SCO Releases New Report: Anishinaabe and Dakota Experiences of Protecting Their Nations

Press Release

November 17, 2025

“Our citizens keep telling us the same thing—our people have the answers. Our ancestors had systems of law, governance, and community care that kept us strong for thousands of years. We need to return to that. The solutions must come from us, shaped by our cultures, guided by our knowledge, and led by our people.”

– Grand Chief Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — In recognition of National Restorative Justice Week, which runs from November 16 to 23, 2025, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is releasing a new report called Anishinaabe and Dakota Experiences of Protecting Their Nations: A Report on SCO’s Justice and Community Safety Gathering.

Based on the Justice and Community Safety Gathering hosted by SCO earlier this year, the report outlines seven key themes that emerged from the gathering, including addressing systemic barriers, promoting restorative justice, and ensuring safety services reflect community needs rather than colonial systems. It calls for First Nations-led Justice Centres, increased support for First Nations Safety Officers (FNSOs), and holistic, family-centred approaches to healing and prevention.

“This report is one step toward justice for our Nations,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “It shares the experiences and voices of our citizens. I want to thank our Elders, leaders, youth, and justice experts for their input and hard work along with our SCO staff members and The Firelight Group for assisting us with this report. It shows what community-led justice can look like when it’s guided by our own laws and teachings.”

“We honour the late Elder William Campbell of Ebb and Flow First Nation, who joined us for the gathering and whose wisdom continues to guide us,” stated Grand Chief Daniels. “Elder Campbell devoted his life to supporting First Nations people who encountered the justice system and was a tireless advocate—particularly for our youth. We remain committed to advancing his vision of a justice system that fosters healing, dignity, and meaningful support for our citizens.”

SCO recognizes the importance of restorative, community-led approaches to justice that focus on healing, accountability, and rebuilding relationships. The findings from this report align with the spirit of National Restorative Justice Week, emphasizing that lasting change comes from restoring balance through First Nations laws, values, and teachings.

The report captures the perspectives of SCO citizens, Elders, Chiefs, Youth Chiefs, and justice workers who shared their experiences, challenges, and priorities for protecting their Nations. A participant also shared the importance of returning to traditional, community-led approaches to justice, saying: “Restorative healing in justice issues doesn’t happen without using holistic frameworks, such as apology letters, healing plans, and accountability processes involving the entire community. Our Elders and community justice workers must be supported to facilitate these in every community.”

This message reflects one of the main findings from the report—that justice should come from community. It must focus on healing, accountability, and collective strength.

Participants emphasized that true justice reform begins with self-determination, culturally relevant programming, and an understanding of how colonial impacts and intergenerational trauma continue to shape the justice system.

“Our citizens keep telling us the same thing—our people have the answers. Our ancestors had systems of law, governance, and community care that kept us strong for thousands of years. We need to return to that. The solutions must come from us, shaped by our cultures, guided by our knowledge, and led by our people,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels.

SCO’s Justice and Community Safety Programs continue to advocate for equitable funding and greater First Nations control over justice initiatives. This includes expanding restorative justice programs, community-based policing, and victim services grounded in traditional teachings.

SCO proudly joins our relatives across the country in honouring National Restorative Justice Week and reaffirming our commitment to community-led, healing-based approaches to justice.

The Anishinaabe and Dakota Experiences of Protecting Their Nations report is available on our website.

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 First Nations and more than 87,000 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

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