SCO Encourages Citizens to ‘Rock the Vote’ in Upcoming Federal Election on April 28

Press Release

April 8, 2025

This is a critical time in the history of Turtle Island and it’s imperative that First Nations are at the table.” –Grand Chief Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — With the federal election campaign in full swing, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is launching a campaign to encourage southern First Nations citizens to get involved in the democratic process. SCO is encouraging citizens to ‘rock the vote’ and cast their ballot in advance polls or on election day, April 28, 2025.

“Southern First Nations in Manitoba make up a significant number of voters. Our citizens can have major influence on the priorities and policies at the federal level,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “I encourage all our citizens who are age 18 and over to get to know the issues that impact our Nations. I am also encouraging all citizens who are age 18 and over to get out and vote in this election! Whoever forms the next federal government needs to hear our collective voice. They need to know we will continue to fight to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance the inherent rights of First Nations peoples.”

This federal campaign is unprecedented, given the North American trade war initiated by the current United States administration. Tariffs imposed by American President Donald Trump, and subsequent retaliatory measures by Canada, could have a devastating economic impact on First Nations.

SCO reminds all candidates they have a fiduciary responsibility to uphold our Treaty relationship, and that First Nations are not left on the outside looking in when it comes to responding to this new existential threat to our economic well-being.

“Whichever party forms the next federal government must ensure to make space for First Nations voices and knowledge at their table,” said Chief Lawrence Letander of Dauphin River First Nation. “First Nations had established a strong trade relationship with our southern relatives long before the existence of Canada and the United States. I encourage the parties to seek out the knowledge we hold when it comes to navigating this difficult time.”

SCO reminds our peoples that it is important to honour the sacrifice of our grandparents and parents who advocated for status First Nations people to have the right to vote. Voting is a free opportunity to hold Ottawa accountable for fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations.

As part of its campaign to encourage citizens to vote, SCO is re-launching the weekly “Fireside Chats with Grand Chief Jerry Daniels” radio program on Friday, April 11 at 5:30 pm on NCI FM radio.

On episode #18 (airing on April 11), Grand Chief Daniels is hosting our newly-elected Youth Chiefs, Billy Bird and Lacy Bird. The youth will discuss leadership and will share their knowledge about the voting process. Tune into the new episodes throughout the month of April to hear from SCO Youth Chiefs and Chiefs discuss the upcoming election.

The next government must commit to continuing the advancement of 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 the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Furthermore, SCO insists that the incoming federal government prioritizes reforming child welfare and adequately funding vital programs like Jordan’s Principle.

“While I understand this is a challenging time for whoever forms the next federal government, I look forward to working closely with them and joining them in building pathways to reconciliation and prosperity,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “Together, we can affect positive change and end the continuing systemic neglect of our Nations.”

SCO encourages First Nations citizens to visit the Elections Canada website to find out everything you need to vote in this upcoming election.

Keep an eye on SCO’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages for special ‘Rock the Vote’ content to encourage citizens to vote in the upcoming federal election. For those who do not use social media, they can bookmark this webpage and visit often for updates:

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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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