Southern Manitoba First Nations chiefs re-elect Jerry Daniels as grand chief

Southern Chiefs' Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels talks with media after a Hudson’s Bay Company transfer ceremony in Winnipeg Friday, April 22, 2022. (John Woods/The Canadian Press)

First Nations chiefs in southern Manitoba have voted to keep Jerry Daniels as the leader of the organization that represents Anishinaabe and Dakota communities in the province.

Daniels has been re-elected as grand chief of the Southern Chiefs' Organization after first securing the position in 2017.

He was challenged by former Long Plain First Nation Chief Kyra Wilson, who held the role until late last year.

Wilson played a central role in the early calls to search a Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of two Long Plain women who were killed by an admitted serial killer.

Daniels says he will continue to work to support all leaders of the southern First Nations in the province as well as create opportunities for their citizens.

The final tally saw Daniels with 21 votes and Wilson with 13.

   This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2024.