A mother in mourning is seeking accountability following the tragic death of her four-year-old daughter under the care of Child and Family Services, while her two other children were hospitalized in Winnipeg with severe injuries. Manitoba First Nations Police Service responded to a residence in Long Plain First Nation after the four-year-old was discovered in distress by first responders. Tragically, the girl passed away, and her one-year-old and two-year-old sisters were hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
The mother described her late daughter as a sweet angel who adored her siblings, singing, and dancing. The family’s identity is protected by CBC to safeguard the remaining children in CFS care. The RCMP Major Crimes Services have taken over the investigation given the circumstances of the girl’s death and her siblings’ injuries. No charges have been filed at this time.
The children were under the care of Waywayseecapo CFS, a western Manitoba agency associated with the Southern First Nations Network of Care authority, as revealed in emails reviewed by CBC. The agency declined to comment on the incident.
The grieving mother shared her anguish, stating that her children had been in care since October and the last time she saw them in February, she noticed signs of neglect which she reported to her CFS worker. Manitoba’s Families Minister, Nahanni Fontaine, expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss and announced an internal investigation by her department. The government remains dedicated to enhancing support for children and families in need.
Long Plain Chief David Meeches and Chief Murray Clearsky of Waywayseecappo First Nation issued a joint statement expressing their condolences and emphasizing the importance of a thorough and independent investigative process. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization offered condolences and refrained from further comments pending ongoing investigations.
The mother, who had completed a treatment program and parenting classes in hopes of regaining custody, shared her heartbreak over the loss of her daughter and the injuries sustained by her other children. She is determined to seek justice and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
