SCO Launches Campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

November 25, 2025

“This campaign provides our citizens with knowledge to interrupt harm, support loved ones, and reclaim our traditional teachings that honour and protect our families.”

– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is launching a social media campaign to raise awareness, share knowledge, and inspire action to end gender-based violence in our Nations.

Starting today and running until December 10, SCO will recognize the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—this violence occurs when someone is harmed or targeted because of their gender. This behaviour can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, digital, and economic. It can also include harassment and neglect. These harms affect individuals, families, and entire communities.

This year, SCO’s social media campaign will share frequently asked questions about gender-based violence to help citizens better understand the issue, recognize warning signs, and learn about available supports.

“Women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse citizens deserve to live with safety, dignity, and respect—free from all forms of violence,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “This campaign provides our citizens with knowledge to interrupt harm, support loved ones, and reclaim our traditional teachings that honour and protect our families.”

First Nation women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people continue to face violence at much higher rates than others in Canada. Statistics Canada reports that nearly two-thirds of First Nations women have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime. These harms have a ripple affect ripple—making the need for awareness, prevention, and community action more important than ever.

“When violence happens in our Nations, it affects every one of us,” said Youth Chief Lacy Bird of Black River First Nation. “I want to recognize all leaders and grassroots citizens who are working to strengthen safety and well-being for SCO citizens. It is important that we take steps to reduce risks that can lead to violence. I am hopeful that SCO youth will take time to engage with the 16 Days of Activism Campaign and learn more about how to stay safe, how to support their friends who might be experiencing violence, and how to seek help if needed.”

The crisis of gender-based violence is reflected in the ongoing national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse (MMIWG2S+) people. The Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+ shows that long-standing human and Indigenous rights violations continue to drive these high rates of violence. The 231 Calls for Justice provide a roadmap for action—by listening to Survivors, supporting First Nations-led initiatives, raising awareness, and advocating for policies that create safer environments.

“Youth can have a strong voice in ending gender-based violence,” added Youth Chief Billy Bird of Peguis First Nation. “We are ready to speak out, support each other, and be leaders in our Nations. Learning about this issue through stories and comics helps us understand that everyone has a role to play, including men and boys. Feeling safe is a human right, and we all share responsibility to protect it.”

As part of the campaign and in the spirit of giving, SCO’s Annual Holiday Donation Drive will support Ikwe-Widdjiitiwin Inc., an Indigenous crisis shelter for Survivors of gender-based violence in Winnipeg.

SCO is accepting donations from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, at either
202–600 Empress Street, Winnipeg or 1572 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg. SCO is accepting donations until our holiday annual open house on December 9, 2025.

SCO encourages community members to donate essential items, such as Christmas gifts for women and children (ages 0-18); winter boots; winter clothing; new undergarments and socks; and whatever else the community would like to donate to benefit the women and children accessing the shelter. SCO is also accepting non-perishable food items to support Koko’s Pantry, a grassroots food bank in Ebb and Flow First Nation.

“Ending gender-based violence is critical to the health of our people and Nations,” shared Grand Chief Daniels. “These 16 days—and every day after—are a reminder that we must stand together, support Survivors, and take action to keep our loved ones safe.”

Read about the 16 actions you can take to help end gender-based violence on our website.

For anyone who is impacted by gender-based violence and needs support, please reach out to:

Kids Help Phone

Young people can call or text anytime:

Call: 1-800-668-6868

Text: 686868

Available 24/7

MMIWG2S+ Support Line

For people impacted by MMIWG2S+:

Call: 1-844-413-6649

Counselling is available, including in Anishinaabemowin

Manitoba Violence Prevention Line

For confidential help and information on violence prevention in Manitoba:

Call toll free: 1-877-977-0007

Text: 204-792-5302 or 204-805-6682

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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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