Two young brothers, aged one and two, tragically drowned in a First Nation community in the Island Lake area of eastern Manitoba, as confirmed by the RCMP.
Authorities were notified about the incident at the Garden Hill Anisininew Nation’s nursing station just before 2 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a news release issued by the RCMP on Thursday.
A family member discovered the toddlers in a nearby lake, after which they were promptly brought to the nursing station by First Nation safety officers.
Despite efforts to save them, the boys were pronounced dead at the nursing station.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the boys wandered away from their home and entered the lake. No foul play is suspected in the tragic event.
Alex McDougall, the grand chief of Anisininew Okimawin, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two young members from Garden Hill Anisininew Nation, mentioning the outpouring of support from the community and surrounding areas.
Anisininew Okimawin, which represents the four First Nations in the Island Lake region, including Garden Hill, shared condolences and reiterated the community’s unity during this challenging time.
McDougall mentioned that the family had taken precautions by erecting a fence to prevent direct access to the water, highlighting the community’s shock and disbelief over the tragic incident.
Located approximately 475 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg, Garden Hill has been left shaken by the heartbreaking loss.
Manitoba RCMP say a one-year-old boy and his two-year-old brother drowned in Garden Hill Anisininew Nation on Wednesday. Anisininew Okimawin Grand Chief Alex McDougall says the northern Manitoba First Nation is devastated by the tragedy.
According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Manitoba has witnessed at least five drowning incidents in 2026.
Sgt. Chris Hipolito of the Island Lake RCMP mentioned a previous drowning during the spring ice breakup on Island Lake, along with multiple near-drowning incidents.
Expressing empathy for the family and community affected by the recent tragedy, Hipolito assured that the RCMP would be providing necessary support to help them cope with the loss.
He added, “I feel for the family and the community. I hope … they can grieve in their own way and get through this challenging time.”
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