: Band Office, Berens River First Nation

Our Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Navigators will also be available to assist with questions and concerns about the NIHB Program, starting at 10 am on both days of the clinic.

Walk-in appointments available on a first come, first-serve basis.

Bring valid identification to apply for your status card.

For more information, contact:

Almira Everette
204-382-2161

***
Learn about SCO’s Status Card and ID Program at: https://scoinc.mb.ca/status-cards/

Find information on our NIHB Navigators Program at: https://scoinc.mb.ca/non-insured-health-benefits-navigator/

SCO IS HIRING AN ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is seeking an Accounts Payable Clerk. Th...
10/27/2026

SCO IS HIRING AN ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK

The Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) is seeking an Accounts Payable Clerk.

This role is responsible for financial accounting and administrative functions, including accounts payable, expense claims, and back up to payroll functions.

SCO provides competitive compensation, an excellent, comprehensive employee benefits package, as well as a positive work environment.

Apply for this opportunity by Thursday, October 29, 2026.

You can find full details here: https://scoinc.mb.ca/accounts-payable-clerk/

SCO INDSPIRE SCHOLARSHIP TO HELP YOUR EDUCATION: APPLY BY NOV 1The Southern Chiefs' Organization is proud to offer Indsp...
10/26/2026

SCO INDSPIRE SCHOLARSHIP TO HELP YOUR EDUCATION: APPLY BY NOV 1

The Southern Chiefs' Organization is proud to offer Indspire scholarships for southern First Nation students attending any post-secondary institution.

The next Indspire deadline of November 1 is approaching quickly!

Apply today to unlock the resources to achieve your academic goals.

The application process is super simple:
· Visit the Indspire website.
· Fill out the online application.
· Upload your transcripts and required documents.

Apply by November 1, 2026!

To learn more, and to apply for funding, visit: https://indspirefunding.ca/sco/

NOT WITHOUT US Many First Nation leaders from across Canada are meeting with the country’s first Ministers in the Nation...
10/26/2026

NOT WITHOUT US

Many First Nation leaders from across Canada are meeting with the country’s first Ministers in the Nation’s capital today, including leadership representing the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO).

Despite chilly and rainy weather, grassroots people took to the streets in both Winnipeg and Ottawa, to voice concerns over Bill C-37, the proposed “First Nations Clean Water Act” along with Bill C-39, or the “Building Canada Strong Act.”

The goal of the Bill C-39 is to accelerate major infrastructure projects that could have devastating impacts on our Nations’ lands and waters.

The bill’s intent is to “streamline” regulations that are meant to protect the environment and potentially impacted communities.

While First Nations are pleased to have a seat at the table to discuss the possible benefits of shared economic growth in Canada, we are also united when we say our lands, waters, and social well-being are NOT FOR SALE.

SCO encourages everyone to learn more about Bill C-39, along with Bill C-37, and to call on your Member of Parliament to help make critical changes.

The survival of our Nations depends on it.

PREVENTING BREAST CANCER CAN START WITH YOU As part of the Seven Paths to Better Health campaign, the Health Transforma...
10/26/2026

PREVENTING BREAST CANCER CAN START WITH YOU

As part of the Seven Paths to Better Health campaign, the Health Transformation Team at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is highlighting important information about breast cancer during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Early screening for cancer can help improve health outcomes for First Nations citizens.

Did you know that only 21 per cent of First Nations cancer patients are diagnosed with stage one cancer?

Early screening can lead to earlier diagnosis. This can mean better health outcomes and access to more treatment options.

CancerCare Manitoba has an online tool to help decide if you are at risk and should be screened for cancer.

It only takes about five minutes to answer the questions.

Check out the screening tool here: https://www.cancercare.mb.ca/screening/decision-aid

People who are ages 45 and over are eligible for a mammogram to screen for breast cancer every 2 years.

You can bring a support person with you to your appointment, if you want.

SCO is working with CancerCare Manitoba and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer to develop cancer care tools and resources that are accessible, holistic, patient-centered, and culturally safe.

This three-year project aims to develop:
~online training modules for health care providers working with cancer patients;
~a Nation-based cancer navigation/support role; and
~a peer support framework for ongoing cancer-related activities.

For questions about cancer resources or our partnership project, contact us by:
~Phone: 204-946-1869
~Email: [email protected]

10/26/2026

SCO ROCK THE VOTE: YOUR CHOICE, YOUR FUTURE!

Wednesday, October 28 is election day for many Manitoba municipalities!

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is encouraging citizens to vote in the upcoming municipal elections.

Who can you vote for?

Municipal elections include the positions for mayors, reeves, councillors, and school board trustees.

Are you eligible to vote? You must:

✅ Be a Canadian citizen
✅ Be at least 18 years old on election day
✅ Have lived in the local authority or Local Urban District, or owned land there, for at least six months before election day

Ready to vote?

✅ Check your voter information card for your polling place
✅ Learn about the candidates and their priorities
✅ Make a plan to vote

Your vote matters!

Learn more about municipal elections in Manitoba at: https://www.winnipeg.ca/city-governance/wards-elections/2026-election

Let’s show up strong and ROCK THE VOTE!

10/26/2026

ALL FIRST NATIONS SHOULD BE AT THE TABLE

First Nations leaders gathered in Ottawa earlier today, on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people, for a day of ceremony ahead of the First Nations–First Ministers’ Meeting on October 26.

The Assembly of First Nations hosted the gathering.

Chief Tréchelle Bunn of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation is calling for the commitments made to the Dakota and Lakota peoples in 2024 to be fulfilled.

She also raised concerns that, despite the large number and diversity of First Nations across the country, only a few selected leaders have the opportunity to address the Prime Minister and Premiers.

Chief Bunn believes all First Nations should have a place at the table along with the opportunity to speak about their priorities.

Hear from Chief Bunn, who happens to be the youngest Chief in Manitoba, as she reflects on the ceremony and shares her hopes for the meeting ahead.

Address

1572 Dublin Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
R3E0L4

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12049461869

Website

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