A Look Back: SCO’s Most Popular Social Media Posts of 2025

Press Release

January 7, 2026

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) recently shared a look back at 12 stories that resonated most with our followers on social media.

These posts sparked conversation and highlighted the strength, talent, and leadership of our Nation members.

SCO reached an exciting milestone at the end of 2025—40,000 followers on Facebook! Our content is being viewed nearly FOUR MILLION times each month.

Our SCO Communications Team is grateful to everyone who follows, shares, comments, and takes time to engage with our content. Your support helps these stories reach further.

In 2026, our team plans to continue working with SCO programs, member Nations, and leadership to share stories that inform, reflect our realities, and celebrate the people creating change.

This year, we plan to grow and strengthen this work, expand our storytelling, and bring you even more.

Now, we want to hear from you—what kinds of stories would you like to see more often?

Who are the changemakers in your Nation we should meet?

What issues, events, or community successes should we be covering?

Share your ideas by sending us an email: media@scoinc.mb.ca

Your input helps guide the stories we tell next.

If you are not following us on social media, be sure to check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Youtube.
Chi miigwetch, pidamaya ye, and thank you for your support. Happy new year and all the best in 2026!

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR JANUARY 2025:

“PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN, SECURING THEIR FUTURE”

The most popular post in January 2025 shared a video from Ernest Anderson, father of the late Jordan River Anderson. The post reached 46,841 people.

He was calling for urgent action to address the alarming Jordan’s Principle backlog.

Our post shared that shamefully, more than 140,000 applications remain unprocessed.

The post also shared the following:

Indigenous Services Canada continues to deny critical funding for essential services like medical transportation, educational supports, and cultural programs.

This crisis is heartbreaking, as our vulnerable children bear the brunt of these delays and funding shortfalls.

As Ernest Anderson powerfully conveys, the true purpose of this program was to ensure our First Nation children receive the health, social, and educational support they deserve, just like any other child. We must honour Jordan’s legacy by meeting the urgent needs of our youth.

Enough is enough. We are calling on the federal government to take immediate steps to rectify their mismanagement of Jordan’s Principle.

We must protect our children and their rightful entitlements under Jordan’s Principle.

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR FEBRUARY 2025:

“ROLLING RIVER CITIZEN BEHIND THE LARGEST MURAL IN MANITOBA”

The most popular post in February 2025 shared the story of Jeannie White Bird, a talented muralist from the Rolling River First Nation. The post reached 80,093 people.

She embarked on a large scope project in November 2024, alongside collaborator Charlie Johnston.

Their mural, the breathtaking “Giizaagiigo” (You Are Loved), was commissioned by the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families for Manitoba.

Located at 444 Kennedy Street in Winnipeg, the mural serves as a powerful expression of encouragement. It aims to empower, uplift, and amplify the voices of those who identify with feminine energies.

The mural is an impressive 150 feet high and 50 feet wide. It was made possible through the support of the Giganawenimaanaanig MMIWG2S+ Implementation Committee.

For youth aspiring to start their own journeys in creating murals, Jeannie offers this advice: “Reach out to those already creating murals. Connect spiritually with teachings and remain open to the energies that come your way. Be patient, and always stay authentic. By connecting to your culture, traditions, Elders, communities, and the people around you, you will be propelled forward on your own path.”

SCO congratulates Jeannie on her artistic accomplishments and looks forward to seeing more of her murals come to life in the future.

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR MARCH 2025:

“LISTEN TO NIBI: A NEW SONG BY ANISHINAABE SINGER ALI FONTAINE”

The most popular post in March 2025 introduced you to the remarkable Anishinaabe singer-songwriter and law student, Ali Fontaine, who released a new song in February about water. The post reached 42,878 people.

Her song Nibi “was inspired by the beauty of our traditional Anishinaabe women’s teachings and speaks to our relative the spirit of Nibi. It reflects on the violence of colonialism—specifically contemporary issues, such as violence against Indigenous women and girls and degradation of our lands and waters,” shared Ms. Fontaine.

Water is essential to life. Women are the carriers and protectors of water.

