A mother is demanding accountability following the tragic death of her four-year-old daughter while in the care of Child and Family Services, and 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 by first responders in a distressed state with injuries on Sunday morning, as per an RCMP news release on Tuesday.
Despite efforts, the young girl was pronounced dead, while her one-year-old and two-year-old sisters were rushed to the hospital, with one in critical condition. The grieving mother shared that her deceased daughter was set to begin kindergarten in September and was to celebrate her fifth birthday later this month, describing her as a loving and joyful child who adored her younger siblings.
The mother, who remains unnamed by CBC to safeguard the identities of her children in CFS custody, expressed her anguish over the tragic incident. RCMP Major Crimes Services have taken charge of the investigation from First Nations police due to the severity of the case, with no charges filed as of now.
The children were under the care of Waywayseecapo CFS, a western Manitoba agency affiliated with the Southern First Nations Network of Care authority, according to disclosed emails. A representative from the agency declined to comment on the matter.
The mother, who has been visiting her children at the hospital, revealed that her kids had been under CFS care since October, noting concerns about their well-being during a previous visit in February when she observed physical signs of distress on one child but felt her worries were disregarded by CFS authorities.
Manitoba’s Families Minister, Nahanni Fontaine, expressed deep sorrow over the child’s demise and announced an internal inquiry within the department. Fontaine vowed to collaborate with relevant agencies to enhance support systems for families in need while awaiting the investigations’ outcomes.
Long Plain Chief David Meeches and Waywayseecappo First Nation Chief Murray Clearsky issued a joint statement extending condolences to the family and emphasized the importance of a thorough and impartial investigative process.
The grieving mother, who had undergone rehabilitation and parenting courses in hopes of regaining custody of her children, lamented the tragic turn of events and emphasized the need for accountability to prevent similar tragedies in the future. She emphasized the importance of transparency and action to safeguard vulnerable children under CFS care.