Southern Chiefs' Organization

06/04/2026

LEARN ABOUT THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY OF MMIWG2S+

Today marks seven years since the release of Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

In recognition of this anniversary, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is giving away free books outlining the 231 Calls for Justice that appeared in the final report. SCO is also giving away tote bags and safety whistles.

Released on June 3, 2019, “Reclaiming Power and Place” outlines 231 Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, industries, and all Canadians.

Seven years since its release, significant gaps remain in carrying out the Calls for Justice, while First Nations women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people continue to face disproportionately high rates of violence, exploitation, and disappearance.

As part of SCO’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the continued MMIWG2S+ crisis, community members are invited to pick up these free items at our office at 1572 Dublin Avenue or at 200-600 Empress Street in Winnipeg.

Our offices are open Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Our Dublin office closes for lunch from 12 to 1 pm.

Note: Quantities are limited. Items are only available for pick up. We will update this post once all items have been distributed.

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06/03/2026

LOUIS RIEL SCHOOL DIVISION POWWOW

The Louis Riel School Division 2026 Graduation Powwow begins with a grand entry.

Southern Chiefs’ Organization Youth Chief Lacy Bird of Black River First Nation is taking part as one of the graduating students.

Congratulations to all graduates!

06/03/2026

SCO SEEKING SPECIAL EVENTS ASSISTANT: APPY BY JUNE 4

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is hiring a Special Events Assistant.

This role is responsible for assisting in the coordination and delivery of the Sixth Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk & Pow Wow in Winnipeg on September 30, 2026.

This position will support all aspects of planning, logistics, coordination, and stakeholder engagement for the event, held in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This is a term position ending on October 30, 2026.

SCO provides competitive compensation as well as a positive work environment.

Apply for this opportunity by Thursday, June 4, 2026.

To learn more, visit our careers webpage at: https://scoinc.mb.ca/special-events-assistant/

06/03/2026

SCO MARKS SEVEN YEARS SINCE THE NATIONAL INQUIRY’S FINAL REPORT ON MMIWG

Today, the Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) marks seven years since the release of “Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).”

The report concluded that the violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people amounts to genocide.

It outlines 231 Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, industries, and all Canadians.

While the report was released 7 years ago on June 3, 2019, SCO notes that significant gaps remain in the implementation of the Calls for Justice. First Nations women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people continue to face disproportionately high rates of violence, exploitation, and disappearance.

"Today we honour the lives of the women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people who have been taken from their families and Nations, while recognizing that far too many of the Calls for Justice remain unmet. The safety and well-being of our people cannot wait,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.

“First Nations women have always been leaders, Knowledge Keepers, and protectors within their Nations. Their strength, resilience, and advocacy continue to drive the work of creating safer communities and a better future for generations to come.”

Visit our website to read our full statement: https://scoinc.mb.ca/seven-years-final-report-on-mmiwg/

To learn more about SCO’s MMIWG2S+ Support Program, see: https://scoinc.mb.ca/mmiwg2s-support-program/

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“The Calls for Justice are not recommendations; they are legal obligations rooted in human rights. Seven years later, the urgency remains. We owe it to the families, Survivors…

06/03/2026

GENERATIONAL LANGUAGE KEEPERS

The final day of the annual Spring Dakota Language Gathering in the Whitecap Dakota Nation was a proud one for the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO).

Two inspirational winyan from our Dakota Nations were keynote speakers.

Noella Eagle hails from the Canupawakpa Dakota Nation. She is a renowned educator and Language Keeper.

She spoke about the vital connection between the Dakota language and cultural identity.

Also taking to the stage was Sophia Smoke.

The Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate youth has received countless accolades and awards for her advocacy of the Dakota language and culture.

At just 18 years of age, Sophia is already teaching the language to the nursery, kindergarten, and junior high classes at her Nation’s school.

Sophia’s address to the gathering focused on language revitalization from the perspective of Dakota youth.

While there is a marked difference in their ages and lived experiences, there is no disputing the fierce passion that Noella and Sophia share when it comes to the preservation and resurgence of their language and culture.

