SCO Receives Order of the Buffalo Hunt Award

November 4, 2025

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is honoured to have received the Manitoba Order of the Buffalo Hunt in recognition of our collective efforts to support our evacuated relatives during the recent wildfires.

Established in 1957, the Order of the Buffalo Hunt is one of Manitoba’s highest honours. It is presented to people and organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to their communities.

SCO’s involvement in the wildfire response began through our strong partnership with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO).

Following a formal request from MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee to SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, our team acted on behalf of MKO to support their members in rural evacuation sites. Together, our organizations worked to provide coordinated and culturally safe supports for First Nations citizens impacted by fires.

As part of these efforts, SCO led a major donation drive to collect essential supplies for evacuees.

Our Mobile Crisis Response Team was on the ground, providing emotional support, advocacy, and crisis intervention, while other SCO staff assisted at evacuation sites—helping families and individuals.

In addition, SCO organized a multi-agency safety effort with First Nation Safety Officers from our southern Nations—a culturally grounded approach that saved lives, built trust, and set a new standard for community safety in Manitoba.

We are deeply grateful to our member Nations, organizations, and community members for their generosity and leadership in offering safety, shelter, transportation, food, and comfort to those affected.

Our staff were honoured to accept the certificate of recognition from the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, at a formal ceremony.

Miigwetch, pidamaya ye, and thank you to our SCO team, member Nations, youth, and partner organizations for their tireless efforts in supporting our evacuated relatives.

We also extend our gratitude to Premier Kinew and the Province of Manitoba for recognizing SCO’s efforts.

NT5