Acting CEO leaves Southern Chiefs Organization a year after taking on role

The First Nations group behind a massive redevelopment of the former Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Winnipeg has parted ways with its acting chief executive officer, one year after he stepped up to replace his predecessor.

An internal memo, obtained by the Free Press, shows the Southern Chiefs Organization announced Ryan Bear’s departure on Jan. 16, noting he served “during a period of significant growth and challenge for the organization.”

“We sincerely thank Ryan for hid leadership, professionalism and dedication during this time. His steady guidance has contributed meaningfully to SCO’s work and momentum,” reads the memo, signed by Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.

Bear was selected to replace former CEO Joy Cramer last January, after she was placed on leave. Her departure coincided with the return of Daniels, who took a brief leave of absence to seek treatment for alcohol use.

He made the decision after being hospitalized in a fight outside of an Ottawa bar in December 2024, during that year’s Assembly of First Nations Chiefs.

Bear’s departure “does not change SCO’s day-to-day operations or priorities,” and the organization will continue to serve the 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations it represents, Daniels wrote.

In a second memo, dated Jan. 20, Daniels said SCO has launched a formal recruitment process to replace Bear, which will be open to tender and posted publicly in the coming weeks.

Howard Burston, the former executive director of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, will serve as interim CEO until a suitable successor is found, it said.

“This transition has been carefully managed to ensure continuity, stability and uninterrupted progress across the organization.”

SCO did not return a request for comment sent Friday morning.

The organization is involved in major Winnipeg developments, including a $310-million redevelopment of the former Hudson’s Bay building on Portage Avenue.

The project was initially expected to cost $130 million. Daniels announced in March 2024 that costs had more than doubled, owing to a variety of circumstances, including more accurate budgeting, tariff threats, inflation and structural reinforcements.

When Hudson’s Bay Co. transferred ownership of the building to SCO in April 2022, Daniels said he hoped it would take three years to complete the redevelopment. That timeline was later extended to the second quarter of 2028.

Speaking during a news conference in October, Bear said it had been pushed back again into the third quarter of that year.

All levels of government have contributed funding and tax incentives to the project.

Once complete, the building will include an assortment of housing units, health services and cultural spaces.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca