There is somewhat of a disparity between the growth and some First Nation communities in Southern Manitoba compared to others, and that's part of what Southern Chiefs' Organization is helping to resolve.

Dakota Tipi First Nation Chief Eric Pashe just hosted a recent SCO meeting in his community and explains they do a lot of work with efforts like the new Impact Benefit Assessment Protocol.

"They advocate on behalf of a lot of industry and other activities that take place in the southern region of Manitoba," says Pashe. "It provides us with a channel for indigenous and First Nations involvement with respect to whatever is taking place. I believe that's pretty beneficial."

Pashe notes they provide a voice at levels of discussion where some of the First Nations local governments may not be quite involved.

"You look at some of the urban reserve lands that some of the other communities have, and some of the other communities that don't, the work that SCO has been working toward is providing equal opportunity for all First Nations in Southern Manitoba to have involvement in increasing local economic development," adds Pashe.