Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO)

GATHERING OPENS WITH BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE This afternoon, Independent Special Interlocutor, Kimberly Murray, will be releasing her final report entitled, "Independent Special Interlocutor’s Report on an Indigenous-led Reparations Framework." The final report is set to outline measures and recommendations for a new federal legal framework to ensure respectful and culturally sound treatment of unmarked burial sites and support the recovery work of missing children associated with former Indian Residential Schools (IRS) in Canada. A National Gathering is underway in Quebec to witness the release of the Special Interlocutors final report. You can view a live stream of the gathering starting on October 29, at: https://lnkd.in/gSzsXPH7 If you would like to learn more, visit: https://osi-bis.ca/ The Southern Chiefs' Organization is eager to learn about the reports findings, and is hopeful this will lead to better understanding around the recovery work of our lost relatives who attended residential schools. #SCOINCMB #report #unmarkedgraves #missing #children #residentialschools #education #recovery #reparations #FirstNations #Canada

A REMARKABLE TEACHER WITH AMAZING RESULTS Once a month, something very special takes place at the Mackenzie Middle School in Dauphin. Renowned pow wow singer and teacher Ray “Coco” Stevenson, makes the long journey from Winnipeg to host a pow wow club. Coco tells us, this is the only middle school in Manitoba that hosts this kind of initiative. There are more than 70 students of all ages and backgrounds, signed up to learn pow wow songs and teachings. On this particular visit, Coco was holding his first session with the grade 6 class. Despite this being their first time singing together, the group had an amazing sound thanks to their fantastic mentor. Turn up your volume and listen for yourselves. #SCOINCMB #MackenzieMiddleSchool #powwow #song #WalkingWolfSingers #CocoStevenson #mentorship #culture #drum #Dauphin #FirstNation #Manitoba

NATIONAL GATHERING ON UNMARKED BURIALS The Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burials Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools has completed her final report, "Independent Special Interlocutor’s Report on an Indigenous-led Reparations Framework". Special Interlocuter Kimberly Murray’s final report will outline measures and recommendations for a new federal legal framework to ensure respectful and culturally sound treatment of unmarked burial sites and support the recovery work of missing children associated with former Indian Residential Schools in Canada. A National Gathering will be held in Quebec to witness the release of the Special Interlocutors final report. You can view a live stream of the gathering starting on October 29, at: https://lnkd.in/gSzsXPH7 If you would like to learn more, visit: https://osi-bis.ca/ or contact, info@osi-bis.ca. The Southern Chiefs' Organization is eager to learn about the findings, and is hopeful work will commence quickly to create a new legal framework to identify, protect, and preserve unmarked burial sites at residential schools. #SCOINCMB #report #unmarkedgraves #missing #children #residentialschools #education #recovery #reparations #FirstNations #Canada

SCO DENOUNCES DEROGATORY AND DANGEROUS REMARKS BY BC CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is calling on the Conservative Party of British Columbia to discipline one of its’ candidates in the provincial election by removing her from the party following her shocking and reprehensible remarks about Indigenous peoples. In published reports it was revealed Marina Sapozhnikov labelled Indigenous people as "savages" and condemned Indigenous history courses taught in B.C. universities. Her comments were reportedly made during an interview with a Vancouver Island University student on election night in BC earlier this month. Sapozhnikov goes on to denounce the incumbent provincial government’s adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, falsely saying recognition of Indigenous rights has turned non-Indigenous British Columbians into "second-rate citizens." You can read our full statement at: https://lnkd.in/gt3-8EEK #SCOINCMB #dangerous #remarks #UN #history #FirstNations #mediarelease #UNDRIP #rights #BC #conservative

CELEBRATING 39 YEARS OF DEDICATION TO BERENS RIVER STUDENTS As we enter another school year, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization would like to honour one of our behind-the-scenes heroes in our children's education system. Since the spring of 1986, June Green has served as the Business Manager for the Berens River First Nation School. For 39 years, June has been in charge of all things financial for the school including purchasing and receiving, along with managing all support staff. Before her long tenure with the school, June also served as the Financial Controller for her Nation. There is no questioning the importance of support staff in our schools. From finances to food service, their efforts help to create an environment for students to thrive while giving their teachers the time and support to deliver high-quality education. Today, we salute the dedication of June Green and thank her for decades of service to the young learners of Berens River. #SCOINCMB #BerensRiverFirstNation #TreatyFive #FrontierSchoolDivision #Education #SupportStaff #School #Manitoba

SCO IS SEEKING A SENIOR HARM REDUCTION PROGRAM SPECIALIST The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is hiring a Senior Harm Reduction Program Specialist. This role is responsible for leading the coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of key activities related to the Harm Reduction Program in addition to furthering the development and expansion of harm reduction services offered by SCO. This role also oversees program staff. SCO provides competitive compensation and excellent pension and benefits, as well as a positive work environment. Apply for this exciting opportunity by November 8, 2024. You can find full details about this position on our website at: https://lnkd.in/gCgsgC6V #SCOINCMB #SCOHealth #harmreduction #specialist #wellness #prevention #healthpromotion #employment #jobs #careers #hiring #HR #TreatyOne #Winnipeg #Manitoba

