SCO Congratulates Newly-Elected Youth Council

Press Release

April 2, 2025

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) congratulates its’ Youth Council’s newly-elected Chiefs and Council members.

“The youth of the SCO Nations are doing inspiring and amazing things,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “I congratulate everyone who had the courage and strength to put their names on the ballot. Welcome to our new Chiefs and Council for the SCO Youth Council. I look forward to getting to know and learn from all of you in the months and years ahead.”

SCO looks forward to working with our new Youth Chief Billy Bird, Peguis First Nation (IRTC) Youth Chief Lacy Bird, Black River First Nation (SERDC); along with all Councillors: Gavin Bruyere, Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation (Independent); Teane Bunn, Birdtail Sioux First Nation (DOTC); Azriel Courchene, Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation (Independent); Tyshaundrea Desjarlais, Ebb and Flow First Nation (WRTC); Laurie Goosehead, Hollow Water First Nation (SERDC); Tristan Guttormson-Kent, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (SERDC); Kaelei Knutson, Long Plain First Nation (DOTC); Avery Letandre. Little Saskatchewan First Nation (IRTC); Tristan Malcolm, Ebb and Flow First Nation (WRTC); and Dion Traverse, Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation (IRTC).

The new executive will serve a two-year term. The Youth Chiefs share a vote at SCO Summits.

The SCO Youth Council was established in March 2018. Membership of the Youth Council consists of two representatives from each of the following Tribal Councils: Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council; Interlake Reserves Tribal Council; Southeast Resource Development Council Corporation; West Region Tribal Council; and independent First Nations members of SCO.

“As Youth Chief, I’m committed to making sure all voices are heard,” shared Youth Chief Billy Bird. “Our resurgence begins with the land, our culture, and creating opportunities for youth. Together, we’re building a future rooted in pride, identity, and strength for the next generations. Miigwech to all who walk this path with us.”

“I am incredibly grateful to have been entrusted with such a responsible role, especially with representing our youth in big spaces. I as the new Youth Chief will humbly hold myself and our council accountable to our traditional values to ensure we prioritize decolonization,” stated Youth Chief Lacy Bird. “Gitchi Miigwetch to those that supported and believed in me. Without you, I would not be in this position. Miigwetch.”

SCO acknowledges outgoing Youth Chiefs Tréchelle Bunn of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation and Joshua Gandier of Peguis First Nation, along with all outgoing Council members.

“It was truly my honour to work with Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn and Youth Chief Joshua Gandier. They are both gifted leaders who have contributed so much to SCO during their two-year tenure. I am grateful to know these young people and I look forward to seeing where their journeys lead them,” shared Grand Chief Daniels. “I also extend gratitude to all of the outgoing Councillors: Katrina Bittern; Kevin Bittern; Angel Fosty; Kaelei Knutson; and Iroc Lavesseur.”

The new Chiefs and Council members were elected as part of the SCO Youth Gathering. This gathering focused was focused on providing inspiration and encouragement to youth from the SCO member Nations.

“Miigwetch, pidamaya ye, and thank you to all the youth who have volunteered for leadership positions. I am so encouraged by all the youth who agreed to step forward in this election,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “It is encouraging and inspiring to see the youth take their rightful place as leaders for our Nations.”

Youth Chief Lacy Bird, Outgoing Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn, Outgoing Youth Chief Joshua Gandier, and Youth Chief Billy Bird
Elder William Campbell, Youth Chief Lacy Bird, and Youth Chief Billy Bird

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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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