Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - Decembert 23, 2024 - Eight First Nations, including the Southern Chiefs' Organization, have announced they will withdraw from the organization unless a summit of its chiefs is held before a decision is made on its leader's return to office.

The letter, sent on behalf of the Southeast Resource Development Council's chiefs and addressed to SCO chief executive officer Joy Cramer, requests a meeting in early January before a decision is made on the return of SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.

Daniels was hospitalized following an altercation in Ottawa earlier this month.

The organization cited "health reasons" for Daniels's departure.

Lake Manitoba First Nation Chief Cornell McLean was named acting grand chief in Daniels's absence.

The letter also states that if the council's chiefs withdraw from SCO, they will request a full valuation of any monetary or assets to be withdrawn from the SCO and transferred to the council.

A motion calling for the summit was carried unanimously by the chiefs of all eight SERDC members.

Daniels apologized on Facebook and said he is seeking treatment for alcohol use.

The Southern Chiefs' Organization said its chiefs' executive committee, CEO, and two knowledge keepers recently met with Daniels and look forward to welcoming him back early next month.