Former Manitoba cabinet minister lands new role advocating for Indigenous youth – Winnipeg Free Press

Former MP Kevin Chief is looking forward to helping local youth gain new opportunities after being recruited as the first Community Ambassador for Southern Chiefs.

The chief, a former NDP MLA and cabinet minister and senior development advisor for the True North Sports and Entertainment Association, said it was an honor to take on the new position.

“I like helping to build bridges and build relationships,” he said Friday. “There are many exciting initiatives that I help with at SCO and one of them is working closely with SCO Youth Leaders.

“Empowering and supporting the youth of SCO member countries is very important and I am proud to be a part of this work.”

The paid position was created in celebration of SCO's 25 years of protecting 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations and their more than 87,000 community members in southern Manitoba.

Chief Minegozibe is an Anishinaabe citizen, former Pine Creek First Nation, founder of the Winnipeg Center for Aboriginal Sports Excellence and chair of the Center for Aboriginal Human Resource Development.

In addition to his youth role at SCO, he said he will work closely with Chief Executive Jerry Daniels to build and maintain relationships with various levels of government and the private sector.

Daniels said in a statement that the chief “is a respected leader with a strong track record of creating and supporting positive change in the communities in which he works.”

“A man dedicated to making a positive impact on others, Kevin is valuable to all those affected by his work,” said Daniels.

The Chief said he will continue to work with True North and will also perform traditional Metis music and dance with the Norman Chief Memorial Dancers, named after his late father.

“I see the positions of True North and the SCO as a good match,” he said.

“I firmly believe that relationships that start with trust help maximize the potential of our citizens. Both organizations are committed to supporting and empowering young people.

“It's great and they're both under the umbrella of this community.”

[email protected]

Kevin Rollason
Reporter

Kevin Rollason is one of the most versatile reporters at the Winnipeg Free Press. Whether it covers city hall, the courts, or general reporting, you can count on Rollason to not only answer the 5 Ws—who, what, when, where, and why—but to do so in an engaging and accessible way for readers. .

Read full bio