SCO, Winnipeg Blue Bombers Partner to Support First Nations Youth Through ‘Movement is Medicine’

Press Release

April 21, 2026

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers announce a new three-year partnership to amplify the message that Movement is Medicine. This partnership will create opportunities for First Nations youth, advance reconciliation, and celebrate Anishinaabe and Dakota cultures.

“This partnership with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is an important step in creating positive visibility and engagement for First Nations,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Together, we are investing in our young people and ensuring they have opportunities, role models, and the support they need to thrive.”

This collaboration will include community outreach initiatives, youth mentorship programs, and cultural events that highlight the shared commitment towards inclusion, reconciliation, and community building. Upcoming initiatives include having representatives from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers travelling to five SCO Nations each year – reaching a total of 15 communities over the three-year partnership – to encourage healthy choices and highlight the message that movement is medicine. Young people in these Nations will receive flag football kits and inspiration to help them ‘get in the game’ and increase their enjoyment of physical activity.

“Partnering with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is an incredible step forward in Manitoba, helping to encourage First Nations children and youth to embrace movement as medicine and experience the many benefits of regular physical activity. Through sport, movement, relationships, culture, and representation, this partnership will support youth in reaching their full potential.” shared 26-year-old Chief Tréchelle Bunn of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, who was inducted into the Manitoba Indigenous Sport Hall of Fame and Museum last week in recognition of her athletic achievements.

This partnership reflects SCO’s mission to advance the interests of our member Nations while building partnerships that promote unity, healthy living, and pride within SCO’s 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota member Nations.

“We’re proud to work alongside the Southern Chiefs’ Organization in a three-year partnership that reflects the power of sport and movement to bring people together,” said Wade Miller, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “This partnership is built on reconciliation and focuses on creating opportunities for First Nations youth across Manitoba, while strengthening community relationships through meaningful, ongoing collaboration.”

The partnership will include joint initiatives such as youth sports camps, community visits, and game-day celebrations honouring First Nations cultures and heritage. Both organizations share a commitment to advancing reconciliation through action and collaboration.

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 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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