A mother in mourning is demanding accountability following the tragic death of her four-year-old daughter while under the care of Child and Family Services. The incident occurred at a residence in Long Plain First Nation, prompting Manitoba First Nations Police Service to respond to the scene. The four-year-old was found injured and in distress, resulting in her death, while her two younger sisters, aged one and two, were hospitalized with severe injuries.
The mother described her daughter as a cherubic child who was looking forward to starting kindergarten in September and celebrating her fifth birthday soon. Expressing her devastation, the mother emphasized her daughter’s love for singing and dancing, as well as her affection for her siblings.
To protect the privacy of the surviving children under the care of Child and Family Services, the mother’s identity has not been disclosed. RCMP Major Crimes Services have taken over the investigation due to the circumstances of the incident, although no charges have been filed yet.
The children were under the supervision of Waywayseecapo CFS, a western Manitoba agency operating within the Southern First Nations Network of Care authority. The agency declined to comment on the tragedy at this time.
The mother, who has been visiting her children at a children’s hospital, expressed deep concern for her daughters’ well-being. She revealed that her children had been in care since October, with her last visit in February raising alarms due to their physical condition and signs of injury.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine stated that the department would conduct an internal investigation into the incident and had notified the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth for further inquiry. Fontaine expressed sorrow over the child’s death and assured a commitment to enhancing support services for families under care.
Long Plain Chief David Meeches and Chief Murray Clearsky of Waywayseecappo First Nation extended their condolences and emphasized the importance of a thorough and independent investigative process. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigations out of respect for the family’s privacy.
The mother shared her emotional journey, detailing her efforts to regain custody of her children through rehabilitation and parenting courses. Expressing frustration over the lack of action, she highlighted the tragic outcome and called for accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.
