Southern Chiefs' Organization

Southern Chiefs' Organization SCO represents 33 Anishinaabe & Dakota Nations in what is now southern Manitoba https://scoinc.mb.ca/
(2)

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.

SEE THE VAN: ACCESS FREE HARM REDUCTION SUPPLIESThe Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), in partnership with the City of...
08/14/2026

SEE THE VAN: ACCESS FREE HARM REDUCTION SUPPLIES

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), in partnership with the City of Brandon and Health Canada, is delivering a mobile harm reduction outreach service to support all community members who need it most.

The SCO Mobile Harm Reduction Team is in Brandon, providing:
✓ Free harm reduction supplies (safer s*x and drug use supplies)
✓ Basic necessities like water, snacks, clothing, and hygiene items
✓ Connections to services and referrals

The van moves throughout the city with no set route. If you need support, you can call or email to connect.

The team also stops at Princess Park, 818 Princess Avenue in Brandon, around 5 pm each day they are operating.

Regular hours are from Friday to Monday between the hours of 4 to 10 pm.

For more information:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 431-334-2192

Learn more about SCO’s Harm Reduction Program: scoinc.mb.ca/harmreduction/

TOXIC DRUG ALERTS FOR WINNIPEGThe Southern Chiefs' Organization is sharing information about toxic drugs being sold in W...
08/13/2026

TOXIC DRUG ALERTS FOR WINNIPEG

The Southern Chiefs' Organization is sharing information about toxic drugs being sold in Winnipeg:

Oval white tablets are being sold as oxycodone. They are marked with "SS" on the front and "20" on the back.

Health Canada's Drug Analysis Service found fentanyl in the tablets.

Round white tables are being sold as hydromorphone/Diluadid/Dillys. They are marked with "DID" on the front and "8" on the back.

Health Canada's Drug Analysis Service found para-fluorofentanyl and a fentanyl precursor in a sample.

Note: Para-fluorofentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It was never intended for human use. It is considered to be 100 times stronger than morphine.

Get your drugs checked in Winnipeg at:

~Nine Circles at 705 Broadway from 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

~Street Connections at 496 Hargrave Street from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

HONOURING DR. CINDY BLACKSTOCKThe Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) honours Dr. Cindy Blackstock of the Gitksan First ...
08/13/2026

HONOURING DR. CINDY BLACKSTOCK

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) honours Dr. Cindy Blackstock of the Gitksan First Nation for more than 25 years of advocacy for First Nations children and families.

Dr. Blackstock is the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. She played a key role in the historic 2016 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision, which found that Canada discriminated against First Nations children by chronically underfunding on-reserve Child and Family Services (CFS) and failing to properly fund essential health care through Jordan’s Principle. Compensation is now being provided to impacted children and families.

At SCO’s Leadership Forum on CFS, Dr. Blackstock presented the "Loving Justice Plan." This is a First Nations-led plan to end Canada’s discrimination in First Nations CFS. The plan was developed through engagement with First Nations and subject matter experts. It was filed with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. It is guided by ceremony and centres the rights and well-being of children.

Dr. Blackstock compared Loving Justice with Canada’s plan for long-term CFS reform. The plans take different approaches to First Nations decision-making, accountability, enforcement, and funding. Loving Justice calls for ongoing First Nations authority in decision-making and stronger measures to hold Canada accountable, while Canada’s plan gives the federal government a greater role.

She encouraged Nations to take action by: writing to Ministers; reviewing both plans; passing resolutions; asking Members of Parliament to raise these issues and share their positions publicly; and coordinating regionally.

In recognition of her incredible work, Councillor Wendell Sinclair Jr. of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and members of the Nation’s Jordan’s Principle team blanketed Dr. Blackstock to honour of her advocacy.

SCO proudly recognizes this warrior for her ongoing work and determination in creating a better world for our children and future generations.

Dr. Blackstock: Miigwetch, pidamaya ye, and thank you for your tireless advocacy to uphold the rights of First Nations children and families and for always keeping children at the center.

AWESOME ARCHERS We would now like to shine the athlete spotlight on two young participants from southern First Nations t...
08/13/2026

AWESOME ARCHERS

We would now like to shine the athlete spotlight on two young participants from southern First Nations taking part in the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games.

Micheal Dmyterko is 13 years old. He hails from the Berens River First Nation, while 12-year-old Diamond Eashappie-Spencer is a member of the Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.

Both are relatively new to the sport of archery, but are already seeing success.

Micheal recently placed first at an archery competition that took place at the Wanipigow School in the Hollow Water First Nation.

Meanwhile, Diamond took top honours in her first-ever competition at the Frontier Games in Snow Lake.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is proud to honour these aspiring archers, and we wish them every success in their athletic endeavours.

We’re excited to see where your newfound sport will take you next.

SCO HOSTING TIPI LAMP WORKSHOP FOR FIRST NATIONS VETERANSThe First Nations Veterans Program at the Southern Chiefs’ Orga...
08/13/2026

SCO HOSTING TIPI LAMP WORKSHOP FOR FIRST NATIONS VETERANS

The First Nations Veterans Program at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is hosting a free Tipi Lamp Workshop for First Nations Veterans.

