A mother in mourning demands accountability following the tragic death of her four-year-old daughter while under the care of Child and Family Services, with her two other children sustaining serious injuries requiring hospitalization in Winnipeg. The incident took place at a residence in Long Plain First Nation, prompting a response from Manitoba First Nations Police Service officers on Sunday morning, as per RCMP’s recent news release.
The deceased girl’s mother described her as a cherished angel who adored her younger siblings and had a passion for singing and dancing. The mother, whose identity is being protected by CBC, shared that the four-year-old was on the brink of starting kindergarten in September and celebrating her fifth birthday soon.
The investigation into the tragic event has been taken over by RCMP Major Crimes Services from the First Nations police due to the severity of the child’s death and the injuries sustained by her sisters. Presently, no charges have been filed in connection with the incident.
The children were under the guardianship of Waywayseecapo CFS, a Western Manitoba agency affiliated with Waywayseecapo First Nation, according to emails reviewed by CBC. A representative from the agency, operating under the Southern First Nations Network of Care authority, declined to comment on the matter.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine confirmed that an internal investigation is underway within her department, with the death reported to the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth for further examination. Fontaine expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and reiterated the government’s commitment 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 extending their condolences to the family and emphasized the importance of allowing the investigative process to proceed without interference.
The grieving mother, who had been diligently working towards regaining custody of her children before the tragedy, expressed her anguish over the situation and her determination to seek justice for her daughter. She emphasized the need for transparency and accountability to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.