SCO Supports Indigenous Education and Respectful Learning in Manitoba Schools
Press Release
March 6, 2026
“It is about helping all young people understand the histories and perspectives that shape the place we all share today.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is reaffirming the importance of Indigenous education in Manitoba schools following recent public discussion about land-based learning activities in the Portage la Prairie School Division.
Indigenous education initiatives, including land-based learning and cultural teachings, are an important part of Manitoba’s broader efforts toward truth, reconciliation, and mutual understanding. These approaches help students learn about the histories, cultures, and worldviews of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have lived on these lands since time immemorial.
“Learning about First Nations cultures, languages, and relationships with the land is not about imposing beliefs,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “It is about helping all young people understand the histories and perspectives that shape the place we all share today.”
Across Manitoba, schools are increasingly incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems into classrooms following the province’s Indigenous Education Policy Framework, which encourages culturally grounded learning and recognition of Indigenous languages, teachings, and worldviews.
For many First Nations, cultural teachings that include respect for the land, animals, and the interconnectedness of life, are foundational elements of knowledge that have been passed from generation to generation. Land-based learning provides students with opportunities to understand those perspectives through experiential, hands-on education.
“First Nations knowledge systems have always included holistic spiritual, environmental, and cultural teachings that cannot be separated from one another,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “For generations, our cultures and languages were pushed out of classrooms. Ensuring students learn about them today is part of correcting that history.”
SCO recognizes that parents and families may have questions as schools expand Indigenous education programming and encourages open, respectful dialogue between educators, families, and communities.
“Education is strongest when it is built on understanding and respect,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “Learning about First Nations cultures does not diminish anyone’s faith or identity. It strengthens the ability of young people to live together in harmony within a diverse society.”
SCO also emphasized that the inclusion of Indigenous teachings in public education reflects the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, which urge governments and school systems to ensure all students learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, and contributions.
“Reconciliation requires learning,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “When young people understand the cultures and knowledge systems of the first peoples of this land, it builds respect, reduces prejudice, and strengthens the future for everyone.”
SCO will continue working with governments, educators, and First Nations leaders to advance Indigenous education and ensure that the voices and knowledge of the Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations are reflected in classrooms across Manitoba.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 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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