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SCO Partners with Business Council of Manitoba to Support First Nation Students Achieve a Career in Health Care

Press Release

November 12, 2024

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is pleased to announce 150 awards over the next five years for students pursuing post-secondary education in the health care field. SCO is partnering with the Business Council of Manitoba and the Province of Manitoba through the Indigenous Education Award program to provide $450,000 over a five period to support students from SCO member Nations who are pursuing a career in health care.

It is critical for First Nations people to receive high quality health care from professionals that understands our cultural and holistic needs.  This will begin to address the 11 year and growing gap in life expectancy between First Nations and all others living in Manitoba. Currently, only 1.5% of nurses in Canada are First Nations, and fewer than 1% of physicians in Canada identify as Indigenous. Knowing there is financial support to assist with the costs of a post-secondary education may help break down the barriers to post-secondary education.

“Our Nations want more of our people delivering health care. The financial awards we are announcing today – 30 each year for the next five years – are an important component of our Health Human Resources strategy,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “We encourage students from SCO member Nations to apply to the Business Council for an SCO award to support their educational journey and alleviate some of the financial burden, allowing students to focus on their studies.”

The Indigenous Education Awards (IEA) program was established by the Business Council of Manitoba in 2001. Over the years, the program has provided 3300 awards totaling more than $8 million to almost 2000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. BCM members directly fund the IEA program. BCM member Larry Vickar is contributing an investment of $75,000 over the next five years, specifically designated for students from SCO member Nations pursing healthcare careers, and this is being matched by SCO with an investment of $150,000 over five years that is then being matched by the province. Students from SCO member Nations can apply for the IEA if they are attending a post-secondary institution in Manitoba.

“It is crucial for the BCM and our membership to actively participate in reconciliation. By investing in Indigenous students, our members are dedicated to a future workforce representative of the people in Manitoba,” stated Jesse Steckley, Director, Indigenous Education Awards & Work Integrated Learning. “Through Member investments and partnerships with governments and organizations such as the Manitoba government and SCO, we can continue to support Indigenous students pursuing their careers of choice and applying their skills and expertise in communities across Manitoba.”

Of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, #23 calls on all levels of government to increase the number of First Nations professionals working in health care and ensure the retention of First Nation health care providers in First Nations. Call to Action #92 calls on the corporate sector to ensure First Nation people have equitable access to jobs and long-term sustainable benefits from economic development. SCO is pleased our provincial Treaty partner and business leaders recognize they have a role in creating opportunities for our citizens. Dedicated awards for the citizens of SCO member Nations are a good step to reducing systemic barriers First Nations people face in education and the workforce.

“Our government’s number one priority is fixing healthcare. We are proud to partner in supporting more First Nation students in accessing post-secondary education, so they can pursue their dreams of becoming healthcare leaders in Manitoba,” said Minister of Advanced Education and Training Renée Cable. “Working collaboratively with Indigenous governments and the business community will help address the healthcare needs in Indigenous communities and across Manitoba. I’m excited to see what these students will accomplish.”

SCO recognizes the importance of sustained support for health care education and will establish an endowment fund for future awards in partnership with BCM.

“Education runs in my family. My wife is a principal, my daughters are teachers, and I was an education director for 25 years,” said Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate Chief Donny Smoke. “I am excited SCO is creating connection with industry, health education, and business to support SCO youth as they pursue post-secondary education.”

“Our Nation opened a brand-new school this fall for kindergarten through grade 6 students. This new school will create the foundation and, with incorporation of traditional knowledge, will be the first educational step in shaping their future,” added Ebb and Flow First Nation Chief Wayne Desjarlais. “Knowing some of these students will become doctors, or nurses through one of these awards, and not miss out on a dream over lack of finances, is a step forward in reconciliation.”

Citizens from SCO member Nations can apply for the Indigenous Education Award through the Business Council of Manitoba website or submit a hard copy application by May 31, 2025. More information can be found on the Business Council of Manitoba website https://businesscouncil.mb.ca/indigenous-education-awards/

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 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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