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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is responding with cautious optimism following today’s historic Speech from the Throne by His Majesty King Charles III. The speech marked the official opening of Canada’s 45th Parliament in the unceded, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels and Youth Chief Lacy Bird were in Ottawa to represent the 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations of southern Manitoba. It was only the second time in nearly 50 years that a sitting monarch delivered the Speech from the Throne in Canada.
“Our presence in Ottawa today is about more than witnessing a historic moment,” stated Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “It is a reminder that while symbolic events are notable, what really matters is the action that follows. The promises made today to First Nations must be honoured. Our Nations have long endured generations of broken promises and decisions made without our consent—this must change.”
SCO welcomes several key commitments from the speech, particularly the federal government’s pledge to double the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion. As a recognized leader in economic development, through projects such as the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn transformation, SCO views this expansion as a vital opportunity for First Nations to lead and participate in major ventures that support long-term economic reconciliation for our Nations.
The federal government also reaffirmed its commitments to work with Indigenous peoples on projects of national significance and to remove federal barriers to international trade. SCO stresses that First Nations must not be seen as obstacles within this context. We are partners and rights holders who must be included from the beginning of any such initiatives. SCO calls on the federal government to include First Nations in the co-operation agreements with the provinces to realize its goal of “one project, one review.”
SCO acknowledges the reference to Constitutional obligations to Indigenous peoples, including support for Indigenous languages and hunting traditions. The speech also affirmed the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This principle guarantees Indigenous peoples the right to participate in decisions that affect our lands, territories, resources, and way of life.
“Young people from our Nations carry both the strength of our Ancestors and the trauma of colonialism,” said Youth Chief Lacy Bird. “Watching the monarch speak is rare, but this must lead to more than words. We want to see action that includes our voices, protects our rights, and responds to our priorities.”
Environmental protection featured prominently in the Throne Speech, with commitments to expand national and urban parks, marine conservation areas, and other protected lands. SCO supports these initiatives. SCO also calls on the federal government to balance conservation goals with the need to fulfill outstanding Treaty Land Entitlement obligations to our Nations.
The federal government also committed to strengthening access to childcare, dental care, and pharmacare, while pledging to double the rate of home construction, protect trade, and improve border security. SCO supports efforts to increase affordability for all Canadians but urges the government to prioritize First Nations-specific needs. Our people continue to face deep economic disparities and unique challenges linked to geography, infrastructure, and historical inequity.
Regarding the commitment to reform the housing industry, it is critical that this plan addresses housing shortage on First Nations reserves. Housing is a fundamental human right. It is time for Canada to live up to its law as written in the 2019 National Housing Strategy Act, which recognizes housing as a human right. Our citizens can no longer wait.
“It is our collective responsibility to restore the principles that guided our Ancestors when they first entered into these Nation-to-Nation agreements,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “This country stands at a crossroads. We are not seeking mere inclusion in colonial frameworks. We are here to rebuild what was meant to be a relationship of mutual respect and shared stewardship. This is the work of our generation.”
SCO will continue to engage with our federal Treaty partner in support of the rights, dignity, and futures of our 32 member First Nations. As Canada enters a new chapter, we remain committed to ensuring that First Nations are not only acknowledged, but fully heard and respected.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 First Nations and more than 87,000 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.