SCO Honors Indigenous Veterans at Annual Summit in Winnipeg

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) hosted its annual First Nations Veterans Summit on November 5, 2023, at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites, located at 1800 Wellington Ave. The event aimed to honour and remember the sacrifices made by Indigenous veterans while providing a platform to reflect on the progress of support programs over recent years.

Justin Woodcock, the program manager of the SCO, emphasized that the summit was not only a commemorative event but also an opportunity to assess the needs of veterans seeking assistance. “A lot of the veterans that come to our office looking for support are seeking assistance with their Veterans Affairs claims,” he noted. The organization facilitates various cultural events, such as drum-making workshops and sweat lodge ceremonies, aimed at helping veterans heal from service-related trauma.

The SCO also conducts monthly encampment walks to reach unhoused veterans, aiming to connect them with essential services. According to data from End Homelessness Winnipeg, veterans represent nearly six percent of all unhoused individuals surveyed. “We need to make sure that those folks know that there are supports for them and that our program is here to lift them up,” Woodcock stated.

New Legislation Recognizes Indigenous Veterans Day

A significant highlight of the summit was the recent passing of Bill 210, which permanently designates November 8 as Indigenous Veterans Day in Manitoba. Woodcock expressed pride in the collaborative process leading to the bill’s approval, stating, “We were consulted on the language of the bill – myself and Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of SCO, and we’re really happy that it has come to fruition and it’s been passed.” This legislation underscores the commitment to honour Indigenous veterans and acknowledges their contributions to the nation.

The summit provided a meaningful space for community members to gather, share stories, and reinforce the importance of support networks for veterans. As the SCO continues its efforts, the organization remains dedicated to uplifting Indigenous veterans and ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.