✦ Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
✦ Time: 9 am to 3:30 pm
✦ Location: 17 Wing Spiritual Centre, Winnipeg

If you are a First Nations Veteran, you are invited to join SCO and 17 Wing Defence Indigenous Advisory Group for a day of cultural connection, where you will create a tipi lamp and enjoy a free meal.

SCO is providing lunch.

Space in the workshop is limited, so please register as soon as possible.

To register, email Angela Brass at: [email protected]

***
Learn about our First Nations Veterans Program here: https://scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-program/

BE A VENDOR: ORANGE SHIRT DAY POW WOW IN WINNIPEG!The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) invites artisans and vendors t...
08/13/2026

BE A VENDOR: ORANGE SHIRT DAY POW WOW IN WINNIPEG!

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) invites artisans and vendors to apply for a free table at our Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow on September 30, 2026, in downtown Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.

Each selected vendor will receive one free eight-foot table to showcase and sell their work.

If you would like to be a vendor at our event, complete this short application form by Monday, August 17, 2026: https://forms.gle/NpKerSAALThKo3uZ8

SCO is giving preference to vendors from SCO-member Nations.

We thank you for your interest—we will contact selected vendors directly.

To learn more about the Sixth Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow, visit: www.scoinc.mb.ca/orangeshirtday2026

If you have any questions, email us: [email protected]

08/13/2026

DRUM SONGS: SCO LEADERSHIP FORUM ON CFS

Day two of SCO’s Leadership Forum on Child and Family Services opens with drum songs in Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Treaty One Territory.

08/13/2026

LEADERSHIP FORUM ON CFS: TAKING ACTION TO HELP OUR CHILDREN

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is hosting a Leadership Forum on Child and Family Services (CFS) in Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Treaty One Territory.

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels opened the forum by asking for a moment of silence in memory of the four-year-old girl who tragically passed away in Long Plain First Nation earlier this week.

SCO sends condolences to the family and loved ones of this young child. Our thoughts are also with the two young children who were hospitalized--we wish them continued healing and recovery.

This tragedy reinforces the importance of working urgently to take action and ensure our children and families have the supports they need.

Grand Chief Daniels shared information about SCO’s ongoing advocacy, including a recent meeting with the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Manitoba’s Minister of Families to raise the need for CFS reform. He also spoke about SCO’s work with the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy, which will help to identify the true costs and resources needed to support a First Nations-led system of care.

Leadership and service workers also received an update on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal's negotiations and implementation of its orders related to reforming Canada's First Nations child welfare services; presentations from executive directors from southern CFS agencies along with information from Shirlene Asham, Chief Executive Officer of the Southern First Nations Network of Care; and a presentation from Jennifer Parkman, SCO's Director of Policy and Governance.

Agency directors highlighted the need for stronger access to health centres, mental health services, and education, along with the supports needed to keep children safe and connected to their families and Nations.

Our forum provided an opportunity for leadership and CFS partners to discuss practical next steps and a collaborative approach to improving the safety and future of our children.

Here is a look back at day one of the forum.

To learn more about the work SCO is doing in the area of CFS reform, visit our website: https://scoinc.mb.ca/sco-child-and-family-services-program/

STRONGER THROUGH CONNECTIONStaff from the Southern Chiefs’ Organization recently gathered at Fort Whyte Alive in Winnipe...
08/12/2026

STRONGER THROUGH CONNECTION

Staff from the Southern Chiefs’ Organization recently gathered at Fort Whyte Alive in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.

The day was filled with learning, laughter, and relationship building.

From visiting bison, getting out on the land, sharing a meal, learning new skills, and spending time together, the day was a reminder of the strength that comes from community.

Miigwetch, pidamaya ye, and thank you to both our SCO staff and those working at Fort Whyte, who helped make this gathering a meaningful experience.

BORN TO RUN According to her dad Ray, Mackenzie Starr has been "fleet of foot" ever since she was a little girl.Now the ...
08/12/2026

BORN TO RUN

According to her dad Ray, Mackenzie Starr has been "fleet of foot" ever since she was a little girl.

Now the Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation citizen is bringing her love of running to the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games.

Mackenzie is taking part in all of the long distance running events, along with a few sprint races as well.

The grade 11 student says she loves going for a jog every morning, and also participates in marathons at Treaty Day celebrations across the province.

What Mackenzie may not know is that she is writing the next chapter of long-distance running in her home Nation.

In 1967, Sagkeeng citizens Dave Courchene Jr, Russell Abraham, and Patrick Bruyere were 3 of 10 First Nation runners who carried the Pan Am Games torch from Minneapolis to Winnipeg.

Sadly, just before the athletes arrived at the opening ceremonies, the torch was taken from them. It was handed to a non-Indigenous athlete, who carried the torch into the stadium.

While that was a terrible outcome, those athletes paved the way for citizens like Mackenzie, who can now run with pride and achieve whatever she wants when it comes her athletic journey.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is proud to lift up Mackenzie Starr and all of the athletes, coaches, and volunteers who are making the Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games a joyful event and who are showing that movement is indeed medicine.

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Southern Chiefs' Organization posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Southern Chiefs' Organization:

Shortcuts

Share

Category