SCO Calls on Federal Minister to Address Mental Health Funding and Meet Directly with First Nations Leaders

Press Release

March 4, 2026

“Individuals in crisis are facing long wait times, forced travel far from home, or the absence of culturally appropriate care. Our people cannot afford further delay.”

– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is calling for an immediate, confirmed meeting with the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, as mental health conditions in First Nations continue to escalate and critical federal funding agreements approach end dates.

Over the past 30 days alone, SCO has made more than a dozen formal outreach attempts seeking urgent dialogue with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) regarding the growing mental health crisis in southern Manitoba. To date, no confirmed meeting has been secured.

“The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “We are witnessing the human consequences of delay. Families are navigating repeated mental health emergencies. Individuals in crisis are facing long wait times, forced travel far from home, or the absence of culturally appropriate care. Our people cannot afford further delay.”

The data is clear and deeply concerning:

• During crisis periods in Manitoba, some First Nations experience suicide rates up to 10 times the national average.
• Suicide rates among First Nations youth are estimated to be five to six times higher than those of non-Indigenous youth nationally.
• Indigenous people are significantly more likely to report unmet health care needs, including access to culturally safe and timely mental health services.
• First Nations people in Canada experience an 11-year life expectancy gap compared to non-Indigenous Canadians, according to federal and Statistics Canada data.

At the same time, critical mental wellness funding agreements are approaching sunset deadlines, creating instability for frontline crisis teams, community-based healing programs, substance misuse services, and Survivor supports that First Nations rely on every single day.

“This funding translates directly into crisis teams, supports for substance misuse, Survivors’ programs, and culturally grounded healing services,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “Allowing these agreements to lapse during a public health crisis would have measurable and devastating consequences.”

Engagement at the staff level is not sufficient. Direct and meaningful dialogue with the Minister responsible is required to co-develop solutions to systemic health care inequities and ensure continuity of care.

“Indigenous Services Canada is responsible to engage directly with First Nations leadership,” Daniels added. “Timely engagement is not optional during a public health crisis. It is fundamental to carrying out the mandate entrusted to federal officials.”

SCO is calling on the federal government to:

• Immediately confirm continued funding for essential mental wellness programs;
• Secure a direct meeting with the Grand Chief and impacted First Nations leadership without further delay; and
• Provide transparent communication regarding the long-term sustainability of mental health and problematic substance use services in Manitoba.

SCO is prepared to meet immediately and work collaboratively toward solutions that stabilize services, protect lives, and ensure continuity of care.

“The urgency is real, and the need is immediate,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “Our people cannot afford further delay. We are asking for action.”

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 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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