Ali, a member of Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation, first gained recognition at the young age of 15 when she won a talent competition and the opportunity to record one of her original songs. She went on to release her debut album before even finishing high school. It won “Best Country Recording” at the 2013 Native American Music Awards.

Over the years, Ali’s powerful music and unwavering dedication to her community have earned her numerous accolades, including: four Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards, a Native American Music Award, a Youth Role Model Award in Creative Arts from the City of Winnipeg, and a win in the Worldwide UNESCO Youth Multimedia competition. She has also had the honour of performing with the renowned Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Currently a law student at the University of Saskatchewan, Ali continues to use her platform to advocate for First Nation peoples, especially women and children. She is also a music mentor, inspiring at-risk youth through her remarkable talent.

Listen to Ali’s new song Nibi on all streaming platforms.

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR APRIL 2025:

“AN EXCITING FIRST FOR RIDING MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK”

The most popular post in April 2025 celebrated the opening of the first-ever retail store owned by a First Nations person in the town of Wasagaming in Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP). The post reached 51,576 people.

Edna Nabess is a member of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan) and is the proud owner of Oji-Cree Showcase and Market.

The store is a new Indigenous-owned retail and cultural experience.

It aims to support local Indigenous artisans while creating cultural awareness through immersive tourism.

Edna’s business is focusing on sustainable income while creating meaningful connections for both the customers and her craftspeople.

She is seeking beadwork from Indigenous artists to sell at her store in 2026.

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please reach out to her:
Phone: 204-293-4829
Email: ednanabess@gmail.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/edna.nabess.9

You can find Oji-Cree Showcase and Market at 115 Wasagaming Drive.

Please note that this store is closed for the winter months.

It will re-open in May 2026 and stays open until October.

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR MAY 2025:

“TAKING CONTROL IN BLOODVEIN”

The most popular post in May 2025 focused on the Bloodvein First Nation. The post reached 74,163 people.

It shared that Chief Lisa Young, Council, and community members had recently come together in unity, to address illegal drug and alcohol sales in their Nation.

Along with creating a vibrant signage campaign, a team of 10 security officers were stationed at the Nation’s only road entrance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They were searching every vehicle that entered the First Nation.

Their efforts were already paying off, with seizures of contraband items and the impounding of at least one vehicle within their first week on the job.

Most importantly, they were providing a new and welcome level of safety and security for their fellow citizens.

SCO salutes the leadership and people of Bloodvein for taking a collective stance against illegal activities in their community and for taking proactive measures to create a healthy environment for their Nation!

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR JUNE 2025:

“SCO COMMENDS PINAYMOOTANG SISTERS FOR FIGHTING FIRES”

The most popular post in June 2025 recognized the bravery of two incredible ikwe from Pinaymootang First Nation—sisters Delilah and Heather Anderson. The post reached 75,959 people.

This courageous duo was spending close to three weeks battling the wildfires in Bissett, Manitoba.

In an extraordinary act of selflessness, Delilah and Heather left their own children and families at home to help ensure the safety of others.

They worked tirelessly to combat the fires and assist First Nations in need.

SCO honours their strength, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting First Nations people and the land.

We also extend our deep gratitude to these women for breaking barriers and serving as positive role models for First Nations girls and women, especially in Pinaymootang First Nation.

They are a powerful example that women can lead and protect in any role, including firefighting.

Please join SCO in extending gratitude to these remarkable women.

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR JULY 2025:

“GO CONNOR GO!”

The most popular post in July 2025 shared SCO’s pride in 9-year-old golf phenom Connor Hanksa of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation. The post reached 67,714 people.

This young athlete was at the Champion of Champions World Championship youth golf tournament in Northern Ireland in June.

We were so excited to share that, going into the final round, Connor was tied for 9th place and was the TOP CANADIAN!

He was 1 of 250 elite golfers at this event from around the world and finished in 10th place!

We cannot wait to see what the future holds in this sport he is already excelling at!

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR AUGUST 2025:

“MEET BLOODVEIN ARTIST ELVIS TURTLE”

The most popular post in August 2025 introduced our followers to Elvis Turtle, a talented artist member of Bloodvein First Nation. The post reached 52,917 people.

Elvis has been an artist since he was 15 years old. He credits his uncle with teaching him the basics of the drawing.

