SCO Congratulates Newly-Elected Prime Minister Mark Carney
Press Release
April 29, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) congratulates newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada on forming the next federal government.
“I am ready to get to work right away with our newly-elected federal Treaty partner on the issues that are critical for the Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations that the Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “I am hopeful and optimistic that we are about to embark on a meaningful working relationship that is built on honest communication. Together, we can write the next chapter in this country’s reconciliation journey with its first peoples.”
SCO will now work to hold the newly-elected federal government to account on a number of promises made during the campaign, including Prime Minister Carney’s pledge to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program. Mr. Carney also committed to recognizing First Nations policing as an essential service.
During the campaign, SCO was also pleased to learn that the Prime Minister supports the full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
“While I understand the unique challenges this new government faces with the current trade dispute started by the United States administration, they also must appreciate that work needs to begin quickly on the issues that are directly impacting the first peoples of this land we now all share,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “The time has now come to work in a collaborative way and to close all socio-economic gaps that have been holding back the resurgence of our Nations.”
SCO reiterates its call for the federal government to close the gaps in critical infrastructure, housing and social services, and the disruptions to service delivery as it pertains to Jordan’s Principle. SCO is also hopeful the newly-elected government will commit to advancing both the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Calls for Justice from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, along with ending the second-generation cut off.
In the lead up to election day, SCO delivered a “Rock the Vote” public awareness campaign to encourage First Nations people of all ages to get out and vote. SCO extends gratitude to everyone who took part in the campaign, along with all the First Nations citizens who turned up to vote in the advance polls and on election day.
SCO is proud to congratulate newly-elected Rebecca Chartrand, who has won the riding of Churchill-Keewatinook Aski in Manitoba. Ms. Chartrand is a member of the Liberal Party and is an Anishinaabe, Inninew, Dakota, and Métis leader, educator, and long-time advocate for Indigenous and northern communities.
SCO also congratulates Leah Gazan on her re-election to represent Winnipeg Centre.An Indigenous woman, Ms. Gazan is the only member of the New Democratic Party to be elected in Manitoba.
“It is inspiring to see Anishinaabe and Dakota citizens get engaged and exercise their right to vote. It is also exciting to see two strong Indigenous women be elected to office in Manitoba. I am looking forward to advocating on behalf of the more than 87,000 citizens that SCO represents, as we forge an improved and respectful relationship with Ottawa,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “I encourage the new government to work with us as equal partners and Treaty people. When we all pull together, we all succeed.”
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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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