A mother is seeking accountability following the tragic death of her four-year-old daughter while in the care of Child and Family Services. The incident occurred in Long Plain First Nation, prompting Manitoba First Nations Police Service to respond to the scene where the deceased child was found with injuries. The mother expressed her devastation, describing her daughter as a loving sibling who was looking forward to starting kindergarten and celebrating her fifth birthday.

The two other children, aged one and two, were hospitalized, with one in critical condition. The mother, who remains unnamed to protect her children’s identities, has been visiting her injured daughters at the hospital. The children were under the care of Waywayseecapo CFS, an agency based in Waywayseecapo First Nation, which is part of the Southern First Nations Network of Care authority.

RCMP Major Crimes Services have taken over the investigation due to the severity of the incident. No charges have been filed as of now. Manitoba’s Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine stated that an internal investigation will be conducted, and the case has been reported to the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth for further review.

Long Plain Chief David Meeches and Chief Murray Clearsky of Waywayseecappo First Nation expressed their condolences and emphasized the importance of allowing the investigative process to proceed independently. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization also extended their sympathies to the family, refraining from further comments until the investigations are completed.

The mother revealed that she had undergone treatment and parenting classes with the hope of regaining custody of her children. Her heartbreaking story aims to shed light on the need for improved child welfare services and prevention of similar tragedies in the future.