SCO Hosts Binasi: An Economic Reconciliation Forum

October 28, 2025

“First Nations are builders, innovators, and rightful partners. Through Binasi, our citizens will share knowledge, forge partnerships, and turn economic reconciliation into tangible results for our Nations.”

– Grand Chief Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and Southern Chiefs Economic Development are hosting Binasi: An Economic Reconciliation Forum on October 28 and 29, 2025, at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.

“Binasi is a space for our Nations to lead, build, and shape the economy on our terms,” shared SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “The participation of First Nations is essential in today’s economy. We are builders, innovators, and rightful partners. Through Binasi, our citizens will share knowledge, forge partnerships, and turn economic reconciliation into tangible results for our Nations.”

This two-day event is bringing together Chiefs, entrepreneurs, youth, and economic development representatives from SCO’s 32 member Nations, along with Indigenous and non-Indigenous business leaders from across Canada and the United States. Participants will engage in discussions about advancing economic reconciliation, expanding First Nations-led enterprises, and strengthening Indigenous leadership in shaping the economic future of our territories.

The Forum features a lineup of keynote speakers who bring vast experience and diverse perspectives on business development and partnership. Jim Ludlow, President of True North Real Estate Development, will speak on the importance of collaboration and the private sector’s role in advancing economic reconciliation. Mary J. Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds Casinos from the United States, will share insights on economic empowerment through gaming and maintaining strong cultural connections while building business success. President David Chartrand of the Manitoba Métis Federation will discuss Indigenous-led business growth and the value of partnership in strengthening Indigenous economies.

Economic reconciliation is central to SCO’s mission. Through landmark initiatives such as the redevelopment of the former Hudson’s Bay building—now known as Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn—SCO is demonstrating how reconciliation can form through investment and transformation. Once a colonial symbol, the building is being reimagined as a beacon of resurgence, creating First Nations-led opportunities for employment, housing, and cultural renewal. SCO’s partnership with True North Sports + Entertainment further reflects our organization’s commitment to building strong relationships based on respect, reciprocity, and shared prosperity.

Building on the momentum of Small Business Week, Binasi will also highlight Indigenous entrepreneurship and community innovation as key drivers of local and national economies. The Forum will celebrate the achievements of First Nation business owners, whose work continues to strengthen our Nations and create opportunities for growth.

“Waywayseecappo First Nation has achieved real progress through years of activism and determination,” said Chief Murray Clearsky of Waywayseecappo First Nation. “We settled long-standing claims, secured new reserve lands, and turned those victories into economic growth for our citizens. Binasi gives us a platform to share these successes, inspire other Nations, and uplift collective leadership on the path to true economic reconciliation.”

Over the two days, attendees will participate in panels, networking sessions, and discussions focused on advancing First Nations economic sovereignty and collaboration.

The event includes sessions highlighting First Nations leadership across sectors. A panel on Matriarchs in Manitoba’s Business Sector, moderated by Ashley Callingbull, will showcase Indigenous women shaping the future of business. A fireside chat with Chief Gordon Bluesky and Chief Murray Clearsky will explore community-led approaches to agriculture, land stewardship, and economic sovereignty.

Chief Tréchelle Bunn of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation will discuss the role of youth in economic reconciliation. Additional sessions will focus on Indigenous employment and empowerment through the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project with Chief EJ Fontaine of Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation. The Forum also features discussions on Crown lands, agricultural financing, international trade, and emerging industries such as aerospace and clean technology.

“When our children walk into a future where our Nations lead, employ, and build on our own terms, that’s when economic reconciliation will have been achieved,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels.

SCO and SCED are grateful for the support of all our Forum sponsors. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to bringing leaders together to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and advance economic reconciliation.

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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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