Stories That Carry Us Forward: SCO Launches Indigenous History Month Campaign
Press Release
June 2, 2026
“June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. It is a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, and diversity of First Nations. For us, that history is not behind us. It is alive in our citizens.”– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is marking National Indigenous History Month by putting the focus where it belongs—on the people.
Starting today, SCO is launching a month-long Changemakers campaign that will highlight one southern First Nation citizen each day during the month of June. These are the people doing the work, leading in their own ways, and helping their Nations move forward.
“June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. It is a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, and diversity of First Nations,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “For us, that history is not behind us. It is alive in our citizens. This campaign is about showing what that looks like today, in real life, in our Nations.”
The #SCOChangemakers campaign is running daily on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
“When we talk a lot about resilience; this is what it looks like,” shared Chief Lawrence Letander of Dauphin River First Nation. “It looks like our people leading, creating, helping, and building. Not for recognition, but because that is who we are. This month, SCO is making sure those stories are seen.”
June is also a time for SCO to continue raising awareness about the second-generation cut-off rule in the Indian Act. This rule prevents many First Nations citizens from passing status on to their children and grandchildren, disconnecting families from their Nations.
SCO is encouraging citizens, and all those affected by the rule, to contact their Member of Parliament and call for this policy to be removed. More information on our End Legislated Discrimination campaign and how to get involved is available on SCO’s website.
On June 20, SCO’s First Nation Veteran’s Program will co-host the Indigenous Reconciliation Gathering with the Manitoba Métis Federation, Manitoba Inuit Association, and Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg. The event begins at 10 am at CFB Winnipeg, 680 Wihuri Road. The focus of the event is on relationships, shared understanding, and reconciliation.
Meanwhile, from June 4 to 6, SCO’s First Nation Veterans Program Coordinator Justin Woodcock is taking a lead role at the annual Opaskwayak Cree Nation Pow Wow. This year, the pow wow is being dedicated to Indigenous Veterans. SCO is immensely proud of our First Nation Veterans Program, which is designed by First Nation Veterans, for First Nation Veterans. It is continuously evolving as we listen to and recognize the needs voiced within our Veteran community.
SCO will also recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2026, which marks the 30th anniversary of this important day in Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to celebrate the cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations peoples.
This month also includes a wonderful initiative as part of our Movement is Medicine initiative with the Winnipeg Football Club. SCO and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are partnering to bring 900 citizens to the June 25th home game at the Princess Auto Stadium. The inclusion of our people is just one part of our new collaboration, which also includes community outreach initiatives, youth mentorship programs, and cultural events that highlight a shared commitment towards inclusion, reconciliation, and community building.
SCO will also be part of the “Activation Zone” during the June 25 Tailgate Party, taking place from 4:45 to 7:30 pm, beginning 2 hours before kickoff. Be sure to stop by and say hello to SCO.
“Celebrations for National Indigenous Peoples Day have grown over the past 30 years, but the meaning of the day remains the same,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “It is about recognizing who we are as First Nations peoples and the strength of our cultures. It is also a reminder that our languages, teachings, and ways of life are still here, and they continue to shape our Nations.”
Throughout the month, SCO will celebrate graduates, attend Treaty Days, and take part in pow wows across southern Manitoba. You can find a list of upcoming pow wow events on our website.
June is also Pride Month. SCO is proud to take part in Winnipeg Pride on June 7, 2026, and to stand with our two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and gender-diverse (2SLGBTQQIA+) relatives across our Nations.
The month also builds momentum for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation the National Day, or Orange Shirt Day, on September 30. SCO will once again host Winnipeg’s annual Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow, set to take place at in Treaty One Territory, on September 30th.
“There is a lot to be proud of,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “This month is about our people, our stories, and upholding our shared values and traditions.”
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota 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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