“Look How Far We’ve Come:” SCO Proud to Support and Uplift First Nations Veterans

Press Release

October 31, 2025

“Join us as we honour our Veterans, celebrate their service, and recognize their lasting contributions to our Nations, Manitoba, and across Turtle Island.”

– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to support and advocate for First Nations Veterans throughout the year, with a variety of activities set to take place throughout the month of November.

SCO is hosting our third annual First Nations Veterans Summit to celebrate, honour, and support First Nations Veterans. The event takes place on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.

“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is proud to honour, support, and recognize the contributions of First Nations Veterans to our country. This work is made possible through our SCO First Nations Veterans Program,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “We invite all First Nations Veterans to join us for the third annual First Nations Veterans Summit as we honour our Veterans, celebrate their service, and recognize their lasting contributions to our Nations, Manitoba, and across Turtle Island.”

The Summit’s theme is “Look How Far We’ve Come.” It recognizes the progress of SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program and the broader reconciliation movement taking place in the Canadian military. The event is bringing First Nations Veterans together with their families and those who provide services to Veterans. The event is open to any First Nations Veteran or currently-serving member. The day includes speakers, ceremonies, and opportunities for Veterans to connect, heal, and access support.

Master Warrant Officer Robert Brown of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation is the keynote speaker for the event. He is the Indigenous Advisor to the Commander of the Canadian Army. His leadership and experience brings an important perspective to the Summit, focusing on the Canadian Armed Forces’ ongoing efforts toward reconciliation.

The Summit provides a sacred space for Veterans and their loved ones to share stories, access supports, and continue the work of remembrance and advocacy. SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program will also give an overview of their initiatives and supports they’ve provided over the past year—showcasing how far we’ve come in supporting our Veterans.

This year’s Summit coincides with a historic milestone for Manitoba—the passing of Bill 210: The Indigenous Veterans Day Act. The Special Envoy for Military Affairs and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Waverley, David Pankratz, introduced the Bill. The new legislation ensures that Indigenous Veterans Day will now be officially recognized every year on November 8 in Manitoba. This recognition honours the bravery and dedication of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Veterans who have served in Canada’s military.

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels and Justin Woodcock, SCO’s First Nation Veterans Program Manager, took part in the consultation process and provided input on the bill.

“As a proud Veteran of the United States Navy, I know that Indigenous Veterans give so much to protecting Nations, often returning home to systemic barriers and inequity,” reflected Chief Gordon Bluesky of the Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation. “Recognizing their sacrifices through The Indigenous Veterans Day Act is one way to honour First Nations Veterans and helps us ensure their service and sacrifices are never forgotten.”

SCO is dedicated to recognizing and uplifting our First Nations Veterans. To celebrate and raise awareness about First Nations Veterans, SCO is also launching a social media campaign in November to share stories and answer frequently asked questions about First Nations Veterans. The campaign will run throughout the month of November.

SCO also has a Wall of Honour, which features Veterans from our 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations. The webpage highlights their achievements and the sacrifices our Veterans have made. SCO encourages Anishinaabe and Dakota citizens from our member Nations to share the names and photos of Veterans they would like to see on the Wall of Honour.

Our First Nations Veterans Program offers a range of services to help hundreds of First Nations Veterans thrive in their Nations and live fulfilling lives after military service. These resources include assistance with Veterans Affairs claims, traditional healing support, connections with fellow First Nations Veterans, monthly Veterans gatherings, annual Veterans events every November, assistance with military headstones, and help in obtaining service records and replacement medals.

“Veterans deserve our respect, and we must make sure they receive the benefits and services they’ve earned,” shared Grand Chief Daniels. “With our First Nations Veterans Summit—and throughout the year—SCO reaffirms our commitment to supporting and advocating with them. This includes creating new programs, improving existing services, and honouring First Nation Veterans and their families. SCO remains dedicated to advocating for all Veterans and ensuring we never forget their service to the country we share.”

SCO is looking forward to welcoming delegates to the Summit this weekend. The organization encourages all Manitobans to follow us on social media, take part in remembrance events, and learn more about the incredible contributions of our First Nations Veterans throughout the month of November.

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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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