SCO shares in those goals, and today we say a huge pidamaya ye to Noella Eagle and Sophia Smoke for the vital work they are performing on behalf of the Dakota Nation.

06/03/2026

MEET THE TEAM PLANNING THE INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION GATHERING

It takes a strong team to bring an event, like the upcoming Indigenous Reconciliation Gathering, to life.

Here is a look at some of the people behind the gathering that is taking place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.

Staff from the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), working in partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation, Manitoba Inuit Association, and Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Winnipeg, have been planning this exciting day.

At the center of the photo (in green) is Justin Woodcock, SCO’s First Nation Veterans Program Manager.

The event is FREE for all to attend. It starts at 10 am at CFB Winnipeg at 680 Wihuri Road and runs until approximately 6:30 pm.

The day is an opportunity to recognize the long-standing relationships between the Canadian Armed Forces and Indigenous communities and to celebrate a shared commitment to reconciliation.

What to expect:

✦ Live music and performances
✦ Cultural speakers and films
✦ Food trucks
✦ Local vendors and artisans
✦ Opportunities to connect, learn, and reflect

Everyone is welcome to join this day of learning, connection, and celebration.

Learn more about the event here: https://scoinc.mb.ca/indigenous-reconciliation-gathering/

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Learn about our First Nations Veterans Program on our website at: https://scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-program/

06/03/2026

MEET SCO CHANGEMAKER: CHIEF LAWRENCE LETANDER

In June, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to shine a light on the people who continue to make a difference across our member Nations in honour of Indigenous History Month.

Today, we celebrate Chief Lawrence Letander of Dauphin River First Nation.

He was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for 10 years before being elected as leader for his Nation.

The RCMP chose to recognize that service and presented Chief Letander with his original badge!

According to the RCMP, the badge presentation is a pivotal moment in the lives of new RCMP members, solidifying their commitment while marking the beginning of their journey as a Mountie.

SCO is honoured to recognize Chief Letander as a Changemaker.

Stay tuned to SCO’s social media channels to meet more SCO Changemakers during Indigenous History Month.

06/03/2026

POW WOW TIME

Today is the annual Winnipeg School Division’s grad pow wow. Join us now for today’s Grand Entry.

06/03/2026

TELEPHONE TOWN HALL ON MEASLES: TODAY AT 6:30 PM

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care is inviting residents of the Southern Health–Santé Sud region to take part in a telephone town hall about measles on Wednesday, June 3, at 6 pm.

The information session will provide an opportunity for people to learn about the measles outbreak, ask questions, and access reliable information.

Participants will hear from Dr. Jazz Atwal, who will provide an update on the situation and answer questions.

Measles is a highly contagious disease. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes.

A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after.

Measles can lead to serious complications, especially for young children, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you want to join the discussion, register at: https://engagemb.ca/measles-town-hall.

For info on measles, including symptoms, exposure notices and immunization, visit: https://manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles.

Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are holding a telephone townhall on measles on Wednesday, June 3 at 6 p.m. Participants will hear from Dr. Jazz Atwal, deputy chief provincial public health officer, who will provide an overview of

06/02/2026

TORNADO WARNINGS:

The following information is from the CBC Manitoba:

Two tornado warnings have been issued for parts of southern Manitoba, as much of the province's south remains under a severe thunderstorm watch for Tuesday night.

As of 3:38 p.m., meteorologists were tracking a severe thunderstorm possibly producing a tornado in an area to the east and northeast of Riding Mountain National Park, Environment and Climate Change Canada said in an alert.

The storm is northeast of the community of Laurier, about 125 kilometres north of Brandon, and is moving northeast at 30 kilometres per hour, the warning says, producing a "very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation."

Anyone who sees threatening weather approaching should take immediate cover in a basement, interior room or a sturdy shelter, Environment Canada's warning says.

You can find weather updates here: https://weather.gc.ca/?zoom=7¢er=49.78336901,-100.87605817

We have another Tornado Warning up around Grahamdale and Moosehorn, MB for a cluster of storms that are moving eastward off of Lake Manitoba! 🚨 🌪️



-Justin. 🤓