SCO Celebrates Anishinaabe and Dakota Nurses During National Nursing Week

Press Release

May 11, 2026

“Our nurses are a vital part of health delivery  providing cultural connection and safety.” ~Grand Chief Jerry Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is pleased to recognize and acknowledge Anishinaabe and Dakota nurses in Manitoba, during National Nursing Week from May 11-17, 2026. This year’s theme is “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health.”

“First Nations health transformation continues to be a top priority for SCO. This work includes advocating for, and increasing the number of, First Nations citizens who are choosing to pursue nursing as a career path,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “I am inspired by those who have chosen to care for others through their profession, creating a sense of cultural safety and connection for our citizens who are accessing the health care system.”

SCO is marking the week by promoting nursing as a career choice for our citizens. Our Health Human Resources Strategy guides us to address the underrepresentation of First Nation nurses in Manitoba’s health care system. Through a partnership with the Business Council of Manitoba and the Province of Manitoba, our Indigenous Education Awards and other scholarship opportunities provide financial support for our post-secondary students who choose to pursue a career in nursing.

SCO encourages citizens from our member Nations to apply for an Indigenous Education Award by May 31, 2026. Interested students can find information here.

SCO has a growing number of scholarship and bursaries. Our website shares information about all our funding opportunities to support post-secondary studies.

On Indigenous Nurses Day (May 13), SCO’s social media pages will recognize Anishinaabe and Dakota nurses from our Nations, along with non-First Nations nurses who work or provide service in an SCO Nation.

“SCO is proud to recognize Indigenous Nurses Day and to celebrate all nurses throughout National Nursing Week,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “I encourage SCO citizens to join me in honouring the dedication and leadership of these remarkable people. By supporting more Anishinaabe and Dakota citizens to pursue nursing, we are building health capacity, strengthening care in our Nations, and helping to close the 11-year and growing gap in life expectancy between First Nations citizens and all others living in what is now known as Manitoba.”

-30-

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

ILR4