Historic Election of Southern Grand Chief: Jerry Daniels Re-Elected for Third Term

Held at Naawi-Oodena in Treaty One Territory, Jerry Daniels was re-elected as the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) Grand Chief, marking his third term in this crucial leadership role. The election, conducted on June 25, 2024, saw Daniels facing off against Kyra Wilson, the Chief of the Long Plain First Nation.

Out of the 34 eligible votes, Daniels secured a decisive victory with 21 votes, while Wilson garnered 13. This outcome underscores the strong support Daniels continues to receive from the SCO Chiefs and appointed proxies, who are the only ones eligible to vote in the election.

His leadership journey began in 2017 when he was first elected as Grand Chief. His subsequent acclamation in 2020 was a testament to his effectiveness and the trust he had built within the community. This acclamation is particularly noteworthy as it signifies a level of confidence and satisfaction among the Chiefs and the broader community that they did not feel the need for another challenger.

While this year’s election was not an acclamation, the overwhelming majority support for Daniels highlights the enduring trust and approval of his leadership.

“I am humbled to be elected for a third term in the role of Grand Chief for the 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations represented by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. Being a Chief is not easy. I will continue to do my best to support all the leaders of the southern First Nations in Manitoba as we work to create opportunities for all SCO citizens,” he stated.

In his victory speech, Daniels expressed his gratitude to the Chiefs who gave him a majority mandate and acknowledged Chief Wilson for her participation in the election. Importantly, he also reached out to the 13 Chiefs who did not vote for him, emphasizing his commitment to regain their trust and work collaboratively with them. With his son Angelo and other family members by his side, his thank-you speech was both passionate and emotional. He thanked his parents, family, and ancestors, emphasizing the importance of using the mandate given to him by the Chiefs to execute their vision and continue seeking their guidance. He highlighted the achievements of his tenure, including the establishment of several vital initiatives.

Daniels places significant emphasis on ensuring the community has the resources to advance their education. This commitment is underscored by his recent achievement of graduating from the prestigious Harvard Business School with a focus on leadership and building sustainable communities, adding to his numerous educational accolades. His success serves as an inspiration to the community, reinforcing the message that if he can achieve at the highest level, so can others. This accomplishment is another testament to his belief in the potential of the community.

His dedication to improving healthcare for Indigenous communities is deeply personal. He made an emotional reference to his late mother, who lacked adequate healthcare resources. He passionately called for improved health systems that would benefit not only Indigenous communities but all residents of the province. His call to action extends to all elected leaders, urging them to collaborate with the SCO for the betterment of all communities.

Under his leadership, the SCO has taken critical steps to address a wide range of issues for southern First Nations. The organization has developed extensive new initiatives, such as the Status Card, Harm Reduction, Pathways to Healing, and Jordan’s Principle. Additionally, the Mobile Crisis Response Team, Traditional Healers, and most recently, the First Nations Veterans services have been established. These efforts demonstrate his commitment to improving the quality of life for SCO citizens.

One of his key focuses is the transformation of health services for First Nations through the creation of a Southern First Nations Health Authority. He is also working on evolving the child welfare system, establishing a Southern First Nations Water Authority, and facilitating significant residential projects like the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn and Portage Place residential towers.

Chief Electoral Officer Myrna O’Soup-Bushie highlighted the importance of these elections: “Elections are important, and today is just another day where the Chiefs are exercising their democratic right to elect their Grand Chief who will continue to represent the rights and uphold the values and traditions of the people of the Southern Chiefs Organization.”

Chief Electoral Officer Myrna O’Soup-Bushie and Vern Bushie

In his acceptance speech, Daniels underscored the essence of true leadership. He emphasized that leadership is not about individual achievements but about collective efforts and community well-being. “With the acceptance and presence of the Grand Chief, it’s understood that it’s not about ‘I’ or ‘me,’ but about ‘we’ and ‘us’ together as a community,” he said. “This is what true leadership is.”

The next three years under Daniels’ leadership promise monumental accomplishments. He has set a high benchmark for the Southern Chiefs Organization, aiming for continuous success that is crucial for the future of the community. His vision is clear: the prosperity of the SCO is paramount, and every effort must be made to ensure its growth and development.

The re-election of Jerry Daniels represents not only a continuation of his dedicated work but also a reaffirmation of the trust placed in him by the Chiefs and the community. His leadership has brought about significant progress, and his plans for the future hold the promise of even greater achievements. As the SCO moves forward under his guidance, the organization is poised to further its mission of advocating for Indigenous rights, economic prosperity, and comprehensive health resources for all.