Fast forward to today, and it’s safe to say, Elvis’ current artistry is anything but basic.

Along with paintings on canvas, you can also see his talents displayed on the walls of buildings throughout Bloodvein.

His beautiful works reflect his culture and Anishinaabe teachings.

Elvis is an immensely talented, humble warrior.

While he does not have a website or social media presence, if you like what you see in these photos and want to learn more, he encourages you to reach out to him by phone at: 431-788-6055

Your empty wall space will be glad you did!

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is proud to showcase Elvis Turtle and we wish him every success in his artistic journey.

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR SEPTEMBER 2025:

“HOW MANY CHILDREN DIDN’T MAKE IT HOME?”

The most popular post in September 2025 was a question about residential schools. It was: How many children didn’t make it home? The post reached 103,300 people.

The answer: More than 3000 children died between 1867 and 2000, according to “Canada’s Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials” in the Final Report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Volume 4. The total number of children who died was 3201.

These figures only represent recorded deaths. The actual number is probably much higher.

Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for us to advocate for the children who never made it home and to remind everyone as we move forward that Every Child Matters.

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR OCTOBER 2025:

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JORDAN RIVER ANDERSON!”

The most popular post in October 2025 was honouring and remembering the late Jordan River Anderson on October 22, which would have been his birthday. The post reached 187,778 people.

Each year on this day, we commemorate the life of a young boy whose experience ignited a movement for justice and equity.

Jordan’s Principle serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the rights of First Nations children and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.

His spirit continues to guide us in building a more just and equitable future for all First Nations children.

We honour the strength of his family and community, whose advocacy transformed tragedy into lasting change.

Let us carry Jordan’s spirit forward—with an enduring commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of every child.

Happy Birthday, Jordan!

You are remembered. You are honoured. Your legacy lives on.

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SCO is proud to offer our Jordan’s Principle programming who assist First Nation children, youth, and their families across southern Manitoba.

Learn more about SCO’s Jordan’s Principle Program.

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR NOVEMBER 2025:

“SCO PROUDLY SHARES A WEHWEHNEH BAHGAHKINAHGOHN MILESTONE!”

The most popular post in November 2025 shared a major milestone for SCO’s Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project in downtown Winnipeg. The post reached 105,251 people!

After seven months of steady, careful work, the final concrete block was removed from what will become the atrium of our building.

This was a complex job—1335 concrete blocks, weighing a total of 13.5 million pounds, were safely taken out.

With this work complete, the team is moving ahead with scaffolding and preparing to build the glass ceiling that will fully enclose the space.

Every step brings us closer to transforming the former Hudson’s Bay Company building into a living expression of reconciliation, pride, and First Nations’ strength.

Miigwetch, pidamaya ye, and thank you to the hardworking team at PCL, along with all subcontractors, for helping to bring our vision to life.

To learn more about the project, click here.

Trigger warning: The information in this post is upsetting. If you need immediate emotional support, please call the national independent toll-free support line for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+).

You can speak with a counsellor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-844-413-6649

SCO’S MOST POPULAR POST FOR DECEMBER 2025:

“LANDFILL SEARCH BEGINS FOR THE LATE ASHLEE SHINGOOSE”

The most popular post in December 2025 shared the somber announcement that the landfill search has begun for Ashlee Shingoose. The post reached 192,577 people.

The search has begun at the Brady Landfill in Winnipeg to look for the remains of the late Ashlee Christine Shingoose of St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation.

Ashlee is also known as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman).

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) stands with Ashlee’s family and sends prayers as this emotional, but hopeful, search to bring her home begins.

SCO is grateful to everyone who has searched the Prairie Green Landfill to help bring our relatives home, and to all those supporting the Brady Landfill search. We also acknowledge the provincial government for supporting this important work.

We continue to stand in solidarity with the families of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois, and Ashlee Shingoose—as well as Tanya Nepinak.

Once the search for Ashlee is complete, the province is supporting a search of the same landfill for Tanya, who went missing more than a decade ago.

Our thoughts are with all families and community members who are affected by the ongoing national emergency of MMIWG2S+.

Returning our MMIWG2S+ relatives home is necessary for their families to experience the closure and peace they so deserve.

ILR5