SCO Honours First Nations Veterans on National Indigenous Veterans Day

November 7, 2025

“SCO is deeply committed to recognizing and honouring the service of our Veterans”

– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) proudly uplifts and honours First Nations Veterans for their dedication, courage, and sacrifice as we recognize National Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, 2025.

Indigenous Veterans Day provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the vital contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Veterans who have served and continue to serve Canada in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping. Their strength and bravery have shaped the course of history and continue to inspire future generations.

“SCO is deeply committed to recognizing and honouring the service of our Veterans,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “We must also affirm our promise to listen to and acknowledge the needs voiced within our First Nation Veteran community. Their sacrifices—both on and off the battlefield—must never be forgotten.”

While thousands of First Nations people have served in the Canadian Armed Forces, Manitoba First Nations Police Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, many still face discrimination and systemic barriers, despite their immense contributions.

“As we honour our Veterans, we must also ensure their stories are told and their experiences respected. Through our First Nations Veterans Program, we are committed to providing ongoing advocacy and support, ensuring that every First Nation Veteran is recognized, remembered, and respected, not just on November 8, but every day of the year,” shared Justin Woodcock, a First Nations Veteran and SCO’s First Nation Veterans Program Manager.

SCO continues to advocate for equitable support, access to resources, and the preservation of their legacies within our Nations and across Turtle Island.

As part of this year’s commemoration, SCO encourages all Manitobans to take time to learn about the history of Indigenous Veterans and to honour those who fought for freedom, justice, and peace for all.

To celebrate and raise awareness about First Nations Veterans, SCO launched a social media campaign in November to share stories and answer frequently asked questions about First Nations Veterans. The campaign will continue to run throughout the month of November.

SCO also has a Wall of Honour, which features Veterans from our 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations. The webpage highlights their achievements and the sacrifices our Veterans have made. SCO encourages Anishinaabe and Dakota citizens from our member Nations to share the names and photos of Veterans they would like to see on the Wall of Honour.

We encourage all Manitobans to follow us on social media, take part in remembrance events, and learn more about the incredible contributions of our First Nations Veterans throughout the month of November.

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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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