AMC Responds to Disturbing Case of Child Exploitation in Brandon
February 7, 2025
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
TRIGGER WARNING: This media release contains sensitive information about the assault of a child. Mental health counselling and crisis support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat.
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is deeply disturbed and outraged by the horrific news of child sexual exploitation and abuse at the hands of a foster parent in Brandon, Manitoba. Our thoughts and prayers are with the young victims and their families as they navigate this trauma.
The abuse of children in a setting meant to provide care and protection is a tragic betrayal of trust. This case underscores the systemic failures that continue to put vulnerable children—especially First Nations children—at risk of exploitation and harm. The ongoing colonial structures of child welfare have disproportionately impacted First Nations families, leading to overrepresentation in foster care and exposing them to changes that should never exist in a system meant to safeguard them.
“We must overhaul the current child welfare system to prioritize the safety, well-being, and cultural identity of First Nations children. This includes recognizing and implementing First Nations jurisdiction over child welfare to ensure our children are cared for within their Nations,” Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said.
Systemic changes in the child welfare system are long overdue. The provincial system must provide stronger oversight, screening, and accountability in foster placements to prevent future cases of abuse.
The ongoing transition of First Nations jurisdiction over child welfare is essential to ensuring that our children are cared for within their Nations, where they are safest and best supported.
“The safety and well-being of our children must always be the priority. We can no longer allow these preventable tragedies to continue within a system that does not serve or protect our families. First Nations must have full control over the care of our children so they can grow up in environments that honour their identity, culture, and inherent rights,” added Grand Chief Wilson.
We stand in solidarity with survivors and call on the province for immediate, transparent action.
A full independent inquiry is necessary to examine how this individual became a foster parent and operated a daycare and to hold those responsible for any oversight failures accountable. It is critical that all affected children receive immediate trauma-informed support and culturally appropriate care.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.