Long Plain First Nation held a coming together of the community to honour the changing of the guard in their leadership for the Southern Chiefs Organization as Jerry Daniels was presented with a headdress as Grand Chief.

"It's a great honour to be surrounded by family," says Daniels. "We have the elders here and the young people that were participating. I think it's a new journey for the community -- one I'm happy to share with them."

Father and Son Chiefs: (L-R) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels & Chief Dennis Meeches

Long Plain Chief Dennis Meeches says it's especially exciting seeing as Daniels is his son. He adds Daniels has come a long and to be selected as grand chief of the Southern Chiefs Organization. He notes he's done a lot of great work in his young years already. Meeches says Daniels is a great role model for their young people. He notes chiefs were gathered from several first nation communities as well as dignitaries from DOPS. Meeches gives special recognition to the children who could witness this historic event.

Meeches says Daniels is invited tomorrow to the opening ceremonies of the All Nations Tribal Days in Portage. He explains he was anxious to receive his headdress because he wasn't able to wear it until the ceremony today, though his election occurred back in January.

Rona Bokhari & Jerry DanielsFormer Manitoba Liberal leader Rona Bokhari attended the celebration.

"It's amazing," says Bokhari. "We're following Chief Daniels' campaign all throughout. We're helping as much as we could. We couldn't be prouder to have such a wonderful guy at the helm. It's just wonderful -- it's great."