SCO Congratulates Veteran Justin Woodcock on Receiving Circle of Honour Medallion

November 13, 2025

“Justin represents the strength and determination of First Nations Veterans. He has turned his own service experience into a mission to lift up others, and this medallion is a well-deserved honour for his ongoing leadership and compassion.”

– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to announce that Justin William McKenzie Woodcock, SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program Manager and member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, is being awarded the Circle of Honour Medallion from the Province of Manitoba.

The Government of Manitoba awards the Circle of Honour Medallion to Veterans and military members in recognition of exemplary service, dedication, and sacrifice. The medallion also acknowledges citizens whose courage, resilience, and dedication exemplify the spirit of service and unity.

“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization proudly benefits from Justin’s ongoing leadership and tireless dedication to First Nations Veterans,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Through his work, he ensures that the sacrifices and contributions of our Veterans are never forgotten, and that they receive the care and recognition they deserve.”

Since joining SCO in 2023, Justin has played a key role in developing and expanding services and supports for First Nations Veterans across southern Manitoba. He first served as SCO’s First Nations Veterans Coordinator before becoming Program Manager earlier this year. He has built the first program of its kind in Canada dedicated to First Nations Veterans.

SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program provides a wide range of supports to help Veterans thrive after military service. Services include assistance with Veterans Affairs claims, traditional healing supports, monthly gatherings, annual Veterans events, help obtaining military service records and replacement medals, and coordination for military headstones.

“As a Veteran of the RCMP, I commend Justin Woodcock on developing a program from the ground up that develops supportive services and advocates for fellow First Nations Veterans,” shared Chief Lawrence Letander of Dauphin River First Nation. “Congratulations to Justin on receiving the Circle of Honour Medallion from the Province of Manitoba—your persistence and determination in developing an effective program to assist First Nations Veterans is inspiring and provides a best practice model for organizations across the country. Miigwetch for your ongoing work.”

A Veteran himself, Justin brings lived experience and deep understanding to his work. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2009, serving 5 years in the Army as an armoured crewman with Lord Strathcona’s Horse Royal Canadians, and 3 years in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Combat Systems Engineer aboard HMCS Regina. His deployments included domestic operations such as OP LUSTRE (2010) for flood-mitigation in Manitoba and OP LENTUS for search and rescue in southern Alberta.

After leaving the military, Justin pursued his lifelong goal of supporting others by earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba. His passion for service continues through his work helping First Nations Veterans reconnect with their Nations and access the benefits to which they are entitled.

In addition to his program leadership, Justin has been a strong advocate for policy change. He worked alongside Grand Chief Jerry Daniels during consultations for Bill 210: The Indigenous Veterans Day Act, introduced by David Pankratz, Special Envoy for Military Affairs and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Waverley. Passed on October 28, 2025, this historic legislation ensures Manitoba will officially recognize Indigenous Veterans Day every year on November 8 in Manitoba.

During SCO’s Third Annual First Nations Veterans Summit, MLA Pankratz presented Justin with the original signed copy of Bill 210 in recognition of his advocacy and commitment to First Nations Veterans.

“Justin represents the strength and determination of First Nations Veterans,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “He has turned his own service experience into a mission to lift up others, and this medallion is a well-deserved honour for his ongoing leadership and compassion.”

SCO congratulates Justin Woodcock on receiving the Circle of Honour Medallion and thanks him for his continued service to First Nations Veterans and communities across southern Manitoba.

To learn more about SCO’s First Nations Veterans Program, visit: www.scoinc.mb.ca/veterans-program

– 30 –

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

NT4