LAND BASED LEARNING IN LONG PLAIN We would like to introduce you to an amazing Knowledge Keeper, Rob Daniels. Rob is from the Long Plain First Nation and is the land based teacher at the community’s school. He has been sharing his teachings for close to 25 years. On this particular day, Rob was preparing the grade 8 class for an upcoming overnight elk hunt. His work is not just limited to the land, Rob is also part of the school’s Culture Solstice Team, and helps to lead ceremony and other cultural celebrations. Reconnecting our people to the land starts with our children and youth, and today, we pay tribute to Rob Daniels for playing a critical role in making that happen. We wish Rob and the grade 8 class from Long Plain a joyful and successful hunt! #SCOINCMB #LongPlainFirstNation #TreatyOne #Landbased #culture #hunting #teachers #education #celebration #Manitoba #education #KnowledgeKeepers #Manitoba

ADVANCING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN DAKOTA PLAINS Mahpiya Hdega School on the Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate is a shining example when it comes to providing unique opportunities for their students, and this year is no exception. Under the supervision of grade 5 teacher Jamie Mousseau, students now have access to a new mountain bike park and trail system. The park was built over the summer and then school Principal Joan Smoke, obtained new bikes and helmets for students. The investment is already paying off with the park proving to be popular with everyone at the school. Some of the kids have already participated in provincial mountain biking competitions as well. The benefits of physical activity for children and youth are indisputable with improved academic performance being at the forefront. Today we pay tribute to the leadership of Mahpiya Hdega for creating this unique and exhilarating way to improve the school experience for their young learners. #SCOINCMB #DakotaPlains #DakotaPlainsWahpetonOyate #MahpiyaHdega #Dakota #education #mountainbiking #sport #recreation #Manitoba

SCO UPLIFTS FIRST NATIONS VETERANS PROGRAMMING AT CIMVHR FORUM The Southern Chiefs' Organization's First Nations Veterans Program (FNVP) had an incredible experience attending and sponsoring the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Forum 2024 in Winnipeg! The event provided a valuable platform to connect with Veteran stakeholders from across the globe and highlight the groundbreaking services the SCO FNVP offers to support First Nations Veterans in Manitoba. A representative from SCO’s Health Transformation also attended to share SCO’s ongoing work to decolonize health care and improve health outcomes for all SCO citizens, including Veterans and their families. Deeply rooted in Anishinaabe and Dakota ways of knowing and healing, the FNVP provides comprehensive, wrap-around services to First Nations Veterans in Manitoba that are tailored to their distinct needs. Stakeholders at the forum showed immense interest in collaborating with the FNVP, recognizing that the program is the first of its kind in Canada and acknowledging the longstanding, unmet need for such services. Many questions were asked about how such programs and services could be expanded and offered to First Nations Veterans throughout Canada. This positive feedback reinforces what the SCO FNVP knows: there is an unacceptable and severe lack of appropriate support for the health and well-being of First Nations Veterans throughout Canada. The voices of First Nations Veterans are underrepresented in research, program, and policy development. "This must change," stated SCO FNVP Coordinator, Justin Woodcock. As a Canadian Forces First Nation Veteran, Justin is a tireless advocate for the rights and voices of First Nation Veterans in programming, research, and policy development in Canada. The SCO FNVP is excited to explore new collaborations in the goal of supporting the well-being of our First Nation Veterans. You can learn more about our program at: https://lnkd.in/gECjfnYc A big thank you to everyone who visited the SCO First Nations Veterans Program's table and engaged with the team! #SCOINCMB #CIMVHRForum #support #FirstNationsVeterans #HealthTransformation

TERRIFIC TRIO There’s no better way to wrap up our coverage of Small Business Week than by uplifting three remarkable Ikwe, who also make it their mission to celebrate their fellow business owners. The first is Dana Conolly who is a member of the Peguis First Nation and the founder of Medicine Garden Society. Second, Brittany Grisdale who is from the Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation and is the owner-operator of Black Wolf Dog Designs. And Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation’s Shauna Fontaine who is the owner and designer of Anishinaabe Girl. Together, this terrific trio co-founded the popular Pitâw Mīno Muskîkî “brings good medicine” markets. According to their website, Pitâw Mīno Muskîkî celebrates the diverse talents of Indigenous peoples by bringing together gifts of medicine through multi-faceted Indigenous art forms including music, literature, textiles, food, accessories, and creations of all kinds. You can visit their next winter market on December 13 to 15 at the Union Station in downtown Winnipeg. Not only does SCO celebrate these three for their own successes, but we also applaud their collective heart in doing what they can to inspire and support the next generation of aspiring small business owners. For more information on Pitâw Mīno Muskîkî be sure to check out their website at: www.pitawminomuskiki.ca. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram. Even though this years National Small Business Week is coming to an end, we still want to hear about more southern First Nations businesses. If you know of a business we should feature, be sure to let us know by emailing media@scoinc.mb.ca. You can also view a directory of our southern First Nation businesses at: https://lnkd.in/g_TvHd3w #SCOINCMB #PitâwMīnoMuskîkî #PeguisFirstNation #MedicineGardenSociety #BrokenheadOjibwayFirstNation #BlackWolfDog #SagkeengAnicinabeFirstNation #AnishinaabeGirl #TreatyOne #Manitoba #BDCsbw #small #business