SCO Proudly Congratulates Chief Tréchelle Bunn
Press Release
April 11, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) congratulates former SCO Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn as she becomes the first female Chief elected to the leadership role in the Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.
At only 25 years of age, Ms. Bunn also becomes the youngest person to be elected as Chief of her Nation.
She may become the youngest person currently taking on the role of Chief in Canada.
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels states:
“Chief Tréchelle Bunn, you make many people so very proud as we witness your growth, and the acknowledgement, of your leadership.
It does not surprise me that you are the person to become the youngest, and the first female Chief to serve the Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.
Your accomplishments are many.
It has been an honour to witness your leadership in your role as SCO Youth Chief from 2023 to 2025.
Your annual Reconciliation Runs, to honour the experience of your Kunshi Mildred and Unkan Donald,Survivors of the Birtle Residential School, has been inspiring and healing.
Your message that ‘movement is medicine’ has encouraged so many people of all ages to become more physically active, contributing to improved health and wellness for many.
Your ability to build partnerships and relationships resulted in you carrying out beautiful acts, such as providing free, new running shoes for the young people in your Nation.
Your strength and bravery in speaking to the public, to media, government leaders, and to international bodies such as the United Nations—to advocate for our relatives and the citizens of SCO’s 32 Nations—is commendable.
I wish you much strength and support as you move forward in your leadership as Chief of your Nation.
I join many others in expressing the utmost pride at your accomplishment.
Chief Tréchelle Bunn, I look forward to continuing to learn from and collaborate with you, as you take on your new role of Chief of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.”
SCO also extends congratulations to Carson Benn, Doug Hanska Senior, Heath Bunn, and Samantha D. Benn on their election as Councillors for Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.
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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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